You May Offend is the thirteenth studio album by the Scottish folk rock duo the Proclaimers, released on 11 September 2026 via Cooking Vinyl.
Background and release The album is the duo's fourth album with record producer Dave Eringa, and was written in Edinburgh with recording done at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, in almost three weeks. When discussing the title of the album, Charlie Reid explained that it can have multiple meanings, such as "'Look, careful what you do, you may offend someone.' Or: 'OK children, you may now offend.' Is it an instruction or an invitation? Or a warning?". The album will feature the duo backed by their current live band; Steven Christie on keyboards, Garry John Kane on bass, Zac Ware on guitars and Clive Jenner on drums, alongside James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers. Two singles have been released from the album, each with their own accompanying music video, both of which directed by Scottish director Douglas Mackinnon. The first single was the title track, the music video of which explores the concept of fear, a lack of free speech, surveillance and tolerance through "listening machines, silent operators and dangerous thoughts." according to XS Noise. Producer Mackinnon said of the video: "Across beaches, rooftops, city and country landscapes, listening machines hear everything in the world. Silent operators search for dangerous thoughts, listening for offensive statements and language. A surreal video about fear, surveillance, free speech and tolerance." A second single, "But It Is" was released on 19 August 2026, with a music video reflecting the world of which John Lennon envisioned in his song "Imagine", as well as the world as it is now. On 25 August 2026, the duo were interviewed by XS Noise to discuss a bunch of different things, including the making of You May Offend, some of the political frustration on "But It Is", "the Grooming", and "There's No Plan", why the two believe their partnership still works, and what they think will happen after many of their hits enter the public domain.
Track listing
Personnel Credits are adapted from Tidal. The Proclaimers Charlie Reid – vocals, acoustic guitar Craig Reid – vocals
Additional contributors Dave Eringa – production, engineering, mixing Tim Lewis – engineering Ed Woods – mastering Clive Jenner – drums, percussion Andrew Walters – arrangements Garry John Kane – bass guitar Nathan Stone – cello Zac Ware – guitar Steven Christie – keyboards Niamh Aston – viola Rebekah Alan – violin Tanwen Evans – violin Sean Genockey – guitar (tracks 1–3, 5–12) James Dean Bradfield – guitar (1, 2, 4)
Charts + Chart performance for You May Offend Chart (2026) Peakposition
References