An iconic live venue and staple of the Bristol music scene.
The O2 Academy leads the way in Bristol when it comes to top-drawer live acts. Located on Frogmore Street in the city centre, the venue has seen some of the world’s top artists on its stage over the years and continues to fill its programme with a huge mix of established and emerging talent.
Formerly an ABC cinema as part of a huge entertainment that also housed a casino and an ice rink in the 1970s, the space was turned into a club in 2000. Carling ran the venue until 2009, when O2 took the reigns and relaunched it as the O2 Academy Bristol.
The 1,600-capacity club is capable of hosting intimate gigs as well as unforgettable, explosive live shows, thanks to a tiered setup that ensures the whole crowd is close to the stage. At sold-out events the lower standing area gets hot and sweaty, with the upper decks allowing for some respite and providing alternative views.
Some of the UK’s all-time favourite acts have passed through over the years, with the likes of Gorillaz, Faithless, Ian Brown, Happy Mondays, Amy Winehouse, Foals, The Libertines and more. The venue is no stranger to exciting up-and-comers either, with Mercury Prize nominee slowthai, cult Aussie outfit The Chats and soulful singer-songwriter Nao all having played in 2019.
Not just a live venue, the O2 Academy hosts Ramshackle, a renowned club night, every Friday. Alongside their usual resident DJs, they’re known to throw huge theme parties and invite special guest artists from time to time. A firm favourite among new and returning students, Ramshackle is up there with the biggest and best club nights in the city.
Bristol’s continued lack of a purpose-built arena venue means the O2 Academy is, now and for the foreseeable future, the city’s go-to live music venue. It’s been the most attractive prospect in the South West for a number of world-renowned touring musicians for years, and Bristol quite simply would not be the same without it.
For more information or to find out what's coming up at the O2 Academy Bristol, head to their website.
Tags: O2 Academy Bristol, Bristol O2 Academy, Bristol Academy, Academy Bristol, Live Music, Gigs, Show, Comedy, Tour, Band, Concert, Club, Clubnight, Drinks, Venue, City Centre.