Rock Gigs in Bristol

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Bristol's Rock Scene

With so many artists jumping ship in favour of more fashionable genre name, it's always amazing to see how much falls under the 'rock' umbrella. Classic rock venues in Bristol include The O2 Academy and The Fleece.

Have Idles put Bristol rock music back on the map?

Idles have put Bristol rock music back on everyone’s mind, but they’re just one of the talented Bristol rock bands who have the nation’s attention. While more retro rock gigs like Let’s Rock Bristol festival and rock and metal cover bands at the Fleece and Beerkeller (RIP), make Bristol’s rock scene look 80s focused, the List of current bands in Bristol is long. Bands like Heavy Lungs, Stolen Body record their own brand of psychedelic rock (including the popular yearl Bristol Psych Fest). For those who love to rock: Bristol’s live music scene salutes you.

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Our recent rock 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. With Grubbing and Phlegmonade

Man The Schizophonics can reeeeeally kick out the jams. Every new generation needs their own injection of the MC5’s riot-igniting garage-soul, and this is ours. Burn the flags, burn the borders, unbolt the doors, this must be the 9th Summer of Love FFO: The Dirtbombs, The Sonics, Nuggets, The White Stripes, Thunderpussy. A new night curated by Bruno Bof & Strange Brew showcasing the most explosive live performers out there. Where mediocrity is the common enemy! Headlined by rambunctious California garage rockers The Schizophonics and Brighton quasi-egg-punkers Top Left Club

Another year, another audiovisual Halloween spectacular from Cellar Door, with twisted rockabilly punks Honk helming the hoedown – a prime slab of swampy, country-fried Mancunian garage FFO: The Gun Club, Country Teasers, early Jay Reatard etc. Loaded with support from new synth-addled psych oddities Ya Hablo, Brighton glam punks Austen Showers and moody indie folkers Dogsbody. HAUNTED HONKY TONK

Reverb-drenched riders of the apocalyptic haze, London-based five-piece The Confederate Dead summon drone-laced guitar voyages out of of pulsing waves and elliptical loops. Step into the silken heat! FFO: Galaxie 500, Spiritualized, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, staring into the void. Confederate Dead, Lamears + Barbican

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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

“Crash Test Dummies is one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music history. The alternative rock band is a three-time Grammy-nominated and JUNO award-winning group, who soared to the top of the worldwide charts in the early 1990’s with hits “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman’s Song”. Their cover of “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” was a highlight of the soundtrack to the blockbuster film, “Dumb and Dumber”, while simultaneously reaching #4 on the US Top 100 album charts. They have remained true to the same folk-hued, alternative spirit of their early sound, centered around the distinct baritone of frontman Brad Roberts and Ellen Reid’s folk rock fusion.”
From: Crash Test Dummies

“DHP presents Uncle Lucius + special guests Monday 31st August 19:00 - 22:30 Uncle Lucius is an Austin, Texas-based band that delivers a soulful fusion of Americana, classic rock, blues and country. Tickets sold by Strange Brew on behalf of the promoter, DHP. All ticket revenue belongs to the promoter.”
From: Uncle Lucius