THERAPY? Frontman Andy Cairns Recovers From Double Knee Replacement, Eyes New Album Recording in May

Northern Irish rock band THERAPY? is set to return to the studio next month, marking a significant milestone for frontman Andy Cairns following a grueling year of medical procedures and rehabilitation. The band, known for hits like “Nowhere” and “Screamager,” is gearing up to record its first album since 2023’s Hard Cold Fire, with Cairns confirming the sessions will begin in May 2026.

In a recent interview with TotalRock, Cairns opened up about the physical challenges that sidelined the band’s creative process, revealing he underwent not one but two full knee replacements over the past 15 months. The procedures, spaced six months apart, forced THERAPY? to pause touring and recording, but the frontman now says he’s ready to dive back into the studio—albeit with a new appreciation for mobility.

A Year of Recovery: Cairns’ Journey Back to the Stage

Cairns, who turned 60 in 2025, described the knee issues as a long-standing battle. “I was living with them really badly for two and a half years,” he told TotalRock’s Neil Jones. “It was agony, and I was on all kinds of painkillers just to get on stage. I had to sit in the dressing room with my leg up, not moving. It was no fun.”

The decision to undergo surgery wasn’t taken lightly. Cairns consulted with his bandmates—bassist Michael McKeegan and drummer Neil Cooper—as well as the band’s management and record label before committing to the procedures. “I said to them, ‘I need to get this sorted. And it’s going to indicate at least a year out of THERAPY? stuff,’” he recalled. The band supported his decision, and Cairns underwent his first knee replacement in February 2025, followed by the second in November of the same year.

Rehabilitation was a slow process. Each surgery required 12 weeks of recovery, during which Cairns had to relearn how to walk. “It’s all metal and steel in there now,” he joked, though the reality was far from humorous. The physical toll of performing with chronic pain had become unsustainable, and the surgeries were a necessary step to preserve his career.

From Pain to Progress: The Road to a New Album

Despite the setbacks, THERAPY? never stopped writing. The band had already begun work on new material before Cairns’ surgeries, but the frontman admitted that crafting lyrics during recovery was demanding. “I think most can relate to that time when you’re 16, 17, and life’s shit and you’re trying to figure out where you are in the world,” he reflected. “It’s hard to write when you’re in that headspace.”

Now, with his rehab complete, Cairns says the band is back in rehearsals, fine-tuning the new album’s tracks. The recording sessions are slated to begin in May, with plans to wrap up production over the summer. Yet, the timeline for the album’s release remains fluid. Cairns hinted that THERAPY? might opt for a staggered rollout, releasing singles and touring them before dropping the full record—potentially in late 2026 or early 2027.

“We’re not rushing it,” Cairns said. “The last thing I want is to put out something that doesn’t feel right. We’ve got a lot of great material, and we want to make sure it’s the best it can be.”

Touring Plans and Festival Appearances

THERAPY? isn’t just focusing on the studio. The band has a busy live schedule ahead, including a run of festival dates this summer. One of the highlights is a co-headlining appearance with Dropkick Murphys in Italy, part of a broader European tour that will see the band return to stages after a prolonged hiatus.

For Cairns, the return to live performances is a chance to reconnect with fans—and to prove that his new knees can handle the rigors of touring. “I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit nervous,” he admitted. “But I’m also excited. There’s nothing like playing live, and I’ve missed it.”

Legacy and Looking Ahead

THERAPY? has been a staple of the alternative rock scene since the early 1990s, with their 1993 album Troublegum standing as a landmark release. The record, which includes fan favorites like “Nowhere” and “Screamager,” has sold over a million copies worldwide and remains a touchstone for the genre.

Cairns reflected on the album’s enduring appeal in the interview. “We’re very lucky to have an album like that in our canon,” he said. “It’s full of signature songs, and it all happened out of the blue. You can’t plan for that kind of success.”

As the band prepares to record its next chapter, Cairns is optimistic about the future. “I feel like I’ve got a second chance here,” he said. “I’m healthier, I’m stronger, and I’m ready to make some noise again.”

Key Takeaways

• Recording Sessions: THERAPY? will begin recording its new album in May 2026, following a year-long hiatus due to frontman Andy Cairns’ double knee replacement surgeries.
• Recovery Timeline: Cairns underwent his first knee replacement in February 2025 and the second in November 2025, with each procedure requiring 12 weeks of rehabilitation.
• Album Release: The band may release singles and tour them before dropping the full album, with a potential release date in late 2026 or early 2027.
• Touring Plans: THERAPY? will perform at festivals this summer, including a co-headlining show with Dropkick Murphys in Italy.
• Legacy: The band’s 1993 album Troublegum has sold over a million copies worldwide and remains a defining record in alternative rock.

FAQ

Why did Andy Cairns need knee replacements?

Cairns suffered from chronic knee pain for over two years, which he described as “agony.” Despite being relatively young for knee replacements (he turned 60 in 2025), the damage was severe enough to require surgical intervention. The procedures were necessary to allow him to continue performing and recording with THERAPY?.

How long was THERAPY? inactive due to Cairns’ surgeries?

The band took a year-long hiatus from recording and touring to accommodate Cairns’ recovery. His first surgery was in February 2025, and his second was in November 2025. He completed his final rehab sessions in early 2026.

What is the status of THERAPY?’s new album?

The band is currently in rehearsals and plans to begin recording in May 2026. The album’s release date is not yet confirmed, but Cairns suggested it could arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. The band may release singles ahead of the full album.

Will THERAPY? tour in 2026?

Yes. The band has festival appearances scheduled for summer 2026, including a co-headlining show with Dropkick Murphys in Italy. More tour dates are expected to be announced as the album’s release approaches.

What is THERAPY?’s most successful album?

The band’s most successful album is Troublegum, released in 1993. The record has sold over a million copies worldwide and features hits like “Nowhere” and “Screamager.”