Want to attend more concerts this year? Look no further than this list of the best gigs coming to Bristol in the next 12 months!
The Last Dinner Party
Just 6 days after the release of their debut album, The Last Dinner Party will play an intimate set at Rough Trade on the 8th of February. Named the Brit Award’s 2023’s rising stars and BBC’s sound of 2024, they are one to watch this year. With Abigail Morris’ electric stage presence combined with their theatrical jaunty songs, it’s sure to be a memorable evening. Be sure to catch them at this exclusive gig, because before long I’m sure they’ll be playing to huge crowds. The song I’m most excited to hear live is ‘Nothing Matters’ because of its fun and upbeat energy.
The vaccines
A month after the release of their 6th album, The Vaccines will play Bristol O2 Academy on the 15th of February. With their setlist jam-packed with indie classics such as ‘Post Break-up Sex’ and ‘If You Wanna’, it’s sure to be an energetic performance. It will be a night full of anthemic indie rock, high energy, and explosive hits. The song I’m most excited to hear live is ‘Norgaard’, a song I’m sure the crowd will know every lyric for.
Raye
Raye will play the Bristol O2 Academy on the 21st of February. With hard-hitting sultry lyrics, she carries the torch of Amy Winehouse forward in her somewhat vulnerable, yet confident performances. She tackles a wide range of tough subjects packaged in R&B-infused jazz. Her viral hit ‘Escapism’, which is sure to be a crowd pleaser, tells the story of the aftermath of a breakup. Her vivid imagery combined with her natural ability to command a stage, is sure to make this a night to remember. The song I’m most looking forward to hearing is ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ which showcases her amazing vocals.
FIZZ
Supergroup Fizz, made up of Orla Gartland, Dodie Clark, Greta Isaac, and Martin Luke Brown, will play at SWX on the 27th of February on their first headline tour. Their psychedelic pop sound combines the talents of all four members to create a whimsical and atmospheric album. If you like harmonies and layered vocals, Fizz is definitely the band for you. They hinted on Instagram, that they will also play some of their solo songs, something long-term fans will be happy to hear. With wacky outfits and eccentric lyrics, Fizz puts on a captivating performance. The song I’m most looking forward to hearing is ‘Strawberry Jam’ because of its epic build-up from light airy vocals to powerful belting.
Holly humberstone
Touring her 2023 debut album, ‘Paint My Bedroom Black’, Holly Humberstone will be playing at the Bristol Beacon on the 15th of March. Her honest songwriting makes for relatable and brooding, yet catchy songs. At Reading Festival last year, her friendly persona drew me in and I was surprised to discover I already knew some of her songs such as ‘Falling Asleep At The Wheel’ and ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’. Named ‘rising star’ by the Brit Awards in 2022, she is on a great upward trajectory touring the UK and Europe this year. The song I’m most excited to hear live is ‘Scarlett’, which I fell in love with at Reading Festival and have since had on repeat.
Declan Mckenna
On the 9th of April, Declan McKenna brings his energetic and chaotic tour to the Bristol Beacon. From upbeat crowd pleasers such as ’Brazil’, to political anthems such as ‘British Bombs’ and Bowie style ballad ‘Be an Astronaut’, there is something for everyone. The recent singles from his upcoming album, ‘What Happened To The Beach?’, have a fun upbeat tone that sounds like they’re meant to be sung back by the audience. His eccentric stage presence and endless energy make this one of my most anticipated gigs of the year. I have my fingers crossed that he plays ‘Listen to Your Friends’, which is my favourite from his first album and has been one of my favourite songs since 2017.
Adrianne lenker
Big Thief’s singer, Adrianne Lenker embarks on her solo tour to the Bristol Beacon on April 29th. Powerful lyrics combined with a gentle acoustic guitar make for a beautifully melancholic listen. Perfectly restrained, her voice carries a magical atmospheric quality that initially drew me in. Bring your tissues, because her raw folk sound is sure to make you emotional. The song I’m most excited to hear live is ‘anything’, in which she sings about hyper-specific scenarios, which somehow I deeply resonate with.