Forward, Russia! played 268 gigs in 18 months. Twenty years later they are doing it all again, at least for one night.

Forward, Russia! have announced a run of February 2027 reunion shows to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album Give Me A Wall, alongside a 20th anniversary vinyl reissue and a new rarities compilation.

The Leeds four-piece were central figures in the mid-00s “New Yorkshire” scene that produced Kaiser Chiefs, Arctic Monkeys, The Cribs and The Sunshine Underground. Give Me A Wall, released in 2006 on Dance To The Radio (the label founded by guitarist Whiskas himself), is a sharp, relentless and fiercely intelligent record that drew on post-punk, math rock and indie in roughly equal measure. It has been out of print on vinyl since its original run.

The 20th anniversary edition, a limited clear 12-inch, will be released via Launchpad+ and EMI North on 2nd October 2026 with a new lyric sheet and sleeve notes from BBC 6 Music broadcaster and long-time champion Steve Lamacq. A rarities compilation, A Fearless Guide to Communication, will also be released, alongside a new fan-focused online archive inviting photographs and gig memories from the era.

The four shows in February 2027 will be the band’s first live appearances in over twelve years. They will perform Give Me A Wall in full. Vocalist Tom Woodhead has recalled the album’s recording conditions with characteristic directness: “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.” He has promised the reunion shows will match the intensity of the originals.

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Guitarist Whiskas also addressed the band’s name in a candid statement, expressing discomfort in the current geopolitical context: “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.” The band said they are continuing to think about how best to address it.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 20th May at 10am BST.

6 Feb 2027 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

12 Feb 2027 – Oslo, London

19 Feb 2027 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

20 Feb 2027 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

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