14 Iced Bears

14 Iced Bears

The 14 Iced Bears were formed in 1985 in Brighton, UK. Their first single Inside/Blue Suit/Cut attracted the attention of Radio 1 DJ John Peel. Two Peel Sessions followed in 1986 and 1987. The band were part of the C86 wave, a movement often credited with the birth of indie pop that would go on to inspire many future bands.

The Bears rapidly became a fanzine favourite. In 1988 their EP Come Get Me was released on Sarah Records. Also in 1988, after a number of other singles, came their eponymous first LP, which took a more psychedelic turn.

In 1992 the 14 Iced Bears decided to go their separate ways. In 2010, due to renewed interest in the genre, the Bears reformed to tour the east and west coasts of the USA. Cherry Red Records then released a compilation album of all the band’s material entitled Hold on Inside. This was also brought out on two vinyl gatefold LPs by Optic Nerve.

After another hiatus and following a six-page feature on the band in Shindig! magazine in January 2024, the band reformed once again. Shows followed in Sheffield, Paris, London, Glasgow and Leeds, some headlining and some supporting, playing with The Vaselines, Heavenly and Miki Berenyi (ex-Lush). 14 Iced Bears will perform at New Cross Inn, London, on 17 July 2026 at 5:00 pm, with supports.