Punk Gigs in Bristol

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Bristol's Punk Scene

The longstanding, big-names in American punk have found home in many of Bristol’s large gig venues with The O2 Academy, The Fleece and Bristol Bierkeller catching the most footfall. The area around Old Market has undoubtedly built a renaissance of forward-thinking, British punk music. The Exchange and the Stag and Hounds are arguably leading the way with new, up and coming talent. Fans of the older punk scene can find tributes to bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols at The Tunnels, The Fleece and The Thunderbolt.

What is the link between punks and anarchism in bristol?

Bristol has a deep anarchist subculture with a local wing of the Anarchist Federation and world-famous bristol punk bands like the Pop Group. But what does an increase in local anarchist activity have to do with the Bristol punk scene? In truth, punks and anarchists might have had a closer link at the birth of the punk scene in 1977, but not all punks are anarchists and Vice versa. Many ‘punk’ looking people maybe be blamed for anarchists attacks in Bristol, but this is a media portrayal of the punk scene that is now almost 40 years out of date. Leave Bristol punks alone.

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Our recent punk recommendations

Sell out warning! Sonic ritualism and spiritual liberation through psych funk, hip-hop and Afro-punk legends-in-the-making BCUC. The Soweto seven-piece returns triumphantly to Bristol at the feverish demands of you, the people, after many many sell-out shows at their Jam Jar home. Do not miss this! BCUC + Not Soup at The Jam Jar.

No-bullshit straight edge hardcore busting outta Lima with anthemic energy and femme-powered PMA; giving the white macho scene a real ass-kicking. Plus the cops, the state, the church, the meat industry…. It’s time to take back control FFO: Youth of Today, 7 Seconds, No Warning, Fuerza de Voluntad. Tomar Control + Guests at Moor Beer Co.

The mighty queer forces of Punka and Wig In A Box join hands for a 13 hour celebration of the weird and the wonderful with alternative drag excellence from Boohoo Mann and Dominique Fleek, emotive crayola goth crooners BLED, fever dream sci-fi glam-rockers meets Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something + DJs, makers market and much much more. ALL OUT/ ALL DAYER at Exchange.

Urzah’s post-metal punishment has reached such epic proportions that we’re now just going to call them Bristol’s Neurosis. Get ye to the crypt on time for Gnasch’s piledriving sludge/noise brutalism + can someone just sign Necronomicunt already? Whopper FFO: Conjurer, Minsk, Mastodon, Khanate, Eyehategod, Indian. URZAH, GNASCH + NECRONOMICUNT at The Mount Without.

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What our editors say

“His extensive discography, including emotionally charged works like L’Humanité (a tribute to his late mother), the mellow, left-field mixtape TUMPIT (2025), and collaborative projects such as The Beautiful Malaise (2025) with Psychedelic Ensemble, fuses abstract hip-hop, post-hardcore, indie rock, punk and soul influences, showcasing his genre-defying versatility.”
From: mark william lewis + Tony Bontana

“We bring Sheffield Emo quartet 'Jetski' back to Bristol this September ! After having them support Macseal and Suds in Cardiff earlier in May we're delighted to have them play their cathartic and heartfelt emo tunes down in Exchange Basement. Special guests tba very soon”
From: Jetski

“Brighton-based quartet really big really clever have quickly cemented themselves as a vital force in the UK emo and grunge scene. Since their explosive debut in 2023, the band has turned heads with their dynamic sound and relentless energy. Releasing their debut LP via Beth Shalom Records (home to acts like itoldyouiwouldeatyou, Buds., and Regal Cheer) teaming up with producer Tom Hill, the record showcased a seamless blend of grunge, indie, punk, and emo, earning the band a growing legion of fans.”
From: 'really big really clever'

“For the first time in over a decade, New Jersey's emo trailblazers Armor For Sleep return to the UK to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their seminal album, What To Do When You Are Dead. Experience the album performed in its entirety!”
From: Armor For Sleep, HelloGoodbye & Vinnie Caruana

“Support comes in the shape of Grim Ravine bringing the filthiest doom/sludge along the South cost from Portsmouth; as well as Bristol's own Row of Ashes (post-hardcore sludge) who have recently signed with Road To Masochist.”
From: Blind Monarch x Warren Schoenbright