Montreux Jazz Festival has unveiled a jaw-dropping lineup for its landmark 60th edition, with RAYE, Zara Larsson, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Lewis Capaldi, The Roots and Deep Purple among the artists booked to perform.
The packed two-week programme will launch with RAYE’s third consecutive performance in three years, following the release of her second album, This Music May Contain Hope. Her concert will feature a lineup of guests curated by the British pop star herself and a one-off stage set-up.
American jazz musician and composer Charles Lloyd, who opened the very first edition of Montreux in 1967, will return to the festival, along with rock legends Deep Purple, whose most famous song “Smoke on the Water” was inspired by the 1971 fire at Montreux Casino.
Further acts on the lineup demonstrate how Montreux Jazz Festival continues to curate a diverse programme spanning all genres, from rock, pop and jazz to rap and R&B. This includes pop crooner John Legend, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, former Police frontman and solo artist Sting, electronic music pioneer PinkPantheress, South African star Tyla, Van Morrison and James Taylor.
The Independent also continues its partnership as the exclusive global news partner of MJF for the fourth year running, and will help the festival mark a milestone moment for its 60th edition.
Readers will be able to enjoy an expanded programme of editorial coverage across the festival, from news exclusives to artist interviews, on-site reporting and post-festival analysis.
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Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent, said: “Montreux Jazz Festival remains one of the most iconic stages in the world, drawing extraordinary artists and unforgettable performances year after year. The Independent is delighted to continue our partnership with such a prestigious festival, and we look forward to coming together once again in 2026 to celebrate truly exceptional moments in music.”
The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, added: “I’m delighted that The Independent is continuing our partnership with Montreux Jazz Festival. The team at Montreux raise the bar each year for what a music festival can achieve, and this year, the festival’s triumphant 60th edition, is no different. I can’t wait to return to help celebrate such a fantastic and unique event, in such beautiful surroundings.”
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Kevin Donnet, Chief Communication Officer of Montreux Jazz Festival, says: “We’re proud to hit our 60th edition alongside such a great partner like The Independent. Our collaboration grows stronger each year, notably through The Independent’s takeover of the Spotlight Stage to support rising artists. Their dedication to promoting both the festival and the Montreux area helps us bring our culture and high-quality storytelling to the world.”
The Montreux Jazz Festival / Auditorium Stravinski lineup is as follows:
3 July – RAYE & SPECIAL GUESTS
4 July – MARO / STING
5 July – ALDOUS HARDING / NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS
6 July – HEMLOCKE SPRINGS/ PINKPANTHERESS
7 July – GUITARRICADELAFUENTE / CONAN GRAY
8 July – SASHA KEABLE / TYLA
9 July – JOY CROOKES / JOHN LEGEND
10 July – YEBBA / GIVĒON
11 July – THE ISLEY BROTHERS / THE ROOTS
12 July – FAOUZIA / ZARA LARSSON
13 July – RIVAL SONS / DEEP PURPLE
14 July – SOFIA CAMARA / LEWIS CAPALDI
15 July – NOGA EREZ / MOBY
16 July – FRESH MULA / JOVANOTTI
17 July – LOYLE CARNER / VULFPECK
18 July – VAN MORRISON / JAMES TAYLOR
The Montreux Jazz Festival / Montreux Jazz Lab lineup is as follows:
3 July – SEKOU / EDDY DE PRETTO x MAUD LE PLADEC (LONELY CLUB)
4 July – DOVE ELLIS / ANGUS & JULIA STONE
5 July – DANNY L HARLE / ASCENDANT VIERGE / ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U
6 July – KWN / SIENNA SPIRO
7 July – LINIKER / NAÏKA
8 July – NECTAR WOODE / DERMOT KENNEDY
9 July – BEN BÖHMER LIVE / ADRIATIQUE
10 July – SELAH SUE AND THE GALLANDS / AGNES OBEL
11 July – PALE JAY / DABEULL LIVE BAND
12 July – R2 / MAKALA / RNBOI / BEKAR
13 July – ERIN LECOUNT / PARIS PALOMA / ILIONA
14 July – DON WEST / CHARLOTTE CARDIN
15 July – DANNY OCEAN / YOUNG MIKO
16 July – BILLY COBHAM’ TIME MACHINE / MARCUS MILLER (We Want Miles!)
17 July – CHARLES LLOYD / GREGORY PORTER
18 July – MIND ENTERPRISES / CERRONE DISCO SYMPHONIC
Montreux Jazz Festival takes place between 3 – 18 July 2026. Tickets go on sale on 1 April.
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