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.

Buy tickets for rock events in Bristol

Our recent rock recommendations

Sell out warning! Early bets on the beatdown of the year, 2:1 on Sunami to pummel all contenders with their no-it’s-not-a-joke-anymore bada$$ bully crossover hxc. You’ve seen the news, so expect a bleeding lip or two (and don’t wear that fresh white tee). Fans of Terror, First Blood God’s Hate etc – you know the drill! Sunami at Shredenhams.

Woi oi! Iconic 'ardkore action incoming from the unrivaled Moving Shadow fold! Reinforced / Altern8 / Shut Up And Dance heads will already have their tickets of course. For everyone else: breakbeat ravestalgia doesn’t come much ruffer than 2 Bad Mice, chopping samples and bombing tha bass like it was the Second Summer of Love all over again. 2 Bad Mice + Friends at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Harakiri are the only band you need on your post-black sky chariot riding mix. Triumphant melody barely disguising soul-wrenching trauma, blistering blast-beats; BM purists beware, this is pure catharsis stitched with post-rock, post-hardcore, grunge and skramz DNA. With Denmark's impossibly mournful Sunken opening things up, ethereal awakenings await disciples of: Alcest, Deafheaven, Drudkh, WitTR. Harakiri for the Sky & Sunken at Strange Brew.

Sell out warning! You’ve never heard pipes like this! Queer futurism from visionary bagpiper Malin Lewis, playing self-made instruments and the world’s first wooden Lindsay Chanter. Malin channels their pipes and drones to form a layered, shifting sonic language that lives between binaries. Malin Lewis at The Jam Jar.

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What our editors say

“Known for their immersive and emotionally charged live performances, Neon Fields blend cinematic soundscapes, soaring vocals, powerful alternative rock and dark electronic textures into a captivating live experience. Following a string of acclaimed headline shows, the band bring their immersive set to Exchange, showcasing music from their forthcoming album alongside fan favourites.”
From: NEON FIELDS

“Ocean Grove Australian nu-metal band formed in Melbourne in 2010. Beyond the confines of genre or expectation, Melbourne’s Ocean Grove have morphed into an elite global force on the heavy music landscape. Boldly perched between nu metal, hardcore and alternative rock, Ocean Grove’s enigmatic artistry, ingenuity and sharp sonic identity collide into something entirely their own: Oddworld Music.”
From: Ocean Grove

“Thought Forms | Bristol experimental rock trio's first hometown show since 2023 . Thistle Sifter | Utrecht based cinematic post rock project of Pete Barnes . Qariaq | Math tinged art rock duo from Bristol”
From: Thought Forms

“Mother Vulture is a Bristol-based band known for an eclectic, high-energy blend of alternative punk, blues punk and hardcore rock. Described as "furious rock 'n' roll" with a "wild West Country" feel, their music combines heavy riffs with 90s alternative rock, eccentric tendencies, and intense, chaotic live performances.”
From: Mother Vulture

“Hayden Lloyd Hayden Lloyd, is an award winning, vibrant guitarist and singer/songwriter hailing from Trowbridge. Fronting his dynamic trio, Hayden brings forth a revitalising blend of classic blues and soul, infused with a contemporary alternative rock edge.”
From: Innes Sibun + Support