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'It should be a proper party'

Funeral for a Friend, from left, Pat Lundy, Rich Boucher, Matthew Davies-Kreye, Gavin Burrough and Kris Roberts-Coombs
Funeral for a Friend, from left, Pat Lundy, Rich Boucher, Matthew Davies-Kreye, Gavin Burrough and Kris Roberts-Coombs

The original heroes of the early 2000s post-hardcore movement, Funeral for a Friend are the latest act to join the party as one of Kent’s most successful small venues celebrates two decades of hosting shows. Chris Price caught up with the band.

It is tough out there, as any hard up gig-going music fan or cost-cutting venue manager will tell you.

Many music nightspots have closed in the last few years – unable to make ends meet – and Tunbridge Wells’ Forum has not been immune from the hard times which have come with the world’s economic slump.

Yet here it is, 20 years after it first opened, celebrating two decades of gigs, which has seen the Forum graced by the likes of Green Day, Coldplay, Mumford and Sons, Muse and Oasis. It was crowned NME’s best small venue in the UK last year.

Funeral for a Friend are warming up for a UK headline tour with a gig at the venue, which has already hosted Frank Turner, Palma Violets, Trash Talk and Foals as part of the celebrations.

The Welsh post-hardcore five-piece – who release their sixth album Conduit later this month – are resolute in their belief the Forum will be around for a long time.

“Bands don’t sell as many tickets now as they used to,” said drummer Pat Lundy.

“No one does. Every brand and product is selling less and less compared to the olden days so I think more bands will be at intimate venues before you know it.

“The tour we are doing has a lot of cool intimate venues, with no barriers. Bands like us and Frank Turner are playing the Forum as well as local bands which is a good thing.” London-based Pat, 22, knows the venue well, not just because his girlfriend hails from Tunbridge Wells. He said: “I played it once when I was about 14 – I can’t remember the band I was in. It is one of the shows I am looking forward to this year. It should be a proper party!”

Although it has not been announced, Pat reckons the band are likely to return later this year. It will also be where Pat kicks off the longest tour of his life, having only joined Funeral for a Friend last year.

Formerly the sticksman of Rise to Remain, who supported Funeral a number of times, he was brought in to replace long-time drummer Ryan Richards, who left to spend more time with his family.

Pat said: “In my tours supporting Funeral for a Friend, they were definitely my favourite band to tour with. It is great to be a part of their heritage. I remember a period in 2003 to 2004 when the band was emerging and there was a really positive vibe. Wales was just churning out great music and cool bands.”

The other members of Funeral for a Friend could not be happier with their latest addition.

Vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye, 33, said: “I think Pat’s been the missing piece of the puzzle for us, his attitude and love of playing really brought a new level of excitement to the band.

“His playing live and on record really adds a sense of power. It became apparent that our relationship with each other was the strongest we’ve had since the first releases and that was special.”

Funeral for a Friend perform at Tunbridge Wells’ Forum on Saturday, January 19. Tickets £15. Visit www.twforum.co.uk

They return to the venue on Thursday, February 21.

The band perform at Margate's Westcoast Bar on Wednesday, February 6. Tickets £14. Box office 01843 447522.

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