Arctic Monkeys Return With Charity Single for War Child

The track will debut as part of a War Child Records benefit project supporting children affected by conflict worldwide.

Arctic Monkeys are set to end a four-year hiatus with a new single to be released on Thursday, January 22, 2026, marking their first new music since 2022’s The Car.

The announcement was confirmed via War Child Records’ Instagram, which teased a short cinematic video and revealed a 3:00 p.m. GMT release time. The song will contribute to War Child’s mission to protect, educate, and provide mental health support for children living in war zones.

The Sheffield indie alt-rock band last released music with The Car and concluded their world tour in October 2023 following a headline set at Glastonbury. Since then, signs of activity- including the removal of The Car artwork from their website and the launch of BANG BANG RECORDINGS LLP -have fuelled comeback speculation.

The Arctic Monkeys are currently the only confirmed artists on the War Child project, though War Child Records follows several high-profile acts, including Damon Albarn, Depeche Mode, Fontaines D.C., and Young Fathers, suggesting a larger charity album in the works. The release is being compared to the landmark 1995 Help album, which raised over £1.25 million for the charity.

War Child highlighted the growing urgency behind the campaign: nearly 19% of the world’s children: around 520 million, are now affected by conflict, nearly double the figure from 30 years ago.

Produced with longtime collaborator James Ford, the new track represents both a musical return and a statement of purpose. As War Child put it, “No child should be part of war. Ever.”

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