The Spitfires live at Thekla Bristol on 24 October 2025
Posted on: 12 Jun 2025They thought it was all over… but no sooner have up-front, no-nonsense nu-mod-resurrectionists, The Spitfires roared through their first run of comeback tour dates over the last two months, the revived four-piece announce a new album and six, new October tour dates with their latest single, Where Did We Go Wrong?.
As part of their upcoming tour they visit Bristol Thekla on Friday 24 October 2025 and tickets are £23 including booking fees.
GET TICKETS HERE
Echoing admirably motivated frontman and songwriter, Billy Sullivan’s life-long loves of The Clash, Elvis Costello and The Attractions and The Specials, the band’s sixth album, the aptly titled MKII is due to be released in the autumn. More reflective than ever, having initially split in 2022, Sullivan says that the album is “sounds refreshed and confident, ballsy but doesn’t mind showing a softer side and being reflective too.”. The release of the open-hearted Where Did We Go Wrong? after April’s anti-war anthem,Better The Devil You Know, suggests he is true to his word.
Ahead of those tour dates listed below, which open with a return to Manchester’s Gorilla on Fri 10 October, the band releases Where Did We Go Wrong? You can check out the dates and details below:
• Fri 10 October – Manchester, Gorilla
• Sat 11 October – Cambridge, Mash
• Sun 12 October – Brighton, Patterns
• Fri 17 October – Nottingham, Metronome
• Sat 18 October – Newcastle, The Grove
• Sat 24 October – Bristol, Thelka
Band Origins & Style
Formed in Watford in 2012, The Spitfires emerged as a four-piece known for blending punk, ska, reggae, soul, and mod influences.
Their sound, driven by punchy guitars, catchy melodies, and socially conscious lyrics, has often drawn comparisons to the likes of The Who, The Jam, and The Specials
Albums & Key Releases
Response (2015) and A Thousand Times (2016) both charted in the UK independent top 10
They reached #1 on the UK Vinyl Singles Chart with “So Long” in 2016
Notable singles include “The New Age” (2018) and more recently “Better The Devil You Know” (2025)
They also released a live EP from Hamburg (2018) and their final studio album Play For Today in 2022.
Themes & Lyrical Voice
Songwriter and frontman Billy Sullivan channels influences from mod and punk pioneers, tackling political and social issues—from war and economic hardship to modern identity.
Their tone remains direct, energetic, and introspective.
Split — and a Bold Return
In 2022, after a decade together, the original group announced their split following that Electric Ballroom gig.
But the story didn’t end there. Ahead of a 2025 comeback, Billy Sullivan reassembled the band with new members, ready to bring fresh energy and perspectives .
Latest & Upcoming
Their latest single, “Better The Devil You Know” (April 2025), is a bold, anthemic anti-war statement, inspired by global conflicts.
The release showcases their classic "nu?mod" sound, updated with contemporary relevance.
A new UK headline tour is underway, with dates at venues like O2 Academy Liverpool, Koko London, Thekla Bristol, plus trips to Germany and Dublin.
In Their Own Words (Billy Sullivan)
On the new single:
“It’s an anti?war song… it’s mental to me that we’re in the year 2025 and this stuff is still going on”
On influences and style:
“I think we all grew up listening to those bands and we couldn’t separate those roots from our music… punk and Mod. The attitude more than anything”
On being back with the band:
“The Spitfires haven’t released anything in over three years now so it’s exciting to finally get something back out there again.”
Article by:
Bristol born and bred despite the name, Brendan has been working in the digital media sector for the last 15 years and advertising for the last 25 years. A wealth of knowledge about the city and more importantly at how to help businesses get as much online exposure as possible. Call Brendan on 07876 735153 or email Brendan@365bristol.com.
