Northern Irish indie rock band Ash is making headlines this week with the release of their highly anticipated ninth studio album, 'Ad Astra', out today, October 3, 2025. Ash, comprised of Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton, and Rick McMurray, has long been a staple of the UK and international indie and alternative scenes. Their latest project marks a significant milestone in the band’s storied career, coming nearly three years after their previous work and generating widespread excitement among fans and critics alike.

Ash began teasing 'Ad Astra' to their followers as early as July, using their social media platforms to share a carousel of illustrated photos showcasing the album in various formats, along with exclusive merch options. The band's message to fans was clear: Our new album ‘Ad Astra’ is landing on the 3rd of October. We can’t wait for you to hear it.

This announcement, coupled with the special guest appearance by Graham Coxon (of Blur fame), has fueled anticipation for the record. The release of 'Ad Astra' is not merely a digital drop; Ash has organized a series of album launch events and listening parties across the UK and Europe. On release day, Ash will be performing a special show at The Garage in London, one of the city’s iconic indie venues, with tickets available via the official Garage website.

Following this, the band is set to embark on a short tour that includes stops in Manchester (Academy 2, October 6) and Glasgow (SWG3, October 8). These shows promise to showcase both the new material and classic Ash tracks, celebrating their ongoing influence in the indie and alternative rock genres. The band's choice to work with Graham Coxon on several tracks has also drawn attention from the broader alternative community.

Coxon, known for his innovative guitar work, lends a new layer of sound to Ash’s established style, resulting in a record that feels both familiar and fresh. Early reviews from indie music publications such as NME and Stereogum praise Ash for maintaining their energetic, melodic approach while exploring new sonic territory. The vinyl edition of 'Ad Astra', especially the limited 'Galactic Swirl' release, has already sold out in pre-orders, indicating strong demand among collectors and fans.

Ash has been active in promoting the album through interviews and appearances on UK radio stations, highlighting the themes of exploration and resilience that run through 'Ad Astra'. The album features tracks that range from anthemic rock to introspective ballads, all tied together by the band's signature sound. For those unable to attend the live shows, Ash has announced that a livestream event will be held on October 10, accessible worldwide through their official website.

As part of their commitment to connecting with fans, Ash is also partnering with several festivals for pop-up performances and signings in the coming weeks. While festival season in Europe is winding down, Ash will make appearances at select events, including the All Points East Festival in London (October 12) and Dour Festival in Belgium (October 15), with more dates expected to be announced soon. With 'Ad Astra', Ash reaffirms their place in the indie and alternative rock pantheon.

The band’s willingness to innovate while staying true to their roots is evident throughout the album, and their busy schedule of live events ensures that fans across Europe can join in the celebration. For ticketing information, fans are directed to the official venue websites (The Garage, Manchester Academy 2, SWG3), and for exclusive album merch, Ash’s online store remains the primary destination. This week’s release of 'Ad Astra' by Ash stands out as one of the most exciting events in the indie/alternative music world, solidifying the band's enduring appeal and creative vitality.