Sir Paul McCartney has received his first ever Mercury Prize nomination at the age of 84, for his album The Boys of Dungeon Lane. He faces strong competition from artists including Olivia Dean and Raye.
Nominees and Albums
The nominated albums this year include Dean’s The Art Of Loving, which won Album of the Year at the Brit Awards, and Sir Paul’s latest work. The Beatles star’s album became his 24th number one and recounts memories from his formative years. The 14-track record was named after a place close to his childhood home in Forthlin Road in the Liverpool suburb of Speke. Released at the end of May, it was Sir Paul’s first album in five years and reached number one on the UK album charts.
Other shortlisted albums are Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope, Dave’s The Boy Who Played The Harp, Florence And The Machine’s Everybody Scream, Dove Ellis’s Blizzard, and Knats’ A Great Day In Newcastle. The list is completed by Kojey Radical’s Don’t Look Down, former Little Mix star Jade with That’s Showbiz Baby!, Nia Archives for Emotional Junglist, Suede with Antidepressants, and War Child Records with HELP(2).
Selection and Ceremony
Albums are nominated based on musical merit, irrespective of commercial success. The event will feature live performances from many of the nominated artists before the winner is announced. The Mercury Prize ceremony will be held on Thursday October 22 at the Utilita Arena Newcastle. The event was also held in Newcastle in 2025, its first year outside London.
Sam Fender won last year’s prize for his album People Watching. Other recent winners include English Teacher, Little Simz, Arlo Parks, and Wolf Alice. Along with a trophy, the winner receives £25,000.
