Top 15 gigs not to be missed in 2023 (July – December)

Top 15 gigs not to be missed in 2023 (July – December)

Posted on: 03 May 2023

From the O2 Academy to The Marble Factory, Bristol is home to several massive music venues all of which regularly host the biggest artists from the UK and further afield.

 

Who would have thought it? We’re already approaching the halfway point of 2023 and, as Bristol’s live music schedule gets more and more busy, we’ve rounded up our picks for the final six months of the year.

 

Here are 365Bristol’s picks for the best live gigs of 2023 (the second half) …

 

Tinariwen | SWX, Saturday 15 July

 

Formed in 1979 on the borders of Mali and Algeria, Tinariwen are known the world over for their pioneering style, singlehandedly inventing the “assouf” guitar technique. Addressing the Tuareg people’s preoccupations with songs that mix traditional West African and Arab music with blues, folk and more, this is sure to be a show unlike no other. 

PiL | O2 Academy Bristol, Thursday 28 July

 

July sees Public Image Ltd. return to Bristol to tour their long-awaited eleventh studio album, End of World. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most innovative and influential bands of all time, PiL is the music vessel of ex-Sex Pistol John Lydon - better known as Johnny Rotten. We expect an impressive crowd of old-school punks for this one!

Georgia: live and signing | Rough Trade Bristol, Saturday 29 July 

 

Next up is an exciting in-store performance and signing from Loindon-based vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Georgia. With her passionate songs of heartache that explore the outer reaches of grime, post-punk and house, this unique event will celebrate the release of Georgia’s new album, Euphoric.

GAG | Exchange, Tuesday 1 August

 

Kicking off August at Exchange is a night of punk/hardcore headlined by GAG, one of the most beloved US hardcore bands of the moment. Support comes from Brighton hardcore outfit Plastics and up-and-coming local band Vibration Boys – we’ll see you in the pit!

R.A.P. Ferreira | Crofters Rights, Monday 14 August 

 

R.A.P. Ferreira fka Milo aka scallops hotel is an MC, producer and theorist known as one of the American rap scene’s most intrinsically experimental artists. With a limitless, sprawling catalogue and an uncompromising flow, you’d be foolish to sleep on the Tennessee-based artist.

The Hoosiers | Thekla, Thursday 28 September 

 

Known for smash hit singles such as ‘Goodbye Mr A’ and ‘Worried About Ray’, the indie pop tour de force, originally from Reading, formed while on an American road trip. Now back with a brand-new record, Confidence, this is your chance to party like it’s 2007.

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs | SWX, Friday 29 September

 

Known for their sludgy brand of doom metal, Pigs x7 are sure to put on a raucous show when they take over SWX in September. The Newcastle-upon-Tyne outfit have long been a critic favourite and, with their fourth album released earlier this year, the frenzied five-piece are taking to the road.

Squid | SWX, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October

 

Bristol-based favourites Squid are back with their sophomore album, O Monolith, the follow-up to 2021’s critically acclaimed debut Bright Green Field. Music fans can expect a set teeming with melodic epiphanies and layered sound that is dense and tricksy from the much-loved art-rock quintet.

Wheatus | Thekla, Sunday 15 October

 

While teenage years are fleeting, ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is for life with Wheatus’ debut single making a cultural splash once more thanks to TikTok. The ‘Teenage Dirtbag photos’ trend has been embraced by 1 million people including celebrities like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Mark Ruffalo and Lil Nas X. Now, the band behind the track are coming to Bristol’s famous boat!

McFly | O2 Academy Bristol, Monday 23 October

 

Prepare yourself for a throwback because McFly are back – bigger and bolder than ever – with a brand-new album entitled Power To Play. Two decades into their prestigious career, Bristolian music fans can expect plenty of their signature hair metal cheese, glam rock glitter and punk snottiness, all wrapped up in a carefree, cartoonish shell.

Maisie Peters | O2 Academy Bristol, Wednesday 1 November

 

Maisie Peters has developed into a true force to be reckoned with in recent times, with the singer-songwriter’s relatable, diary entry songs racking up over half a billion streams worldwide. Having won over the likes of Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Sam Smith, Peters is heading to Bristol in November! 

The Sisters Of Mercy | Marble Factory, Wednesday 15 November

 

1980s goth rock’s prime movers, The Sisters of Mercy, are dropping by Bristol in November. A dark rock institution for over four decades, the project band is the sonic vessel of experienced frontman Andrew Eldritch and his beloved drum machine, Doktor Avalanche.

Yazmin Lacey | Strange Brew, Monday 27 November

 

Yazmin Lacey is a singer-songwriter who knows something about coming into her own. She came to music late, as if by fate. Her musical style is difficult to pin down, an amalgamation of soul, jazz and a whole lot more. An instantly charming performer, Lacey is sure to wow a heaving Strange Brew crowd.

Ashnikko | Marble Factory, Saturday 9 December

 

Our penultimate pick is pop disruptor Ashnikko, whose bold, genre-blending sound transports her listeners into a dystopian universe that acts as a poetic commentary on environmental disaster and the rapid evolution of technology. Ashnikko is sure to put on a weird and wonderful show when she comes to Bristol in December.

 

This show is SOLD OUT, however, keep an eye on the event page for more information.

Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party | O2 Academy Bristol, Saturday 16 December

 

Finally, Bristol music lovers should get ready for a festive funk and soul house party with the one and only Craig Charles. Gain insight into Craig’s living room as he delves into his extensive record collection to bring you groove bangers, and exclusive funk and soul cuts that are sure to fill the dancefloor.

Read more:

 

Article by:

Stanley Gray

Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.