Patrick Wolf has returned with a new single titled The Beast ahead of an extensive 2026 North American tour and the upcoming premiere of a new documentary film about his life and career.
Described by Wolf as a “harpsichord banger”, the track blends electronic production with classical instrumentation and channels the experimental sound of his 2003 debut album Lycanthropy.
The new release also serves as an anthem of empowerment aimed at marginalised communities and outsiders, themes that have long shaped Wolf’s songwriting and visual identity.
Patrick Wolf combines classical instruments with electronic production
On “The Beast”, Wolf performs a wide range of instruments including harpsichord, dulcitone, pianotron, five-string viola and upright piano.
The arrangement is layered with electronic programming designed to echo the raw electronic textures of his early work while introducing a more expansive modern production style.
US tour begins in Washington DC this June
Wolf’s upcoming “Tour Of The Beast” begins on 5 June 2026 at DC9 and runs across 12 dates in the United States throughout June.
The tour will visit cities including Raleigh, Nashville, Miami, New Orleans, Austin and Phoenix before concluding on 30 June at Lodge Room.
To coincide with the opening date, Wolf will also release a B-side track titled The Laughing Dove.
Discussing the tour, Wolf said the performances were heavily influenced by the connection he built with North American audiences during his 2025 live shows.
“The upcoming setlists were heavily inspired by the deep connection and shared stories of survival I experienced with North American audiences during my 2025 live dates.”
Patrick Wolf documentary to premiere at Sheffield Docfest
Next month will also see the premiere of Wolf at Sheffield DocFest.
The feature-length documentary is executive produced and narrated by Tilda Swinton, a long-time friend and collaborator of the musician.
The film combines archive footage, interviews and custom animation to explore Wolf’s rise from teenage experimental artist to international cult figure, alongside his personal struggles and later creative resurgence.
Margate Pride performance announced for August
Later this summer, Wolf will return to the UK to co-curate the “Invert Folk Club” with Sophie Crawford as part of Margate Pride on 8 August.
The event will take place inside the old Margate Synagogue in an intimate in-the-round acoustic setting.
The performance will feature traditional folk music alongside original material from Wolf, Crawford and queer free-folk group Selkies Kiss.
Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, 29 May.
