Sir Paul McCartney has received his first-ever Mercury Prize nomination, with his latest solo album The Boys of Dungeon Lane making the 2026 Mercury Prize Albums of the Year shortlist. The nominees were announced on BBC Radio 6 Music on Thursday (30 July), ahead of the awards ceremony in Newcastle this October.
The 84-year-old Beatles icon has never previously been nominated for the prestigious award, making this one of the standout moments of this year’s shortlist.
Paul McCartney lands landmark Mercury Prize nomination
McCartney’s The Boys of Dungeon Lane is one of 12 albums selected for the 2026 Mercury Prize, joining releases from established names and emerging British artists.
The shortlist was revealed by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Jamz Supernova and features a broad mix of genres, reflecting the award’s tradition of recognising artistic achievement across UK and Irish music.
McCartney is nominated alongside Dave, Florence + The Machine, RAYE, Olivia Dean, Nia Archives, Suede and several first-time nominees.
2026 Mercury Prize shortlist
The full list of nominated albums is:
- Dave, The Boy Who Played the Harp
- Dove Ellis, Blizzard
- Florence + The Machine, Everybody Scream
- JADE, THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!
- Knats, A Great Day In Newcastle
- Kojey Radical, Don’t Look Down
- Nia Archives, Emotional Junglist
- Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
- Paul McCartney, The Boys of Dungeon Lane
- RAYE, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.
- Suede, Antidepressants
- War Child Records, HELP(2)
Mercury Prize 2026 ceremony date and tickets
The 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony will take place on 22 October at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, following the success of last year’s event at the same venue.
Many of the shortlisted artists are expected to perform live before the overall winner is announced during the ceremony.
Tickets for the event are available through AXS, while BBC Music will provide coverage across its television, radio and digital platforms.
