¡Forward, Russia! Reunites for 2027 UK Tour Celebrating 20 Years of ‘Give Me A Wall’

Celebrate two decades of indie energy as ¡Forward, Russia! return with a UK tour and a vinyl reissue of their cult classic ‘Give Me A Wall’.

If you were a part of the mid-2000s indie scene, you’ll know the roar of ¡Forward, Russia! Their explosive debut album Give Me A Wall wasn’t just another record — it was a youthful, no-holds-barred declaration of indie spirit. Now, 20 years on, the band is ready to bring that same electric adrenaline back to the stage with a 2027 UK tour celebrating the album’s anniversary, alongside a vinyl reissue sure to thrill collectors and newcomers alike.

Back to the Stage: First Live Shows in Over 12 Years

After over a decade away from touring, ¡Forward, Russia! are set to make a triumphant return to live stages across the UK. Mark your calendars for early February 2027, as they kick off at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow on the 6th, followed by a London show at Oslo on the 12th. The tour culminates with two intimate homecoming gigs at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club on the 19th and 20th.

Forward Russia UK tour 2027 poster. CREDIT: Press

This is the first time the band has played live since those brief reunions in Leeds back in 2013 and 2014, so fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and fiery new energy. The excitement is palpable, as this tour not only reconnects the band with their audience but also honors the legacy of the seminal Give Me A Wall album, which featured indie hits like "Nine" and "Twelve" — tracks that still resonate today.

¡Forward, Russia! 20th Anniversary Live Dates:
- February 6, 2027 – Glasgow, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
- February 12, 2027 – London, Oslo
- February 19, 2027 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
- February 20, 2027 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club

Tickets will be available from May 20 at 10am BST for those eager to catch this rare reunion.

A Vinyl Reissue and Rare Treasures

The celebration doesn’t stop at live gigs. For many, the album was the soundtrack of a vibrant moment in indie music, and this year marks the first time Give Me A Wall will be pressed on vinyl — a collector’s dream come true. This special edition will come with a fresh lyric sheet, insightful sleeve notes penned by BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, and a treasure trove of rarities that deepen the album’s story.

For fans who prefer CD, those rarities will also be available on a companion release titled A Fearless Guide to Communication. Both vinyl and CD editions will drop on October 2 via Launchpad+ and EMI North, with the rarities arriving on streaming platforms later for a wider audience.

Pre-orders for the reissue are already open, and the band has also launched an online archive on their official website, brimming with rare photos and gig footage — a heartfelt nod to the community and memories surrounding their rise.

Reflecting on a Frenzied Yet Unforgettable Era

“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’. When you’re adhering to that kind of schedule there isn’t much space for reflection, but 20 years later I think we’ve finally gained some perspective and can appreciate ‘GMAW’ for the youthful and uninhibited document it is.”
— Tom Woodhead

He hopes the upcoming shows capture that intensity for both the band and audiences new and old:

“My hope is that these upcoming shows will be every bit as intense as they were back in the day, for both band and audience, and that we can celebrate together: those who were around in 2006 and those who missed out. I promise you we’ll be giving it everything, even if my ageing tegument isn’t quite as neoteric as it used to be.”

Guitarist Whiskas shares this excitement but also touches on a modern complication. The band name, once a quirky indie moniker, now carries unintended weight given recent global events.

“It’s amazing to be able to celebrate such an exciting time in our lives, and hopefully share that with the people that made it so much fun 20 years ago. We can’t however not mention that in that period of time, our name currently makes me deeply uncomfortable. It was seemingly relatively meaningless 20 years ago, and I worry that someone affected by world events may see our name and be negatively affected by that. We’ve talked about it and aren’t sure how to address it, so for now I just want to mention this discomfort and we’ll continue to think about the best way to approach this.”
— Whiskas

The Rise and Brief Hiatus of a Leeds Indie Powerhouse

Originating from Leeds’ vibrant DIY music scene, ¡Forward, Russia! became one of the early 2000s indie torchbearers. Their raw energy and unique sound made them standouts, culminating in the 2006 release of Give Me A Wall, a record many still hold dear as a defining moment of that era.

The band lineup—Tom Woodhead, Whiskas, Rob Canning, and Katie Nicholls—followed up with their sophomore album Life Processes in 2008. However, that same year, they announced an indefinite break.

“We have decided to take a break from doing Forward, Russia – for a lot of different reasons. The idea of doing another tour with nothing new to offer was something that enthused none of us, and the idea of re-booting on a productive strand is something we’re not quite ready to face just yet.”

Since then, the band’s appearances have been rare, with only a couple of one-off Leeds shows in 2013 and 2014 breaking the silence — until now.

Revisiting Classic Tracks: ‘Nine’

If you want to relive the high-octane vibe of ¡Forward, Russia!, their track "Nine" remains a prime example of their sound—urgent, frantic, and absolutely unforgettable. Check out the official video here:

As these legendary indie rockers prepare to light up stages again and reissue an album that still sparks passion, it’s clear that Give Me A Wall remains a vital piece of the 2000s indie puzzle—raw, unfiltered, and ready for a new generation to discover.

FAQ

• What makes the 2027 UK tour special for ¡Forward, Russia!?
  It’s their first live tour in over 12 years, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album Give Me A Wall with shows in Glasgow, London, and Leeds.
• Will the band release new music with the reissue?
  While the reissue includes rarities and additional material, it focuses on celebrating the original album rather than brand-new songs.
• Where can I buy tickets for the tour?
  Tickets go on sale May 20 at 10am BST, accessible via official ticket outlets announced by the band.
• What formats will the reissued album be available in?
  The album will be out on vinyl for the first time, with a CD release of rarities titled A Fearless Guide to Communication also available.
• Why is the band name a concern now?
  Due to recent world events, the band has expressed discomfort with their name's connotations and is considering how best to address this sensitively.

Ready to bring some indie nostalgia to your walls? Shop your favorite album cover posters, including Give Me A Wall, at Architeg Prints and celebrate the timeless spirit of ¡Forward, Russia! right at home.