Bristol's Blues Events

Name: A Malaysian Inspired Evening
Start: 2026-11-14T19:00+00:00
End: 2026-11-14T22:00+00:00
Location: The Bristol Commonwealth Society

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Bristol's Blues Scene

Is blues music under-represented in Bristol?

While other American-originated music like funk and soul enjoy a huge number of acts and dedicated venues, where is the home of blues in Bristol? With its roots in the oppression of the black peoples of America, blues was transplanted over to the UK via white rock acts like the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. A quick browse of blues played on the BBC recently and tyhe Guardian’s list of the best blues festivals show some support for nearby Bath, but nothing for blues in Bristol. This begs the question: who will lead the new blues revival in Bristol?

Blues gigs in Bristol are found in pretty consistent venues with places like The Prom and the Thunderbolt popular live blues spots. Generally blues-rock seems more prominent in Bristol than traditional rhythm and blues bands or delta blues singers, although there is some really interesting stuff out there. Other venues to check for blues include the Cori Tap in Clifton and the Blue Lagoon on Gloucester Rd.

It's always worth looking at what's on at the Canteen in Bristol whose listings vary in style but are usually consistently high in quality - some potential blues gems there...

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Our recent blues recommendations

Sell out warning! Early bets on the beatdown of the year, 2:1 on Sunami to pummel all contenders with their no-it’s-not-a-joke-anymore bada$$ bully crossover hxc. You’ve seen the news, so expect a bleeding lip or two (and don’t wear that fresh white tee). Fans of Terror, First Blood God’s Hate etc – you know the drill! Sunami at Shredenhams.

Sell out warning! The Brownswood polymath / scene GOAT lends her exuberant electro-jazz sensibilities to the Miles canon in a supreme act of love. Emma pushes the King of Cool's electric era into deeper fusion territory with the 21st century wisdom of broken beat and footwork, cos we all know he was a junglist born too soon. A bonafide life-affirmer for all the Brainfeeders out there... Dear Miles – A Love Letter at Strange Brew.

Woi oi! Iconic 'ardkore action incoming from the unrivaled Moving Shadow fold! Reinforced / Altern8 / Shut Up And Dance heads will already have their tickets of course. For everyone else: breakbeat ravestalgia doesn’t come much ruffer than 2 Bad Mice, chopping samples and bombing tha bass like it was the Second Summer of Love all over again. 2 Bad Mice + Friends at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Harakiri are the only band you need on your post-black sky chariot riding mix. Triumphant melody barely disguising soul-wrenching trauma, blistering blast-beats; BM purists beware, this is pure catharsis stitched with post-rock, post-hardcore, grunge and skramz DNA. With Denmark's impossibly mournful Sunken opening things up, ethereal awakenings await disciples of: Alcest, Deafheaven, Drudkh, WitTR. Harakiri for the Sky & Sunken at Strange Brew.

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What our editors say

“Transatlantic folk band The Magpies are quickly becoming one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the contemporary roots scene. Combining sublime harmonies with exquisite musicianship and impressive songwriting, The Magpies traverse Anglo and American roots, drawing inspiration from traditional Celtic folk, bluegrass and Appalachian trails, to create an effortless melting pot of music. ”
From: The Magpies Album Launch

“Supporting the duo will be Bristol’s own bluegrass mavericks Stillhaüs, who have been hitting stages, bringing their own brand of stomping hollering music for the past couple of years. Combining riotus upbeat songs, heartfelt ballads and waltzes, and death defying instrumental fiddle tunes, Stillhaüs bring something for everyone.”
From: Gilmore & Roberts + Stillhaüs

“Funke and the Two Tone Baby is a truly unique artiste. Designing music on a machine of his own creation whilst playing a genre and sound that is totally his own. Jammed between off-kilter garage beats with a flash of hip-hop, and high energy alternative blues with a dose of funk, is a whirling blur of glitches, big drops and jump up choruses. It’s Fatboy Slim meets The White Stripes via LCD Soundsystem and a smattering of IDLES to boot. No one is making music in this way or in this style, and those who know, know, and those who don’t are surely missing out.”
From: Funke and The Two Tone Baby

“SUPPORT - Carniepunks play 'Acid-crypt swamp-punkadelia'. They channel the spirits of early post-punk bands such as Killing Joke, Bauhaus and The Birthday Party and the deranged psychedelic blues of Dr John the Night Tripper. Carniepunks excavate the ghosts of their birthplace's dark heart in drum-heavy songs spiked with a tincture of dread. The fetid Avon delta is a cursed place full of bad magic.”
From: The Fallen Leaves + Carniepunks + The Lone Sharks

“Eli Paperboy Reed has established himself as one of the leading figures in the modern soul revival, earning acclaim for his passionate vocals, vintage sound, and deep respect for the traditions of Southern soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, and blues.”
From: Eli Paperboy Reed