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blamed for anarchists attacks in Bristol, but this is a media portrayal of the punk scene that is now almost 40 years out of date.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

Biiiig find for fans of the Windmill scene avant-garde as breakout Belfastian noise boys Stratford Rise take the wheel for the latest Cellar Door. Jostling in the backseat: warm-blooded power-emos Pushbike, grubby dance-punks Why Horses?, fried dream-rockers New Build and Bristol’s own art pop oddities The Scuttlers, PLUS a multimedia showcase for good measure. Stacked! Stratford Rise at The Louisiana.

Wayne Snow’s Afrofuturist neo-soul and richly textured R&B are deeply shaped by icons like Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Sade, Sun Ra, and King Sunny Adé. Expect glowing falsetto, cinematic atmospheres, and lulling club grooves that stir the spirit and soothe the spirit. Wayne Snow at The Jam Jar.

The most psychotropic entry in the modern post-kraut-dub-punk canon, Société Étrange’s propulsive wormholes echo into infinity alongside Megabasse’s celestial double-knecked guitar hymnals. Another giddy crest of the underground Schwetwave FFO: Holy Tongue, African Head Charge, Can, Roy Montgomery, Efficient Space. Schwet with Société Étrange, Megabasse and Regina Collage at Strange Brew.

We’re veeery here for Kino’s scene-saving new run of DIY punk shows for barely the price of a pint. Storming the basement this round: amp-blown Hanna-channelling femme rage from The Dollies, howling pync Cymraeg from Sold For Parts + glam garage newbies Quick Romance for starters. Mandatory FFO: Hole, Bad Cop Bad Cop, Team Dresch, Big Joanie, X-Ray Spex. The Dollies + Sold For Parts + Quick Romance at Cafe Kino.

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What our editors say

“After a successful first tour of the UK in 2022, the beloved Ohio based indie-emo quartet Remember Sports return in support of their new album The Refrigerator, their first album release since Like A Stone in 2021.”
From: Remember Sports

“The East Anglian based four-piece, known for their vivid lyricism and warm midwest emo tinged folk, follow 2023’s debut album The Great Overgrowth, with their most confessional work to date. An emotionally raw but confident collection of songs that have all of the great SUDS hallmarks: hope, charm, and a penchant for storytelling all while reflecting on personal challenges and the resilience of their friendship.”
From: Suds

“Funeral is a post-hardcore / emo band from Plymouth, they fuse melodic emo with hardcore and with their raw, high energy performances and deep cutting emotional lyrics, Funeral are bringing a fresh sound to the south west. They are also busy recording their debut ep which will be out in October.”
From: Mishikui

“They are joined by Atlas Theory, an emotionally charged outfit from Wales who weave together post-hardcore, metalcore and emo. After featuring on BBC Radio One Introducing, as well as the lineups of a number of festivals throughout 2025, Atlas Theory are not one to miss.”
From: Held under. + Smiling Politely + Atlas Theory + falselove

“A full-venue takeover across 3 floors with a special multi-media exhibition in the cellar. The night features Stratford Rise (noise-rock from Belfast), Pushbike (emo power pop), Why Horses? (post-punk/dance-punk), Newbuild (dream pop and noise-infused hyper-rock), and Bristol's sweethearts - The Scuttlers (art-rock).”
From: Stratford Rise