{{Short description|British musical group}} {{for|the settlements and airport in Canada|Fort Hope (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{Infobox musical artist | name = Fort Hope | image = Jon Gaskin @ Portsmouth Pyramids - PHOTO BY LJRphotography.jpg | image_size = 260 | landscape = yes | caption = Jon Gaskin of Fort Hope performing in Club 85, North Hertfordshire in 2013. | origin = Hertfordshire, England | genre = {{flatlist| * Alternative rock * post-hardcore * pop rock }} | years_active = 2013–2017 - 2022 - present | label = {{flatlist| * LAB * Virgin EMI }} | associated_acts = My Passion | website = | current_members = * Jonathan Gaskin * Jamie Nicholls * Simon Rowlands * Peter Oliver }}
'''Fort Hope''' are a British rock band formed in Hertfordshire, England, in 2013. After releasing a series of EPs and the mini album Courage (LAB Records), which charted at number 8 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart, the band issued their debut album through Virgin EMI in 2016 and continue to tour, record and work on new projects.
== History ==
===Formation and initial EP releases (2013)=== The band consists of three former members of the electronic rock band My Passion: Jonathan Gaskin, Simon Rowlands and Jamie Nicholls. They announced Fort Hope on 13 January 2013 with the release of their first song titled 'Control'.<ref name="Formation interview">{{cite web|title=Fort Hope: Exclusive First Interview|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/fort_hope_exclusive_first_interview.html|website=Ultimate-guitar.com|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The song was aired on BBC Radio the following month,<ref name="BBC Radio Feb 2013">{{cite web|first1=|title=BBC Introducing... Rudden & Bridge|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0142qd2|website=BBC.co.uk|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref> and in April the band completed their first ever UK tour supporting Fearless Vampire Killers throughout April in the UK.<ref name="FVK tour">{{cite web|title=Fearless Vampire Killers Announce UK Tour with Fort Hope Read more: Fearless Vampire Killers Announce UK Tour with Fort Hope|url=http://alreadyheard.com/post/43890788724/fearless-vampire-killers-announce-uk-tour-with-fort#.U_vbXfldUlc|website=Alreadyheard.com|publisher=Already Heard|accessdate=26 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903101744/http://alreadyheard.com/post/43890788724/fearless-vampire-killers-announce-uk-tour-with-fort#.U_vbXfldUlc|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The band’s first release came later that year with their debut EP 'The Future's in Our Hearts', which was made available as a free download after being streamed online in June. "Control" was issued as the EP’s official single, accompanied by the band’s first music video.<ref name="First official release">{{cite web|title=Fort Hope|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/features/read/fort-hope|website=Rocksound.tv|publisher=Rocksound|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Control music video">{{cite web|last1=Bhamra|first1=Satvir|title=Fort Hope – "Control" Music Video|url=http://amplified.tv/fort-hope-control-music-video/|website=Amplified.tv|publisher=Amplified|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> In November they released their second EP titled 'Choices'.<ref name="Choices - iTunes">{{cite web|title=Choices – single|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/choices-single/728531840|website=iTunes|date=12 November 2013|publisher=Fort Hope|access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Choices EP teaser">{{cite web|title=Fort Hope EP Teaser|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5HN2ZU5cwQ|website=YouTube.com|publisher=Fort Hope|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref>
===''Tours and releases'' (2013-2015)===
Fort Hope began to build momentum on the UK live circuit in 2013, performing a series of early support slots. In May 2013, the band supported We Are the In Crowd and Never Shout Never in London.<ref>https://www.hitthefloor.com/reviews/live-review-we-are-the-in-crowd-london-roundhouse-10052013/</ref> They also supported Andrew McMahon during his UK tour, including his show at Birmingham’s Glee Club on 20 May 2013<ref>https://robynwrites.co.uk/2013/05/andrew-mcmahon-the-glee-club-birmingham-20513/</ref> and a performance at London’s Union Chapel on 23 May 2013.<ref>https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2013/05/23/andrew-mcmahon-at-the-union-chapel-live-review/</ref> The band additionally appeared at KOKO, Camden, in June 2013, supporting Jimmy Eat World.<ref>https://www.punktastic.com/live-reviews/live-jimmy-eat-world-london-koko-160613/</ref><ref>https://www.flickr.com/photos/danyell_photos/9103103480/</ref> Later that year, the band opened up for We Are The Ocean and The Maine on their joint co-headline tour in November. <ref>https://www.hitthefloor.com/music/rock-metal/bands-watch-2014-rock-edition/</ref>
