Arctic Monkeys are kicking off their world tour Thursday (Sept. 6) in Manchester, and they are giving their U.K. fans a special treat.

In London and Sheffield, a photo exhibition will display never-before-seen photos taken by Zackery Michael during the making of Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino. Limited edition signed and unframed prints of the photos can be purchased, and the actual framed prints in the exhibition will be signed by the Arctic Monkeys and auctioned to raise money for Centrepoint, a charity that aims to support homeless youth.

You will also be able to see a model of the titular resort, art posters from each of the live shows held already this year, and an exclusive short video filmed during the making of the album by Arctic Monkeys’ videographer, Ben Chappell.

In a press release, Michael said: “They are more than the Arctic Monkeys to me. These four gentlemen from Yorkshire are my friends. The images exhibited are a very honest portrayal of that friendship.”




Fans can see the photos for free in London Sept. 9-13 at 67 Great Titchfield Street. Reservation is required in advance. Tickets are available here, with a maximum of two tickets per person. The Sheffield exhibition will take place Sept. 17-23 at KIAC Art Studios in Neepsend. Entry is again free, with information found on the band’s official website.

If the photos released in the Special Edition Photo Diary alongside their surprise show at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this year is anything to go by, fans will be in for an absolute treat with a truly intimate look into this ever-shifting band and this truly divisive yet ambitious album.

Meanwhile, Arctic Monkeys’ odds of headlining Glastonbury have been slashed by bookmakers. The band had previously been given odds of 9/2, which then went down to 11/4 last week (August 31).

No names for the festival have been confirmed at present. Festival organiser Emily Eavis has hinted at some of the acts booked for the 2019 event, saying the legend’s slot will be filled by a “non-British female” and that Paul McCartney is “top of their list” to headline.

To keep up to the date with band’s planned world tour and unplanned surprises, follow them on Twitter @arcticmonkeys.

Raza Khan