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blamed for anarchists attacks in Bristol, but this is a media portrayal of the punk scene that is now almost 40 years out of date.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

Cherished local four-piece Shoun Shoun erupt in Siouxsie-summoning battle cries, moody post-punk dirges and goth-cabaret theatrics. Propelled by a punishing rhythm section and thick plumes of goosebump-inducing distortion, this is uncompromising ferocity FFO: Savages, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gilla Band. Shoun Shoun at The Croft.

Fabulous and filthy queer pagan-punk ritualism takes over the Kino basement as anarchogoth provocateurs Rites of Hadda bring their sax-fuelled psychedelia to town. Augmented by Hermeticus’ noise-rock + new wave, dub and punk from DJ Pete Webb on the decks to keep the punk spirit burning. Rites of Hadda, Hermeticus, DJ Pete Webb at Cafe Kino.

Huge huge treat for the DIY indie scene as beloved lo-fi balladeer Perkie makes a rare live outing; their melodic anti-folk-meets-avant-pop is in prime company with ex-Sissy power-punk Leigh Arthur, Permapup’s tender-hearted twee pop and Dyke Mother’s emerging experimental grunge. Essential session FFO: Emmy the Great, Erica Freas, This Is The Kit, Darren Hayman, Trust Fund. Perkie, Leigh Arthur, Permapup, & Dyke Mother at Cafe Kino.

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.

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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