Headfirst brings you the best R&B events in Bristol. Whatever kind of R&B you're into - from cheesy classics to contemporary tearjerkers - Bristol has everything you need. Many of the biggest R&B acts regularly tour the city, if you're looking for a live gig. Key venues like Colston Hall, Trinity Centre and the O2 Academy host concerts from larger international acts.
Or if you're a less discerning R&B head, clubs like Popworld and Bunker and nights like Bump N Grind at Thekla cater to locals and students who just want to hear the hits (think Destiny's Child, Blu Cantrell, Sisqo and all the classics). These places are heaving all week round so you need never go without your R&B fix (or listen alone in your room).
Bristol is a great city for all music so it's no surprise your R&B tasts will be well catered for.
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What our editors say
“The album’s connective tissue is a knack for crafty, tongue-in-cheek pop melodies and the kind of plucky storytelling that chronicles the greater complexities of life – chapters where strife and survival are usually rife. The R&B-inflected “Louis wont break”, for example, references Laura Hillenbrand's novel Unbroken, which tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star turned fighter pilot who spent 47 days on a raft at sea and two and a half years in a Japanese POW camp.”
From: MOCK MEDIA
“Lebo - Whether accompanied by afrobeat rhythms or drum machine patterns, Lebo never fails to centre his songs around the piano-heavy structure of a ballad. His warm, soulful vocals are juxtaposed by distinct melancholic lyricism, and often these chord progressions nod to Classic Latin style harmony. Lebo creates alternative R&B with depth and emotion.”
From: TX Headline Show 2024
“South Carolina-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Darius Rucker first rose to prominence in the mid-’90s as the charismatic frontman of celebrated roots-rock band Hootie & the Blowfish before kickstarting a successful solo career in 2001 spanning everything from R&B, pop, rock and country.”
From: Starting Fires Tour
“Throughout her career, she has explored many different styles and approaches, never staying too long in any one spot, while showing mastery of each one she attempted. After these arty diversions, Weaver returned in 2021 with Flock, an album that had familiar elements, but also introduced stomping glam-rock, spaced-out funk, and soft R&B sounds to the mix.”
From: Jane Weaver
“'The Affair' is a collective of exceptionally talented individuals, comprising Daisy Russell, Theo Ellis, Keno Decosta (Sounds of Harlowe), and Dan Plimmer (Dr Meaker). Drawing inspiration from musical legends such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, and Anderson Paak, O.Love and The Affair effortlessly blend future funk, R&B, pop, and neo-soul to create a truly unique and captivating sound.”
From: O.Love & The Affair