Update 5 April 2026
In this weeks Country Radio Chart, Getaway Car has broken another UK country music record and powered up the chart to No.2!
Original Article follows (from 2 April):
The Shires have never been strangers to breaking new ground for UK country music — but this week, they’ve carved out a milestone that even they didn’t see coming. Their latest single Getaway Car has officially become the first UK country track ever to reach the Top 10 on the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, landing at an impressive No.7 last week and rewriting the rulebook for homegrown artists in Nashville’s most competitive arena.
For a duo now twelve years into their journey, the moment still feels surreal.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” they tell us. “We genuinely had no idea that no UK Country act had ever had a Top 10 in the chart, so it’s really taken us by surprise. It’s still so nerve wracking releasing new music, even after all these years, but seeing it so high in the chart is like a massive stamp of approval. People still like us!”
A New Era Begins With a New “First”
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The Shires are gearing up to release their sixth studio album Bonfire on July 3, a record they describe as creatively rejuvenating — almost like circling back to the spark that ignited their partnership in the first place.
“It’s funny, you stop getting a lot of ‘firsts’ when you’ve been going for 12 years,” Ben and Crissie reflect. “Kicking off this new chapter with a new ‘first’ is really exciting. We can’t really explain why, but in so many ways it feels like the first album again, especially in our energy. Starting out with this chart news is just the best feeling.”
That renewed spark was shaped by an extensive run of acoustic shows across 2024 and 2025. Around 80 dates with just the two of them on stage brought them back to the raw, instinctive beginnings of their partnership.
“It really took us back to those early days, when we were so naive and didn’t think so much,” they say. “We’ve really taken that energy into Bonfire and think you can really hear it in the songs. There’s a freedom and an excitement to this record.”
Hyde Park Awaits — With Garth Brooks Watching
As if a historic chart moment and a new album weren’t enough, The Shires are also set for one of the biggest live moments of their career: joining Garth Brooks at BST Hyde Park this summer.
“We honestly can’t wait,” they say. “We’ve been lucky to play Hyde Park a few times, but to support Garth Brooks in the summer time in front of that many people is going to be a memory we’ll never forget. We hope to have a few tricks up our sleeve for that show too, some really fun ideas.”
For a duo who have already achieved multiple Top 10 albums, sold‑out UK tours, and the distinction of being the first UK act to sign to a major Nashville label, this next chapter feels like both a continuation and a rebirth.
Lighting the Fuse on Bonfire
With Getaway Car blazing a trail on US country radio and Bonfire just months away, The Shires are stepping into 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose — and a reminder that UK country still has new heights to reach.
“We just can’t wait for it to be out in the world,” they say. And with momentum like this, neither can we.
Bonfire: The Story Behind The Shires’ Most Instinctive Album Yet
Release date: July 3 Tour: Full band UK tour in November
What to expect from the new album: Bonfire is The Shires’ sixth studio album and one of their most instinctive projects to date. Written and recorded in the wake of two years of intimate acoustic touring, the record captures the spontaneity, warmth and togetherness that defined those shows. Much of the album was created in Ben Earle’s garden studio, with vocals and ideas captured wherever inspiration struck, from hotel cupboards to Crissie Rhodes’ childhood home.
Key tracks and inspirations (as told to Lisa Verrico):
- Getaway Car sets the tone with its sun-seeking escapism and harmony-driven chorus.
- Bonfire Song channels festival sunsets and carefree dancing.
- Magnetised blends country with soft rock and a piano riff that arrived in a burst of inspiration.
- House of Cards delivers one of the duo’s most emotional ballads.
- Watching You Watching Me brings sass, salsa touches and a playful live energy.
- Hypocrite showcases the duo’s jokier side.
Why this album matters: Bonfire marks The Shires’ first album since 10 Year Plan, which became their fifth Top 10 record. It arrives after a rare break prompted by Crissie becoming a mum, a pause that gave the duo space to reflect on a decade of achievements including:
- the first ever Top 10 UK country album (Brave)
- the fastest-selling UK country album of all time (My Universe)
- a CMA Award
- sold-out headline shows and major support slots with Carrie Underwood and The Corrs
The November Tour: The Shires return to the road with a full band this November, bringing the spirit of Bonfire to stages across the UK. Expect big harmonies, new songs built for singalongs and the duo’s trademark warmth. As Ben puts it, “We’re parents acting like kids again, out to have fun and see where it takes us.”
