The Forum presents:

The Xcerts

+ China Bears

The Forum, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Entry Requirements: 16+ (under 16s accompanied by an adult)
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Emotive and dynamic alternative rock band The Xcerts are known for their emotionally charged lyrics and anthemic sound. Formed in Aberdeen in 2001, the trio comprises Murray Macleod (vocals, guitar), Jordan Smith (bass), and Tom Heron (drums). Their critically acclaimed albums, including "There Is Only You" and "Hold On to Your Heart," have cemented their status in the UK rock scene. The Xcerts have toured with prominent acts such as Biffy Clyro, Taking Back Sunday, and You Me At Six, earning a loyal fanbase. Their energetic live performances and heartfelt songwriting continue to garner praise from both fans and critics alike.

Line Up

http://www.thexcertsband.com The Xcerts are a three piece "distorted pop" band originally formed in Aberdeen, Scotland.

[wikipedia] The Xcerts were originally formed by 13 year olds Murray Macleod and Jordan Smith after meeting in the headmasters room at their school in Aberdeen. After Ross joined on drums The Xcerts went on to record two EPs at the local recording studio Captain Tom's.

After relocating to Brighton to progress as a band in 2006, The Xcerts parted ways with their old drummer Ross. A replacement was found in Tom Heron, originally from Exeter, who was living in Brighton with a mutual friend and had also become close friends with Murray and Jordan. With the newly formed trio created, the band began writing the songs that would start to spread the word of The Xcerts nationally.

The Xcerts then went on to release two singles through One Records in Glasgow. 'Breathtaking Fight', which was recorded at Ridge Farm with Ben Watkins, was then followed shortly after by 'My Book Laughs'. After the success of these two singles, the band were headhunted by Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly frontman, Sam Duckworth, via MySpace who subsequently released two further singles - 'Just Go Home' and 'Do You Feel Safe?' - through his label, Mannequin Republic.

Recorded at The Dog House by Adam Whittaker, 'Just Go Home' received regular airplay on MTV2, and the band recorded three acoustic tracks for MTV's 'Spanking New Sessions' series. The band have also recorded sessions for Tiscali, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Scotland, XFM Scotland and XFM London. Cover versions of Radiohead's 'All I Need' and The Pixies' 'Gigantic' featured in the XFM Scotland and XFM London sessions respectively.

'Do You Feel Safe?' was recorded with Dave Eringa (Idlewild, Manic Street Preachers) and released in early 2008.

The Xcerts have toured with Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Make Model, Fighting With Wire, Fightstar and Twin Atlantic, and performed at numerous festivals in 2008 including T in the Park, RockNess, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Zoo8, Offset and Connect Music Festival.

In December 2008, The Xcerts completed a Scottish headline tour with support from Aberdeen band Right Hand Left.

On 22 January 2009, The Xcerts confirmed that their album, 'In The Cold Wind We Smile' would be released on 23 March 2009 through Xtra Mile (Reuben, Million Dead, Frank Turner) and King Tuts Recordings (The Dykeenies, Twin Atlantic). This date was however pushed back to the 30th. They also confirmed that they would release the single 'Crisis In The Slow Lane' on 9 March at the end of their tour with Copy Haho.

The Xcerts debut album, In The Cold Wind We Smile, was released on 30 March 2009 through Xtra Mile. It was produced by Dave Eringa.[1] On 1 August 2009 they played at the inaugural Hevy Music Festival held in Folkestone, UK.

In 2010 they completed another headline tour, supported The Get Up Kids and played many festivals notably playing the main stage at Rockness. They will also be embarking on a tour With Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, as well as a September tour supporting Futures.

The Xcerts announced on their Facebook and Myspace in July 2010 that their new album would be named "Scatterbrain" and released in October. This album was recorded by Mike Sapone in his home studio in America, The Xcerts are the first Scottish Band to work with Sapone.

The second single from 'Scatterbrain' was 'Young (Belane)' starring actor Jamie Campbell Bower as an obsessed fan who kidnaps the band. Jamie has acted in such films as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007 film), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Twilight Saga: New Moon.

In 2012, they supported Brand New at their UK tour.

Originally formed in Somerset by twin brothers Ivan and Frazer (lead guitar), the China Bears line up was completed after meeting James (bass) and Dean (drums) at university in Guildford.

If melodic diligence counts for anything, China Bears are masters of their arty leftfield craft. Through a series of terrific tours and exquisitely-balanced EP releases 'I've Never Met Anyone Like You', 'Statue Still' and 'All That Distance', they have displayed an innate ability to blend the alt.rock rush with the acoustic hush.

Rousing and romantic, debut album ‘Participation Trophy’ (set to release on 12th July 2024 vis Fierce Panda Records) feels cinematic in its grandeur, whilst also feeling incredibly personal in its storytelling. It was recorded in the autumnal sunshine of Leith with Rod Jones from Idlewild at the production controls. From the driving ‘I Will Break My Own Heart’, the twinkling ‘Beck and Call’, the electric force of ‘Total Communication Breakdown’ to the blossoming ‘Gracie’, there is a song to accompany everyone’s own life soundtrack.

Whether it’s ripping apart the stage with their misery-anthemic indie or captivating the room to pin drop silence singing their songs shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the crowd, China Bears have gained recognition for their emotive high energy and intimate performances which have drawn knowing comparisons to The National, Death Cab For Cutie and Frightened Rabbit.


One of the most prolific sets of songwriters in the country" - Steve Lamacq, BBC 6

“could they do a snow patrol and go mega? It’s very possible you know” John Kennedy, Radio X

"The group sounds fully in command of a big, vibrant sound that calls on its influences — just about any anthemic indie-rock band of this century — while still sounding distinct." - NPR

“Their sound unfurls as a package of unfaltering songwriting with whispers of The National and Dry The River...Brimming with astute and sophisticated songwriting and enhanced by racing riffs and compelling percussion, it toes the line between thought-provoking and euphoric." - Gigwise