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blamed for anarchists attacks in Bristol, but this is a media portrayal of the punk scene that is now almost 40 years out of date.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

Buy tickets for punk events in Bristol

Our recent punk recommendations

Sell out warning! If you’ve had your ears to the gutters of Bristol these last 12 years, you would’ve heard the gentle throb of Schwet aligning with your heart flutters. Self-identifying sonic freaks, make your way to the checkout please. Schwetfest 12.0 at Strange Brew.

Sell out warning! Torrential powerviolence, thy name is Iron Lung. The definitive duo for 50 second crust whiplashes and deranged sludgecore return after a decade’s silence, and it’s kinda a big deal! Plus the sandpaper abrasion of Bad Breeding’s hxc death-knell, cos Shitty Futures would never short-change ya. Historic FFO: Iron Lung Recs, Man Is the Bastard, Despise You, Dystopia, Spazz, Gag, Bib. IRON LUNG , BAD BREEDING, HEZ and MONOLITHIAN at Exchange.

Incomparable alien balladry taking the fragile beauty of Arthur Russell, Nick Drake or Chet Baker and pairing it with singular guitar gurgles and synth wheezes. Eric Chenaux’s an unmissable astral treasure. Eric Chenaux & RÓIS at The Cube.

Sell out warning! Japanese power-poppers Shonen Knife were once Cobain-beloved cult faves bringing girl group sunshine to an era of sour-faced grunge hegemony. These days they’re a 40-year-strong bona fide institution, with a sprawling back catalogue of idiosyncratic rock covers and bubblegum punk bops. Timeless, unstoppable! FFO: The Muffs, The Ramones, Otoboke Beaver. Shonen Knife at Exchange.

What our editors say

“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

“Turnover is an exciting force in the alternative music scene hailing from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Formed in 2009, this vibrant band consists of passionate musicians who have consistently pushed the boundaries of their genre. With their unique blend of emo and dream pop, they have captivated the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Turnover’s sound is characterized by its ethereal melodies, introspective lyrics, and lush instrumentation, which together create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience. Over the years, they’ve released an impressive discography, with vinyl enthusiasts particularly celebrating their gorgeous pressings and special editions.”
From: Turnover - 10 years of Peripheral Vision

“Parkii has been creeping through Bristol and the South West over the past year. Consistently gigging and making a name for himself within the emo/shoegaze or “shoemo”scene. Off the back of his ep release “not everyone can be cool” and bringing Leo (bass) and Jude (drums) into his world, his music has become heavier, gloomier as he finds himself more and more hopeless, broken, lonely. His first record "Somehow I manage", coming soon....”
From: thistle. + The Young Hearts + Pushbike + Parkii

“Get ready for surprises, party games, and shenanigans that will keep the energy flowing all night long. So, where are all my emo hearts at? It’s time to celebrate the music that defines us. Let’s keep the spirit of Pop Punk alive and show the world it truly wasn’t just a phase! See you on the dance floor!”
From: Pop Punk Party

“Corporate Retreat is a Bristol Emo supergroup formed by underground favourites Leonardo Lemuel and Gunkus. Blending raw emotion with walls of sound, their music draws from Midwest emo, shoegaze, indie folk and punk. It’s shouting, it’s thrashing, it’s catharsis—Corporate Retreat is the kind of band that makes you feel sad in the best possible way. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the Bristol Emo scene or just discovering them, this is the band to watch.”
From: Corporate Retreat