A pioneering punk force are descending on Bristol in October

A pioneering punk force are descending on Bristol in October

Posted on: 03 Aug 2023

Formed in Leeds way back in 1976, Gang of Four are seen worldwide as one of punk’s great innovators – and they’re coming to Bristol this autumn!

 

Gang of Four will drop by O2 Academy Bristol on Saturday 7 October 2023.

 

The four-piece always stood apart from their contemporaries, inverting the blunt and explosive aspects of punk, instead exploring tense rhythms, percussive guitars and lyricism informed by Marxist theory and situationism. Now, almost 50 years on from their formation, the gang are back.

 

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

 

With their debut studio album, Entertainment!, released in 1979, Gang of Four are veritable punk veterans. They immediately caught the attention of UK music lovers, receiving widespread critical acclaim thanks to their unique and deeply political output.

 

The record’s success was followed by the band’s first US tour and, having already established themselves as one of the UK’s most radical acts, the four-piece’s astonishing success continues with their 1982 effort, Songs of the Free, proving a hit across the pond.

 

Their firm, funky rhythms; jagged guitar; blunt vocals and challenging lyrics that actively challenged punk’s tendency for sloganeering rallied against the traditional “rock band” format, an attitude that owed much to the group’s interest in the avant-garde.

Gang of Four have made a lasting impact on music with legendary artists such as Fugazi, Nirvana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rage Against The Machine and Radiohead all counting Gang of Four amongst their key influences.

 

Now, nearly 50 years after the band first formed, Gang of Four are back doing what they do best with original members Jon King and Hugo Burnham joined on stage by returning member Sara Lee as well as David Pajo of cult post rock band, Slint.

 

Autumn will see the gang embark on a limited UK tour with shows planned for Leeds, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham and London before it reaches its climax in Bristol. Tour support comes from Miki Berenyi and Hallan.

 

 

Gang of Four will drop by O2 Academy Bristol on Saturday 7 October 2023 – secure your tickets HERE.

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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.