In January 2014 Fort Hope embarked on a UK tour along with Max Raptor, making it their first tour as a headliner and they were also announced to be part of the LAB Records roster and would be releasing their debut mini album titled 'Courage' on 11 May.<ref name="First tour">{{cite web|title=Fort Hope & Max Raptor announce UK headline tour|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/fort-hope-max-raptor-announce-uk-headline-tour|website=Rocksound.tv|publisher=Rocksound|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="LAB Records and Courage and Tour">{{cite web|last1=H|first1=Candi|title=Fort Hope sign to LAB Records and will release debut mini-album, Courage, in May|url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/163775-fort-hope-sign-lab-records-release-debut.html|website=Altsounds.com|publisher=Altsounds|accessdate=26 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915073750/http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/163775-fort-hope-sign-lab-records-release-debut.html|archive-date=15 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> To promote the release the band released an official music video for the song 'The Rapture'.<ref name="The Rapture music video">{{cite web|title=Fort Hope – The Rapture|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/videos/watch/fort-hope-the-rapture|website=Rocksound.tv|publisher=Rocksound|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Alongside their headline activity, the band continued to secure support slots throughout the year. They performed with Ghost Town in London on 4 June 2014,<ref>https://www.hitthefloor.com/reviews/ghost-town-islington-academy-28-05-14-live-review/</ref> and later supported Anberlin at the Electric Ballroom on 14 August 2014.<ref>https://www.punktastic.com/live-reviews/live-anberlin-natives-fort-hope-electric-ballroom-london/</ref>
In July the band released their music video for the song 'New Life' and a month later the band performed at Sonisphere Festival.<ref name="New Life music video">{{cite web|last1=Carter|first1=Emily|title=Fort Hope stream New Life music video|url=http://www.kerrang.com/19690/fort-hope-stream-new-life-video-ahead-sonisphere/|website=Kerrang.com|publisher=Kerrang!|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Sonisphere Festival 2014">{{cite web|title=Sonisphere Festival memories, Fort Hope|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/blog/read/sonisphere-festival-memories-fort-hope?|website=Rocksound.tv|publisher=Rocksound|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The band also supported rock band Mallory Knox in the UK throughout November along with Frank Iero and Moose Blood.<ref name="Mallory Knox tour 2014">{{cite web|first1=|title=Frank Lero to support Mallory Knox on November tour|url=http://www.kerrang.com/21927/frank-iero-mallory-knox-uk-tour-november/|website=Kerrang.com|publisher=Kerrang!|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="The band appear as a trio">{{cite web|last1=Akomanyi|first1=Sarah|title=The Lowdown: Interview with Fort Hope|url=http://Altsounds.com|publisher=AltSounds|accessdate=2 March 2015}}</ref>
On 7 November the band released their second single titled 'Plans' in promotion of their third EP release named after the band which was released on 8 February 2015.<ref name="Plans + Self Titled EP annoucement">{{cite web|title=Going to see Fort Hope this month? You need to hear their new track 'Plans'|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/features/read/going-to-see-fort-hope-this-month-youy-ne|website=Rocksound.tv|publisher=Rocksound|accessdate=2 March 2015}}</ref> They also released 'Sick' as the second single to promote the EP and released a music video for 'Plans' two days prior to the EPs release.<ref name="Plans music video">{{cite web|last1=Akonanyi|first1=Sarah|title=Watch Fort Hope – Plans|url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/168203-watch-fort-hope-plans.html|website=Hangout.Altsounds.com|publisher=Altsounds|accessdate=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121159/http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/168203-watch-fort-hope-plans.html|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2015, the band continued touring, including a return to KOKO, Camden, supporting Finch on 2 June 2015.<ref>https://www.soundscapemagazine.com/finchkokocamden/</ref> Their festival profile also grew, with a performance at Reading Festival,<ref>https://readdork.com/features/reading-provides-an-eye-opening-intro-to-fort-hope/</ref> and they were later included in Soundboard Reviews’ list of “10 New Acts To See At Reading & Leeds 2015”.<ref>https://thesoundboardreviews.com/2015/08/15/10-new-acts-to-see-at-reading-leeds-2015/</ref>
Fort Hope also received continued support from BBC Radio 1 and were nominated for "Best British Newcomer" at the 2015 Kerrang! Awards, alongside Royal Blood, Moose Blood, As It Is and Ashestoangels.<ref>https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-32603748</ref> During the summer, the band performed on the Fresh Blood stage at Slam Dunk Festival,<ref>https://www.loudersound.com/features/slam-dunk-2015-fresh-blood-stage</ref> and appeared at 2000 Trees Festival<ref>https://alreadyheard.com/live-review-2000-trees-festival-upcote-farm-2/</ref> and T in the Park.
