THE XX are heading back to Portugal, with the acclaimed British indie-pop trio confirmed for NOS Alive 2027. The band will perform on the NOS Stage on Friday 9 July, joining the growing line-up for the festival’s 19th edition, which takes place at the Algés waterfront near Lisbon from 8 to 10 July.
Known for their atmospheric sound, intimate vocals and minimalist guitar arrangements, THE XX have carved out a distinctive place in modern British music. Their return to NOS Alive comes almost a decade after their previous appearance at the festival, giving fans another opportunity to experience the songs that helped make them one of the defining acts of their generation.
The group comprises ROMY MADLEY CROFT, OLIVER SIM and JAMIE SMITH, better known as Jamie xx. Their self-titled debut album, xx, arrived in 2009 and quickly established their understated but instantly recognisable sound. The record reached number three on the UK Albums Chart and went on to win the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2010.
They followed it with Coexist in 2012, which topped the UK Albums Chart, before returning in 2017 with I See You.
The latter marked an evolution in their sound, bringing more expansive production and dance influences while retaining the emotional intimacy that had always set them apart.
Together, the three albums have sold more than four million copies worldwide, while songs such as INTRO, CRYSTALISED and ON HOLD have become defining moments in the band’s catalogue.
SOLO ADVENTURES AND A NEW CHAPTER
Following the release of I See You, the three members explored individual projects, each developing a distinctive musical identity beyond the group.
Jamie xx found further success with his solo electronic work, including the album In Waves. Romy released her solo debut, Mid Air, while Oliver Sim explored darker, more personal territory with Hideous Bastard. Their individual projects demonstrated the breadth of their musical interests, but anticipation for their return as a trio has remained high.
In 2025, THE XX announced that they were back working together on their fourth studio album. Their NOS Alive appearance arrives as the band continues this new chapter, raising the prospect of a set that draws on their much-loved back catalogue while looking towards what comes next.
ANOTHER MAJOR NAME FOR NOS ALIVE
THE XX join an increasingly varied programme for NOS Alive 2027. Other confirmed names include THE STROKES, JUNGLE, FAITH NO MORE, BEIRUT, TAME IMPALA, THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, SOMBR and MYLES SMITH, with further announcements expected.
Taking place across three days beside the Tagus estuary, NOS Alive has become one of Portugal’s major summer music events, attracting international audiences to the Lisbon area each July.
With THE XX set for Friday 9 July, the festival adds another major name to a developing bill that brings together indie favourites, alternative rock and contemporary artists. For fans who have followed the trio since their early releases, their return to Lisbon promises a welcome chance to reconnect with one of British indie-pop’s most distinctive sounds.
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