In April this year, Funeral for a Friend announced the departure of long-time member, Darran Smith. Soon after, with bassist Gavin Burrough taking over Darran’s role as guitarist. Richard Boucher, formerly of Hondo Maclean, has joined the FFAF ranks to become the band’s new bassist. Funeral for a Friend have been busy writing and recording new material for their upcoming EP ‘The Young and Defenceless’, that is available exclusively to those who have purchased through the Pledge Music Scheme. The band will be back in the studio at the start of September to work on a forthcoming album, due out in early 2011.

On announcement of the tour we spoke to Matt who told us:

"We're beyond excited to be heading out in November playing some intimate shows and allowing our fans to get up close and personal. We want to welcome Rich with proper love and touchy-feeliness. Although Gav is going to decapitate a fair few heads so be careful, his axe swinging duties are a dangerous business. It's Funeral For A Friend turned up to 11 all the way!"

Funeral for a Friend announced that they will play three intimate shows around the UK this November, to give their fans the first chance to see the new line-up performing brand new material, at smaller venues than they would ordinarily play at. Mike Jones, national concert promoter for SUB91 said:

‘It is our honour to bring Funeral for a Friend in to Leicester. When a band like this plays a venue of our size, we know it’s going to be a good night. It’s really one for the fans! It’s not every day you get to see a band like Funeral for a Friend in such an intimate room, and it makes for a pretty special event! I can’t wait to see how it all goes down."

Funeral for a Friend’s three intimate UK dates are:

Friday 12^th November - SUB89, Reading

Saturday 13^th November – Sin City, Swansea

Sunday 14^th November – SUB91, Leicester

Tickets are on a first come, first served basis and are guaranteed to sell out in advance. Fans are urged to buy early to avoid disappointment. With only three UK dates announced, people are expected to travel to Leicester from miles around. Tickets to this date are a sought-after commodity, and may be a sign of things to come in Leicester.

Tickets can be bought from:

SUB91 http://www.sub91.com

Seetickets http://www.seetickets.com

Rock-a-boom Records, Leicester 0116 253 8293

Walkabout, Leicester 0116 251 5816

Edited: Raegan Oates