=== 2016–2018 ===
In 2016, Fort Hope signed with Virgin EMI.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/lab-records-signs-worldwide-deal-warners-ada-10th-anniversary-year/ |title=LAB Records signs worldwide deal with Warner’s ADA in 10th anniversary year |website=Music Business Worldwide |date=18 September 2017 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref> During this period, the band released several EPs, including ''Manne of Lawe'' in April 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/201604/reviews/ep-review-fort-hope-manne-of-lawe |title=EP Review: Fort Hope – Manne of Lawe |website=Bring the Noise UK |date=April 2016 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref> and ''Armure'' in December 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/fort-hope-debut-say-no-video |title=Fort Hope debut Say No video |website=Kerrang! |date=7 November 2016 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref> The band also released their debut studio album, ''The Flood Flowers (Vol. 1)'', on 16 June 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.punktastic.com/news/fort-hope-announce-debut-album-flood-flowers-volume-1/ |title=Fort Hope announce debut album, ‘Flood Flowers Volume 1’ |website=Punktastic |date=11 May 2017 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref>.
'''Tour Dates'''
On Saturday 30 April 2016 the band supported American post-hardcore band Saosin at O2 Academy Islington. <ref>https://www.theasylumvenue.co.uk/events/fort-hope-asylum-may/</ref> <ref>https://stitchedsound.com/live-review-saosin-o2-academy-islington-300416/</ref> Fort Hope also appeared at Download Festival on 20 June 2016, where they were featured among the notable up‑and‑coming bands of the year.<ref>https://www.hitthefloor.com/reviews/six-up-and-coming-bands-who-rocked-download-festival-2016-live-review/</ref> To promote the release of their forthcoming ''Armure'' EP, the band embarked on a seven date UK tour with support from Tigress and Ashes to Angels.<ref>https://gigradar.uk/2016/10/17/single-review-fort-hope-say-no/</ref> The tour concluded with a headline show at The Underworld in Camden on October 29th. <ref>https://gigradar.uk/2016/10/30/gigreview-forthopeashestoangelstigress-underworldcamden/</ref>
Throughout 2016 and 2017, the band toured extensively across the UK, performing headline dates and festival appearances. This included a return to Slam Dunk Festival, opening the event across all three dates.<ref>https://alreadyheard.com/slam-dunk-bites-fort-hope/</ref> The band also toured with acts such as Area 11 and Ryan Hamilton and the Traitors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/fort-hope-debut-say-no-video |title=Fort Hope debut Say No video |website=Kerrang! |date=7 November 2016 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.moshville.co.uk/tag/ryan-hamilton-the-traitors/ |title=Ryan Hamilton & The Traitors / Fort Hope – London Borderline |website=Moshville Times |date=24 September 2017 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref> Fort Hope parted ways with Virgin EMI in 2018. Following this period, the band reduced their public activity and focused on songwriting and studio work, a period that coincided with the wider disruption to live music during the COVID-19 pandemic.
=== Return and new releases (2022-present) ===
Fort Hope resumed activity in September 2022, announcing a series of live dates supporting LostAlone in December of that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.musicglue.com/lostalone/events/2022-12-16-lostalone-the-venue |title=LostAlone at The Venue, Derby |website=Music Glue |date=16 December 2022 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref> In August 2023, the band confirmed that Peter Oliver, a long-time collaborator, had joined as a full member. They subsequently released the single "Powers" in September 2023, followed by "Sandbags". In March 2024, Fort Hope released the EP ''Palaces Palaces''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vinylfantasyreviews.co.uk/2024/03/03/ep-review-fort-hope-palaces-palaces/ |title=EP Review: Fort Hope – Palaces Palaces |website=Vinyl Fantasy Reviews |date=3 March 2024 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref> Around this period, the band returned to live performance, undertaking a UK tour and performing headline shows, including dates in London.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzmag.co.uk/fort-hope-live-review-cardiff/ |title=Fort Hope deliver relentless alt-rock energy to Cardiff crowd |website=Buzz Magazine |date=15 March 2024 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://hopeandanchor.info/facebook-event/sjm-concerts-presents-fort-hope/ |title=SJM Concerts presents Fort Hope |website=Hope and Anchor |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref> In December 2025, Fort Hope toured as special guests on Call Me Amour’s UK headline tour, appearing alongside additional support acts including Royals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.outofrage.net/post/live-from-the-pit-call-me-amour-fort-hope-and-royals |title=LIVE FROM THE PIT: Call Me Amour, Fort Hope and Royals |website=Out of Rage |date=17 December 2025 |access-date=28 May 2026 }}</ref>
The band returned to the studio in 2026 to write and record further material.
