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Bear's Den (band)

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Bear's Den
Bear's Den performing in 2017
Bear's Den performing in 2017
Background information
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active2009–present
Labels
Members
Past members
  • Joey Haynes
  • Kevin Jones
Websitebearsdenmusic.co.uk

Bear's Den are a British alternative country and indie folk band from London, formed in 2009 by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Jones and vocalist/guitarist Andrew Davie. In 2025, Jones departed the band, leaving Davie as the sole remaining permanent member.

They have released five studio albums: Islands (2014), Red Earth & Pouring Rain (2016), So That You Might Hear Me (2019), Fragments (2020), and Blue Hours (2022). They have also produced one soundtrack album and issued nine EPs as well as numerous singles.

Bear's Den have been nominated for several music awards throughout their career, with "Above the Clouds of Pompeii" earning them a nomination for the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, in 2015. They received two nominations at the UK Americana Awards in 2016, as Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, for "Agape".

History

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2009–2014: Early years and touring

[edit]

Bear's Den was formed in 2009 by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Jones and vocalist/guitarist Andrew Davie, who had both previously played in the band Cherbourg.[2] They named themselves after Bearsden, a neighbouring town to where Davie's grandparents lived and where he first began writing songs.[3] They soon added Joey Haynes, who played guitar and banjo.[4]

The band's first tour involved them travelling across the United States in Volkswagen campervans with Ben Howard, Nathaniel Rateliff, and the Staves. It was made into a 2014 documentary titled Austin to Boston by James Marcus Haney,[5] which premiered at the 58th BFI London Film Festival.[6]

Since then, the band has toured the US several times, in support of Mumford & Sons and Daughter and as headliners.[7] They also toured the UK supporting Smoke Fairies in 2012[8] and Australia with Matt Corby in October 2013.[9]

In June 2014, Bear's Den received the £2,500 Momentum Deezer Award from the PRS for Music Foundation.[10]

2014–2016: Islands

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On 20 October 2014, Bear's Den released their debut album, Islands, on Communion Records, a label founded in 2006 by Kevin Jones, with Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons and producer Ian Grimble.[11]

The album spent ten weeks on the UK Official Charts, peaking at #49. Islands appeared at #7 in the first official UK Americana Chart and at #9 in the top-selling Americana albums of 2015.[12]

In March 2015, the song "Above the Clouds of Pompeii" was nominated for the Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.[13]

In October, Islands was re-released as a deluxe edition featuring an extra CD of live tracks.[14][failed verification]

That year, the band sold out their extensive UK, Europe, and US tours.[citation needed] They performed at international festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, Citadel, Somersault, NOS Alive, BBK, Squamish, Pukkelpop, Lowlands, Bonnaroo, and Dockville.[citation needed]

On 4 February 2016, Joey Haynes announced via the band's Facebook page that he was leaving the group to spend more time with family and friends.[15]

On 14 October 2016, just under two years since its release, Islands was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry, in recognition of 60,000 sales.[16] It was certified Gold in 2023.

2016–2019: Red Earth & Pouring Rain

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Bear's Den performing at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, 2017

On 4 April 2016, the band released a trailer in anticipation of their second album, Red Earth & Pouring Rain, which came out on 22 July.[17] They also announced a tour of Europe for Autumn 2016, including their biggest headline show to date, at Brixton Academy.[citation needed]

2019–2020: So That You Might Hear Me

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In January 2019, Bear's Den changed their social media design after almost three years, and a website was sent to people affiliated to their official page, called "So That You Might Hear Me", the title of their next album. Four days later, it was revealed that the record would be released on 26 April 2019.[citation needed] They also released two singles the next day: "Blankets of Sorrow" and "Fuel on the Fire". On 4 March, they issued a third single, "Laurel Wreath".[citation needed] On 12 February 2019, a podcast bearing the album's name was announced.[18] Hosted by Danny Carissimi, each episode explored one song on the album through interviews with Davie and Jones.

