She’s regarded as one of the most revered voices in American music - and she’s chosen Sunderland as one of the dates on her final ever tour.

In what Fire Station are already calling their ‘gig of the year’ for 2026, the team is bringing 14-time Grammy winner and Billboard Century Award recipient Emmylou Harris to the city.

To meet demand, the gig, though organised by Fire Station, will take place over the road at Sunderland Empire on Monday, May 18, 2026.

It’s the singer’s first visit to the region in a decade and will be her final ever performance in the North East. It will also be The Fire Station’s largest ever show in Sunderland.

A career spanning 40 years across folk, country, and Americana, Harris is one of the most influential women in music and is known as much for her eloquently straightforward songwriting as for her incomparably expressive singing.

Admired through her career for her talent as an artist and song connoisseur, her shook up country radio in the 1970s, established herself as the premiere songwriter of a generation selling more than 15 million records and garnering 14 Grammy Awards, three CMA Awards, and four Americana Awards.

In recognition of her remarkable career, Harris was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2018.

She has recorded more than 25 albums and lent her talents to countless fellow artists’ recordings.

Tamsin Austin, Venue Director at The Fire Station, said: “Welcoming Emmylou Harris to Sunderland Empire is an immense privilege and a momentous occasion for our music city.

“A legendary icon of country and Americana music who led the charge alongside such colossal collaborators as Gram Parsons, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, Emmylou has paved the way and influenced generations of musicians in a country music scene that is stronger than ever.

“As a venue we’re excited to be spreading our wings and bringing even more high-profile artists and shows to Sunderland, and we’re proud to be partnering with one of our city’s most prestigious and hallowed venues.

“This will be a landmark moment to welcome a global country music star to the Sunderland Empire and the final opportunity to experience a legend live in concert.”

Marie Nixon, Theatre Director at Sunderland Empire said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working together with our friends and neighbours at The Fire Station to bring what will undoubtedly be the gig of the year to Sunderland.

“Sunderland Empire has a rich heritage of hosting the world’s finest artists at the height of their powers – from The Beatles to Kate Bush, through to Free, Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison and even local legend Dave Stewart.

“It’s a genuine honour to welcome the legendary Emmylou Harris here for her farewell tour.”

Harris will be joined at Sunderland Empire by special guest Jim Lauderdale, himself a Grammy winner and Americana icon, who has written songs for the likes of Elvis Costello and The Chicks.

How to get tickets

Tickets for the Emmylou Harris Farewell Tour at Sunderland Empire go on general sale on Friday at 10am via thefirestation.org.uk and atgtickets.com.

Presale starts on Thursday at 10am for The Fire Station members, followed by venue presales via Sunderland Empire and The Fire Station.