== Members ==
=== Current === * Jon Gaskin – vocals, guitar, piano <small>(2013–present)</small> * Jamie Nicholls – drums <small>(2013–present)</small> * Simon Rowlands – bass guitar <small>(2013–present)</small> * Peter Oliver – guitar <small>(2015–present) </small>
=== Unofficial members === * Matthew Whelan – guitar <small>(2014–2015)</small>
=== Previous members === * Ande D'Mello – guitar <small>(2013–2015)</small>
== Discography == {{Infobox artist discography | Artist = Fort Hope | Studio = 1 | Live = | Compilation = | Video = | Music videos = 7 | EP = 6 | Singles = 3 | Option = 1 | Option name = Mini-albums }}
=== Albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! Title ! Album details |- ! scope="row" |''The Flood Flowers (Vol. 1)'' | * Release: 16 June 2017 * Label: EMI Records * Formats: CD, download |}
=== Mini-albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! rowspan=2|Title ! rowspan=2|Album details ! Peak chart positions |- |style="width:3em;font-size:75%;text-align:center;"|'''UK<br />Rock''' |- ! scope="row"|''Courage'' | * Release: 11 May 2014 * Label: LAB Records * Formats: CD, download | style="text-align:center;"|8<ref name="Courage chart position UK Rock">{{cite web|title=2014 Top 40 Rock & Metal Albums Archive 24th May 2014|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-albums-chart/20140518/112/|website=Official Charts Company|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> |}
=== EPs === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! Title ! Album details |- ! scope="row"|''The Future's in Our Hearts'' | * Release: 24 June 2013 * Label: Self-released * Formats: CD |- ! scope="row"|''Choices'' | * Release: 12 November 2013 * Label: Self-released * Formats: Download |- ! scope="row"|''Fort Hope'' | * Release: 8 February 2015 * Label: LAB Records * Formats: CD, Download |- ! scope="row"|''Manne of Lawe'' | * Release: 22 April 2016 * Label: Virgin EMI Records * Formats: Download, Vinyl |- ! scope="row"|''A r m u r e .'' | * Release: 2 December 2016 * Label: Virgin EMI Records * Formats: Download |- ! scope="row"|''Palaces Palaces'' | * Release: 1 March 2024 * Label: Self-released * Formats: Download |}
=== Singles === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! Title ! Year ! Album |- ! scope="row"|"Control" | 2013 | ''Courage'' |- ! scope="row"|"Plans" | 2015 | ''Fort Hope'' |- ! scope="row"|"That's The Way The River Flows" | 2016 | ''Manne Of Lawe EP'' |- ! scope="row"|"Powers" | 2023 | ''Powers'' |}
=== Music videos === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! Title ! Year ! Album |- ! scope="row"|"Control" | 2013 | rowspan=3| ''Courage'' |- ! scope="row"|"The Rapture" | rowspan=2| 2014 |- ! scope="row"|"New Life" |- ! scope="row"|"Plans" | rowspan="2" | 2015 | rowspan="2" | ''Fort Hope'' |- !scope="row"|"Skies" |- !scope="row"|"That's The Way The River Flows" | 2016 | ''Manne of Lawe'' |- !scope="row"|"Say No" | 2016 | ''A r m u r e'' |- !scope="row"|"The People Of The Lake" |2017 |The Flood Flowers (Vol. 1) |}
== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fort Hope}} Category:Musical groups established in 2013 Category:British musical trios Category:English rock music groups Category:2013 establishments in England Category:Musical groups from Hertfordshire