In 2019, the band supported Neil Young on several stadium shows in Germany[19] and in August, they began their Highlands and Islands tour of Scotland, a stripped-back acoustic affair, and they were joined onstage by Christof van der Ven and Marcus Hamblett.[20]

2020–2023: Fragments, Blue Hours, Trying, White Magnolias, and First Loves

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On 26 June 2020, Bear's Den posted a snippet of a new version of their 2019 track "Fuel on the Fire" and followed it with alternate versions of "Napoleon" and "When You Break" over the next several days.[citation needed] On 1 July, they announced a studio recording of the shows they had done with Paul Frith in 2018, consisting of orchestral reinterpretations of the band's music, titled Fragments. It was released in September.[21]

On 17 November 2021, "All That You Are", the first single from the band's fourth studio album, Blue Hours, came out. This was followed by "Spiders", on 19 January 2022. They announced that Blue Hours would be released on 13 May 2022 and accompanied by a European and North American tour, their first since 2020.[citation needed]

In July 2022, Bear's Den released an album of tracks they had recorded for the third season of the TV show Trying,[22][23] which included collaboration with Maisie Peters, Jade Bird, and Monica Martin. In 2023, the band released the EPs First Loves and White Magnolias. In 2024, they issued a new version of their 2014 song "Above the Clouds of Pompeii", featuring Dermot Kennedy.

2025–present: Kevin Jones departure

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In 2025, Kevin Jones announced on the band's Facebook and Instagram pages that he was departing the band, without providing a reason.[24] The band then went on to perform at the Glastonbury Festival,[25] headline the Folk by the Oak Festival,[26] and announce an upcoming Australian tour.[27]

Also in 2025, Bear's Den toured the UK and Europe to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of their debut album, Islands.[28]

Live band

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Bear's Den's touring members include Christof van der Ven (banjo, acoustic guitar, bass, backing vocals), Marcus Hamblett (guitars, backing vocals, horns, synths), Jools Owen (horns, drums, backing vocals), and Harry Mundy (electric guitar).[29][30]

Band members

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Current

  • Andrew Davie (lead vocals, guitars) (2011–present
    Andrew Davie (lead vocals, guitars) (2011–present

Touring

  • Christof van der Ven (banjo, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, vocals) (2016–present)
    Christof van der Ven (banjo, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, vocals) (2016–present)
  • Jools Owen (horns, drums, vocals) (2015–present)
    Jools Owen (horns, drums, vocals) (2015–present)
  • Harry Mundy (electric guitar) (2016–present)
    Harry Mundy (electric guitar) (2016–present)
  • Marcus Hamblett (guitars, vocals, horns, synths) (2014–present)
    Marcus Hamblett (guitars, vocals, horns, synths) (2014–present)

Past

  • Kevin Jones (vocals, drums, bass, guitar) (2011–2025)
    Kevin Jones (vocals, drums, bass, guitar) (2011–2025)
  • Joey Haynes (vocals, banjo, guitar) (2011–2016)
    Joey Haynes (vocals, banjo, guitar) (2011–2016)

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Details Peak chart positions Certification
UK
[31] 		BEL
(Fl)
[32] 		GER
[33] 		IRE
[34] 		NLD
[35] 		SWI
[36]
Islands 49 16 — — 29 —
Red Earth & Pouring Rain
  • Released: 22 July 2016
  • Label: Communion
  • Formats: Digital download, CD, vinyl
 6 9 26 61 5 53
So That You Might Hear Me
  • Released: 26 April 2019
  • Label: Communion
  • Formats: Digital download, CD, vinyl
 13 4 40 — 7 63
Blue Hours
  • Released: 13 May 2022
  • Label: Communion
  • Formats: Digital download, CD, vinyl, cassette
 6 21 — — 20 —

EPs

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  • EP (2012)
  • Agape (2013)
  • Without/Within (2013)
  • Elysium (2014)
  • Only Son of the Falling Snow (2019)
  • Christmas, Hopefully (2020)
  • The Quiet Winter Light (2022)
  • First Loves (2023)
  • White Magnolias (2023)

Other albums

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  • Fragments (with Paul Frith) (2020)
  • Trying: Season 3 (Apple TV Original Series Soundtrack) (2022)

