Influential Leeds alt-rockers share rare 2007 single ahead of landmark album reissue and sold-out Brudenell Social Club return

Cult Leeds four-piece ¡Forward, Russia! have made their elusive 2007 fan-favourite single ‘Don’t Be A Doctor’ available on streaming platforms for the very first time.

The surprise release comes ahead of a major milestone for the band: a 20th-anniversary limited-edition clear vinyl reissue of their debut album, Give Me A Wall, arriving this Friday (October 16) via Launchpad+ and EMI North.

Originally released between their two studio albums on a single-sided 10” vinyl - its B-side famously etched with an illustration of an octopus rather than music - ’Don’t Be A Doctor’ has long been one of the most sought-after rarities in the group's back catalogue.

Ahead of their sell-out shows in Leeds and the reissue of their debut album, Give Me A Wall, ¡Forward, Russia! share elusive fan-favourite 'Don't Be A Doctor' on streaming platforms for the first time | Andy Willsher

placeholder image — Ahead of their sell-out shows in Leeds and the reissue of their debut album, Give Me A Wall, ¡Forward, Russia! share elusive fan-favourite 'Don't Be A Doctor' on streaming platforms for the first time | Andy Willsher

Clocking in at over seven minutes, the sprawling track moves from a quiet vocal lament into a soaring, laser-powered noise-rock climax. Lyrically, it follows the surreal tale of an octopus detective attempting to solve a murder before a hostile audience.

“Written in soundchecks and short snatches of time while we relentlessly toured Give Me A Wall, we were frustrated with having to play the same songs over and over again,” explains frontman Tom Woodhead.

“Exercising no restraint whatsoever, we crowbarred every idea we had into a single 7:23min epic.”

Formed in Leeds in 2004 alongside the rise of independent label Dance To The Radio, ¡Forward, Russia! (Woodhead, Whiskas, Rob Canning, and Katie Nicholls) quickly became a cornerstone of the city’s mid-2000s DIY scene.

Known for numbered song titles, chaotic live shows, and driving rhythms, their 2006 debut scored Top 40 singles with ‘Nine’ and ‘Twelve’ alongside international critical acclaim.

Following their second album Life Processes in 2008, the band went on extended hiatus, making only brief appearances for the Brudenell Social Club’s centenary in 2013 and headlining Live at Leeds at Leeds Town Hall in 2014.

Friday’s vinyl reissue of ‘Give Me A Wall’ features a fresh lyric sheet and new liner notes from longtime champion and BBC 6 Music presenter Steve Lamacq.

It will be followed on October 30 by a full digital rarities compilation, A Fearless Guide to Communication.

The band will formally mark the anniversary on stage in February 2027 with a short tour including dates at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, London’s Oslo, and a highly anticipated homecoming show at the Brudenell Social Club - with both the London and Leeds dates already completely sold out.

’Don’t Be A Doctor’ is available to stream now. The 20th anniversary reissue of ‘Give Me A Wall’ is released on clear vinyl this Friday (October 16)