Lee Brennan, the band’s Carlisle‑born singer, explained: “Carlisle has always been so supportive from the very beginning – it was one of the first places we played back in 1995.
“We did our launch party at The Pagoda Nightclub.”
Exterior view of the Pagoda, Carlisle. (Image: Cumbrian Newspapers Limited)
911, made up of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable and Simon “Spike” Dawbarn, were formed in 1995 following a meeting through Carlisle’s CFM radio.
They went on to achieve international success, selling around 10 million records and earning 10 consecutive UK Top 10 singles.
Reflecting on the band’s journey, Brennan said 911 achieved their early ambitions, including a UK Number One single and a headline show at Wembley Arena.
They performed in stadiums in Singapore and built a dedicated fanbase across Europe and Asia.
“Performing around the world and meeting fans, those memories stay with you forever,” Lee said.
An archive image of 911. (Image: submitted)
Although Brennan still lives in Carlisle, he said returning to the Old Fire Station for the October 31, 2026, concert holds special meaning.
He said: “It’s insane – fans who were teenagers are now in their 40s with kids, and they’re still coming. It’s kind of like a friendship with many of them because we’ve known them for so long.
“We get a lot of messages from fans saying our songs helped them through school or difficult times.
“We’re only here because of them – it sounds cheesy, but it’s the truth.”
Lee Brenan and boy band 911 stops over in Carlisle on the Big Reunion tour with an array of re-united boy bands and singers. October 2014. (Image: DAVID HOLLINS)
911 will perform hits including Don’t Make Me Wait, A Little Bit More and Bodyshakin’ during a more intimate show.
The setlist has been shaped by fans, with Brennan and the band inviting requests on social media.
Lee said it will include album tracks that were never released as singles, packing in more than 20 songs a night and mixing fan favourites with album tracks, while sharing stories behind the music and videos
911 play The Sands Centre, Carlisle as part of their Illuminate tour after reforming for the TV show The Big Reunion: 16 March 2014 (Image: Stuart Walker)
He said: “We’re here because of the fans. Every night’s going to be about bringing back that nostalgia.”
Family and friends are also expected to be in the audience when 911 take the stage later this year.
“Reaching 30 years is a pretty big milestone, especially for a pop band, a lot of bands are in and out and never seen again. For us to still be around 30 years later… It’s brilliant, and we can’t wait to get on the road.” Lee said.
Tickets for the Old Fire Station show are available via the website here: https://www.ofscarlisle.co.uk/event-911-anniversary-tour.