Twenty years. Over 260 gigs in a single year. A debut album that somehow got made in the middle of all that chaos. And now, finally, a reason to lose your mind all over again.
Leeds four-piece ¡Forward, Russia! have announced a run of reunion shows to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album ‘Give Me A Wall’ — and they’re bringing the whole thing with them, performing the record in full. Dates are set for Glasgow, London, and Leeds in February 2027, marking the band’s first live appearances in over 12 years.
The Record, The Scene, The Legacy
When ‘Give Me A Wall’ dropped in 2006 via the Leeds-born Dance To The Radio label (founded by guitarist Whiskas himself in 2005), it landed in the middle of a genuinely electric moment for the city. ¡Forward, Russia! were running alongside Kaiser Chiefs, Arctic Monkeys, The Cribs, and The Sunshine Underground in what the music press dubbed the “New Yorkshire” movement — but they were carving their own lane entirely, fuelled by a DIY ethos and live shows that were, by all accounts, an experience.
Singles ‘Nine’ and ‘Twelve’ hit the UK Top 40. The album earned international praise. Pitchfork, the Guardian, NME, Clash — everyone took notice. Then came the follow-up, ‘Life Processes’, in 2008, a brief hiatus, two celebrated hometown returns in 2013 and 2014 (one for Brudenell Social Club’s centenary, one headlining Live at Leeds at Leeds Town Hall), and then… quiet. Until now.
What’s Coming
Ahead of the tour, a 20th anniversary vinyl edition of ‘Give Me A Wall’ arrives Friday 2nd October 2026 via Launchpad+ and EMI North — limited-edition clear 12″, complete with a new lyric sheet and sleeve notes from BBC 6 Music legend and long-time band champion Steve Lamacq. It’s the first time the album has been available on vinyl since its original release.
Alongside that, the band are dropping a brand new rarities compilation titled ‘A Fearless Guide to Communication’ on CD (with tracks rolling out to streaming over the coming months), a fresh run of their beloved exclamation mark merch, and — perhaps most excitingly for the obsessives — a new online archive packed with gig footage, photos, and video rarities, with fans invited to submit their own memories.
In Their Own Words
Vocalist Tom Woodhead put it beautifully: “Between July 2005 and the end of 2006 ¡Forward, Russia! played 268 gigs. In amongst the motorways, feedback and fatigue we somehow carved out the time to record and release Give Me a Wall… twenty years later I think we’ve finally gained some perspective and can appreciate GMAW for the youthful and uninhibited document it is.”
Guitarist Whiskas also took a moment to address something real: the band’s name, and the discomfort it now carries given current world events. “It was seemingly relatively meaningless 20 years ago,” he noted, “and I worry that someone affected by world events may see our name and be negatively affected by that.” It’s a candid, thoughtful acknowledgment — and the kind of honesty that’s always set this band apart.
Tour Dates
Saturday 6th February 2027 — Glasgow, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
Friday 12th February 2027 — London, Oslo
Friday 19th February 2027 — Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
Saturday 20th February 2027 — Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
If you were there in 2006, you already know. If you missed it — here’s your shot.
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