Singles

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  • "Agape" (2013)
  • "Writing on the Wall" (2013)
  • "Above the Clouds of Pompeii" (2014)
  • "Elysium" (2014)
  • "Think of England" (2015)
  • "Auld Wives" (2016)
  • "Emeralds" (2016)
  • "Dew on the Vine" (2016)
  • "Berlin" (2016)
  • "Fuel on the Fire" (2019)
  • "Blankets of Sorrow" (2019)
  • "Laurel Wreath" (2019)
  • "Crow" (2019)
  • "Only Son of the Falling Snow" (2019)
  • "Christmas, Hopefully" (2020)
  • "All That You Are" (2021)
  • "Spiders" (2022)
  • "Blue Hours" (2022)[37]
  • "A Good Love, Pt. 2" (2022)
  • "Please Don't Hide Yourself Away" (2022)
  • "Team" (2022)
  • "Stitch in Time" (2022)
  • "Honest Mistake" (2022)
  • "Evelyn" (2023)
  • "Above the Clouds of Pompeii (feat. Dermot Kennedy)" (2024)

References

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  1. ^ a b Monger, James Christopher. "Bear's Den – Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  2. ^ "Cherbourg". Discogs. Retrieved 23 July 2025.[better source needed]
  3. ^ Mosk, Mitch (16 May 2022). ""Blue Hours felt like a name for my own depression": An Interview with Bear's Den's Andrew Davie". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  4. ^ FaceCulture (3 November 2014). Bear's Den interview (part 1). Retrieved 23 July 2025 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "Austin to Boston". 12 June 2015 – via IMDb.[better source needed]
  6. ^ "The 58th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express® announces full 2014 programme". British Film Institute. 4 September 2014.
  7. ^ "Bear's Den Gigography, Tour History & Past Concerts – Songkick". 16 June 2023.
  8. ^ folkradiouk (16 August 2012). "Smoke Fairies Unveil New Video: Let Me Know | Folk Radio". Folk Radio UK – Folk Music Magazine. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
  9. ^ "Matt Corby Announces 'Resolution' Tour". Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  10. ^ "Bear's Den gets Deezer cash boost in latest round of Momentum funding – News – Music Week". musicweek.com. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  11. ^ "About". Archived from the original on 15 September 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  12. ^ "First UK Americana chart launched, and Mumford and Sons fail the authenticity test". The Independent. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  13. ^ "The Ivors Nominations 2015 – The Ivors". The Ivors. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  14. ^ Linkfire.com. "Islands Deluxe by Bear's Den".
  15. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com.
  16. ^ a b "British certifications – Bear's Den". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 2 July 2023. Type Bear's Den in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  17. ^ Carnwath, Ally (24 July 2016). "Bear's Den: Red Earth & Pouring Rain review – a routine outing". TheGuardian.com.
  18. ^ Carissimi, Danny (12 February 2019). "Bear's Den: So that you might hear me – The Podcast". Libsyn.
  19. ^ "Bear's Den to Release Only Son of the Falling Snow EP On December 6th, 2019". concord.com. 30 October 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  20. ^ Interviews, Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews &; Murray, Robin (3 July 2019). "Bear's Den Announce Tour of Scottish Highlands". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. Retrieved 23 July 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ "Bear's Den Collaborate with Paul Frith on New Album 'Fragments'". Abbey Road. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  22. ^ "Bear's Den announce soundtrack to series three of Apple TV series 'Trying'". Mystic Sons. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  23. ^ "Spotify – Trying: Season 3 (Apple TV Original Series Soundtrack)". Spotify.
  24. ^ "Instagram | Bear's Den | Kev's Post".
  25. ^ "Glastonbury 2025: Full line-up, stage times and secret sets". BBC News. 3 June 2025. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  26. ^ "Bear's Den". Folk by the Oak. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  27. ^ "Instagram". instagram.com. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  28. ^ "10 year Anniversary reissue of our debut album, Islands".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. ^ "Handelse Christof tourt met Bear's Den door Europa". Weekblad voor Gemert-Bakel. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  30. ^ "Interview: Bear's Den's Andrew Davie on why first love is important". 1 August 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ^ "Bear's Den | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  32. ^ "ultratop.be – Discografie Bear's Den". Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  33. ^ "Discographie Bear's Den". GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
  34. ^ "GfK Chart-Track (Week 30, 2016)". GfK. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  35. ^ "Discografie Bear's Den - dutchcharts.nl". Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  36. ^ "Discographie Bear's Den – hitparade.ch". Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  37. ^ "Future Releases on Triple A (AAA) Radio Stations". AllAccess. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022.
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