Punk Gigs in Bristol

upcoming gig

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blamed for anarchists attacks in Bristol, but this is a media portrayal of the punk scene that is now almost 40 years out of date.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! Activist, comedian and radical troubadour Grace Petrie brings her unique brand of fist-in-the-air protest folk to the Trinity, examining social and political issues of austerity-ravaged modern Britain with Bragg-approved anthems of solidarity and solace. Big FFO: Frank Turner, Laura Jane Grace, Kirsty MacColl, Onsind, Mischief Brew. Grace Petrie at The Trinity Centre.

Sell out warning! Heavy AF Bristol debut from righteously rageful and radically vital queer metal-punks HIRS Collective, providing the necessary soundtrack to revolt against fascism, oppression and capitalist individualism. Trans, queer and POC to the front; see you in the pit. FFO: Chat Pile, Couch Slut, Soul Glo, Thou. HIRS Collective , CGG, Tension + Uncertainty at Strange Brew.

Sell out warning! Strange Brew are truly spoiling us with this magnificent double-bill! NTS Early Bird angel and folkloric dream-pop experimentalist Maria Somerville meets avant-garde supergroup Good Sad Happy Bad - the woozy art-rock project Mica Levi reformed from the ashes of Micachu. Seriously unmissable FFO: Relaxin’ Records, James K, Moin, Grouper, Space Afrika, AD93. Good Sad Happy Bad + Maria Somerville at Strange Brew.

Free entry! Tonight, Mikhail, the Lanes is going to be…. the Leningrad Rock Club. London-based cover collective Soviet Underground replicate the sound of 80s Russia’s musical revolution and the legendary bands that leapt from Western rock-imitating subcultural secret to mainstream phenomena. Unique and unmissable. Sounds of Soviet Underground at The Lanes.

What our editors say

“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

“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

“SLACKRR are easily one of the most talked-about bands to have emerged from the UK underground scene in recent years. The pop punk trio are armed with huge sing-along choruses combined with big danceable riffs and heartfelt, relatable lyrics covering day-to-day life, mental health awareness whilst echoing their message of hope for the future and an energetic, chaotic and fun live show. High profile festival appearances such as Isle of Wight Festival, The Fest (USA) Rebellion Punk Festival, SBAM Fest and Punk Rock Holiday has lead to high praise from the likes of BBC Radio One, Kerrang! Rock Sound and a feature on Sony Playstation video game VR Skater.”
From: Slackrr

““Formed in 2009 in the suburbs of central Massachusetts, The Hotelier is an emo band which over 3 albums have explored the subjects of power, potential, and purpose of individuals and their relationships to their histories and each other. The Hotelier is currently playing shows in celebration of their second album ‘Home, Like Noplace Is There’ which turns 10 years old in 2024."”
From: The Hotelier + Dancer

“Welcoming experimental club maverick aya back to Briz for a live set in celebration of her MENTAL upcoming LP ‘hexed!’ (out March on Hyperdub), melding the sprawling bifurcations of soundsystem culture with delocalised internet muzack and post-hardcore lamentations. After the heavyweight rave revelry b2b with k means for SNOG in 2023 and playing at the huuge PTS show with DJ Ramon Sucesso show last year, we are so xcited to host her return to Avon.”
From: aya