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blamed for anarchists attacks in Bristol, but this is a media portrayal of the punk scene that is now almost 40 years out of date.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! They can easily pack out Trinity these days, but Wych Elm wanna witch you up close and personal with this small-cap basement taste of their sublimely sinister slacker rock. Come support your local folk horror grungers, with bruised art punks Rabbit Vision + Slunk’s plaintive post-punk. Future icons incoming FFO: Mannequin Pussy, NewDad, Sonic Youth, Snail Mail, Hotline TNT. Wych elm + Rabbit Vision + Slunk + caitlin lamb at Cafe Kino.

Sell out warning! Your annual booster of sonic ritualism and spiritual liberation from psychedelic funk, hip-hop and Afro-punk luminaries BCUC. The Soweto seven-piece returns to Bristol on rapturous waves of adoration with a two date show due to ever-popular demand - don’t sleep on it. BCUC at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Pennsylvania’s Apes of the State worship the flickering flame of four-chord Americana at Loco Klub, spinning lyrical DIY folk punk tales of millennial malaise, temp jobs, and idle afternoons haunted by cosmic worries. Unmissable voice of a generation FFO: The Mountain Goats, Emperor X, Jeff Rosenstock, The Unicorns. Apes of the State at Loco Klub.

Rare AF visitation from 20 year matured LA psychobilly institution Rezurex: Danzig-grade horror punk howls, double bass-slappin’ ballistics and amphetamine Chuck Berry licks, all served with a Chicano twist. Day of the Dead deathhawks and leopard print action inside FFO: Nekromantix, Mad Sin, Tiger Army, Ghoultown, Hillbilly Moon Explosion. REZUREX + SinicTones at The Golden Lion.

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What our editors say

“Those who are down and out will hopefully get back on their feet again at some point. But where exactly does the point begin where things start to get better? Is it that clear-cut? Is the worst still ahead of you—or are you already well on the road to recovery? SHORELINE also ask themselves this question and dedicate an entire album to it: Is This The Low Point Or The Moment After? Their new songs undoubtedly propel the band from Münster to the peak of their creative powers: emo and hardcore meet a newfound passion for alternative rock, smart songwriting, and lyrics that go where it hurts.”
From: Shoreline

“Downloaded are a high-energy tribute band celebrating Download Festival, with a setlist packed full of crowd favourite songs from the festival’s biggest acts. Downloaded cover everything from pop punk to nu-metal, from Green Day to Slipknot, and everything in between. Experience the rush of Download Festival without the tent and muddy fields Exchange has a small ramp entrance from the street.”
From: Downloaded - Download Festival Tribute

“Get ready for some screamo @ Cafe Kino. London's miserable emo screamo punks INCASEYOULEAVE are coming down to Bristol, bringing twinkly guitars and panicked screaming. A regular headliner in London's screamo & post-hardcore scene, incaseyouleave have been on a meteoric trajectory following the release of their debut album 'Dedications to a Devoted Past'. Catch one of the hottest names in UK screamo in a 70 cap room.”
From: Incaseyouleave, Mountain Peaks & Gilded Cage

“never easy return to the UK & head into Europe for their first headline tour around their second album, 'I Still Care’. Bringing their biggest live show yet, they have spent the last year on the road making a name for themselves; high-energy sets which blend 2000s emo-inspired guitars, a combination of etheric & aggressive vocals, and hard-hitting drums. The Montreal band turns every show into a loud, cathartic release. This run sees them in their biggest rooms so far, with a production that pushes their raw dynamics & every cathartic moment up to a whole new level”
From: NEVER EASY

“DHP Presents: Seahaven With support from Carsick Seahaven are an indie rock/emo band formed in 2009 in Torrance, California, known for blending post-hardcore, dream pop, and punk elements. 7pm doors £20 Adv Exchange has a small ramp entrance from the street. Our bar and main event space are on the ground floor with level access throughout and we have an accessible toilet. If you need any other info on accessibility, please contact [email protected]”
From: Seahaven