Tailgunner, who have just released the new single, “the most epic” Eulogy, are currently on their way to Pratteln, Switzerland, for their first European show with Hammerfall in what will be a breakthrough year for the band.
Apart from a few select dates, this first leg of the Midnight Blitz tour will not have Rhea Thompson playing live with the band, as she recovers from “some important and necessary care with her physical health.”
“The plan was for her to be ready to hit the road this January,” Tailgunner said, “but her recovery is taking a little longer than expected. As a result, she is sadly not able to travel for a tour with the band before the end of February.
“Rhea and the rest of the band want to assure our fans that she is recovering well and will be present for the rest of the announced Midnight Blitz tour, as well as many, many more dates yet to be shared with you – and thank you all for your understanding whilst we have to act with patience here.”
Tailgunner hit the road in the UK in February, supporting Fozzy, and the band says the plan is for her to “play guitar on select UK dates where we can best help her to make this happen, and we’ll monitor this situation accordingly.”
Tailgunner have announced Jara Solís (𝙃unger) will cover Rhea’s live guitar duties until the end of February. “We have been blown away by her explosive guitar playing and dedication,” the band said, “and we are excited to be able to introduce such an incredible talent to the world.”
Solís says she is excited to be joining the band for the first leg of the Midnight Blitz tour through the end of February. “I’ll make sure to honour Rhea’s role while she recovers,” Jara says. “Can’t wait to hit the road and see everyone across the UK & Europe.”
“Hi guys, thanks a million for all the love and patience while I get myself back on the mend,” Rhea Thompson said. “While I can’t endure full touring with the band at this moment, I can still play and will be appearing on a number of UK dates coming up. Jara is absolutely ripping on guitar while I’m sidelined, so please give her the loudest welcome and show her some serious love. Miss you all — see you VERY soon.”
Tailgunner will release Midnight Blitz on 6 February 2026 via Napalm Records, and Rhea has promised to attend some yet-to-be-announced in-store signing & Q&A sessions in the week following the album release.
Hot on the heels of the singles Midnight Blitz and the Blade Runner-inspired Tears In Rain, Eulogy is the band’s most epic release of their career so far. “Inspired in particular by our heroes in Helloween and Blind Guardian, it’s Tailgunner at full throttle, telling an epic journey into the afterlife. We needed a video that could match the scope of this quest, so once again, we sought the help of Andy Pilkington at Very Metal Art.
“Andy first came to our attention with his work on Judas Priest’s Painkiller, and of course killed it with our last single Tears in Rain too. Prepare to battle demons, to ride over fire and ice, and to face the ultimate fate. This is Eulogy.”
Guns For Hire was the debut that propelled the band into the consciousness of thousands. “It’s one of those things where I started writing that record in 2018 before there was even a band,” bassist Thomas Hewson told MetalTalk last year.
“I always say that was me learning how to write songs,” Thomas said. “Seeing it do what it’s done, when really it was an exercise to teach myself how to become a songwriter, and for people to take to it so positively is… I don’t want to say it was shocking because we believed in the record, of course. But it’s very, very nice to see and to be honest, it just creates a lot of excitement for us and a lot of confidence going into the next record.”
The new songs from Midnight Blitz have been tested on the road to a great reception, and now, with support from K.K. Downing and Napalm Records, 2026 looks to be their year.
Tailgunner release Midnight Blitz on 6 February 2026 via Napalm Records. The album can be pre-ordered at napalmrecords.com/tailgunner.
Tailgunner Summer Festivals 2026
05.06.26 IS – Stykkishólmur / Sátan Festival
06.06.26 SE – Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock Festival
13.06.26 UK – Donington Park / Download Festival
26.06.26 CZ – Spálené Poříčí / Basinfire Fest
27.06.26 DE – Dischingen / Rock Am Härtsfeldsee
04.07.26 DE – Ballenstedt / Rock Harz
07.07.26 NO – Trondheim / Trondheim Rocks Festival
18.07.26 UK – Maidstone / Maid of Stone Festival
06.08.26 ES – Villena / Leyendas Del Rock
08.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz
09.08.26 DE – Geiselwind / Keep It True Legions Festival
15.08.26 NL – Eindhoven / Dynamo Metal Fest
21.08.26 DE – Pellingen / Hells Pells Festival
05.09.26 UK – Coventry / Hella Rock Festival (Coventry Empire)
