Pet Needs live at Thekla in Bristol on 29 November 2025

Posted on: 05 Nov 2025

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Pet Needs, a punk and melodic-punk band from Colchester, Essex will be live at Bristol's Thekla on Saturday 29 November 2025. The core of the band are brothers Johnny Marriott (vocals, lyrics) and George Marriott (guitar). The project began when George moved to Colchester and stayed on Johnny’s sofa — they started writing songs together, and the partnership grew into Pet Needs. The current lineup also includes Jack Lock on drums and Ryan Sharman on bass.

GET TICKETS HERE

Their sound has been described as “fractured party music” — energetic, emotional, and full of singalong choruses. The band blends fun, chaos, and self-reflection in equal measure. Their influences span a wide range, including PUP, Against Me!, Green Day, The Hives, The Bouncing Souls, Jamie T, Art Brut, La Dispute, Idles, and Yard Act.

Discography and Progress

Pet Needs’ debut album, Fractured Party Music, was released on Xtra Mile Recordings, mixed and mastered by Frank Turner, who has been a strong supporter of the band. Their second record, Primetime Entertainment, pushed their sound further while retaining their punk roots.

More recently, Pet Needs have been teasing new material and touring extensively. Their band name famously came from a cat-food label — Johnny Marriott once saw “Your pet needs to be fed twice a day” on a tin and thought it would make a great name.

Johnny Marriott is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about life on the road and the pressures of performing. He serves as a patron for the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine.

The Grit and Glory of Their Live Show

Pet Needs are widely regarded as a must-see live act. Their shows are fast, sweaty, and full of connection. The band thrive on audience participation, transforming their gigs into communal experiences rather than just performances.

Their lyrics often explore relatable themes — daily stress, identity, self-doubt, and the strange balance between chaos and joy. Fans describe their concerts as euphoric and inclusive, with moments of reflection between the noise.

The dynamic between the Marriott brothers gives the live show extra bite — their creative tension fuels their on-stage chemistry and makes for honest, heartfelt performances.

Expect high tempos, raw emotion, and singalong moments that blur the line between stage and audience.

The Bristol Date: 29 November 2025 at Thekla

Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Venue: Thekla, Bristol
Doors: 6:30 pm
Age restriction: 14+
Support acts: Carsick and Samantics
Tickets: £20.04 including booking fees - get tickets here.

Thekla is one of Bristol’s most iconic venues — a music club and gig space built inside a converted cargo ship moored in the city’s harbour. It’s known for its intimate, underground atmosphere and strong history of hosting punk, indie, and alternative acts.

Given its layout and size, expect this show to be loud, sweaty, and personal — exactly the right environment for Pet Needs’ brand of melodic punk energy.

What to Expect and Why It Matters

This gig is part of Pet Needs’ continuing rise on the UK punk scene. They’ve spent the past few years touring hard, writing new material, and building a dedicated following.

Fans can expect songs from both Fractured Party Music and Primetime Entertainment, alongside possible new material that hints at where the band are heading next.

You can look forward to:

High-energy punk from start to finish

Genuine crowd interaction and singalong moments

Honest emotion and stories from the road

A sense of belonging and release that only comes from live punk shows

For fans of modern punk with heart — the kind that combines chaos, humour, and honesty — Pet Needs’ gig at Thekla promises to be one of the highlights of Bristol’s late-2025 live calendar.

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