The Boys of Dungeon Lane Shortlisted For The 2026 Mercury Prize

Paul's internationally acclaimed new album The Boys of Dungeon Lane has today been named as one of the 12 albums of the year shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize. 

Although Paul’s performance with the Smokin’ Mojo Filters as part of the HELP album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 1996, today’s news marks an incredible career-first. The Boys of Dungeon Lane is Paul’s first-ever Mercury Prize-shortlisted album.

This landmark accolade arrives as the latest news in a career filled with incredible achievements. The Boys of Dungeon Lane shot to #1 in the Official UK Albums Chart on its release, strengthening Paul’s position as the UK's most successful album artist of all time as his 24th UK chart-topper. 

Speaking about his first-ever Mercury Prize shortlisted album, Paul said: 'What a brilliant and exciting surprise to be part of such an incredible list. To have The Boys of Dungeon Lane recognised alongside so many brilliant artists and albums is a huge honour for me.  Thank you to everyone who continues to support and enjoy the album. We have been having so much fun along the way. From making it with Andrew Watt to getting it out there for people to hear. I must say the reaction has been really special. So this news has just
totally blown me away.'