Julia Cumming fills in on bass for Wolf Alice during Olivia Rodrigo tour
Sunflower Bean's Julia Cumming has temporarily joined Wolf Alice on bass for their support slots on Olivia Rodrigo's US tour. She is covering for Theo Ellis, who is taking time off as he and his partner expect a baby. Cumming said she was honoured to step in and has shared footage from the shows.
Sunflower Bean’s Julia Cumming is covering bass duties for Wolf Alice while Theo Ellis takes leave; he and his partner are expecting a child. Cumming announced the October stint, posting about her excitement and sharing clips with Ellie Rowsell and from rehearsals.
After the Charlotte, North Carolina show, she shared stage footage of “Play The Greatest Hits” and called Ellis one of rock’s most enjoyable bassists to watch. She had also worked with Wolf Alice on their “The Clearing: B Sides” release, contributing to a Roches cover. The Olivia Rodrigo support run continues in Chicago, then Boston, Montreal, Toronto and Columbus.
The switch may affect concertgoers expecting Wolf Alice’s usual lineup, while giving Cumming’s fans a reason to follow the tour. It could also spotlight how bands adapt when members need family leave, potentially normalising temporary replacements in live music. For Olivia Rodrigo’s audience, the support slot may introduce Sunflower Bean’s singer to new listeners, and for Wolf Alice, it may maintain continuity during a high-profile run.