BROGAN RITCHIE BAND // THE VIVAS // THE MINKE WHALES

The Thunderbolt (map)

BROGAN RITCHIE BAND: BROGAN RITCHIE

Born in Guildford, England, now based in Bath. Brogan Ritchie emerged from the musical shadows with his debut EP, ’Daydream’, releasing on 27 October 2023. This old soul, a mere 19 years of age, has wisdom far beyond his years.

https://www.broganritchie.com/#

THE VIVAS

Indie rock band from south west
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557429923538

THE MINKE WHALES

The most punctual band in showbusiness

https://soundcloud.com/swimlaneband...

https://www.facebook.com/swimlaneband

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e127787

SONIC SUNRISE / KURBSIDE VILLAIN

The Thunderbolt (map)

SONIC SUNRISE

bristol based pop rockers take the stage once more for a night of fun and new tunes a night not to be missed

Its great to see a band enjoy their time on stage and not just go through the motions. Sonic Sunrise inject fun and energy throughout their set. Behind the playfulness there is a solid band that know how to write catchy tunes and are capable of dropping classic rock riffs.

- the bristol gig guide

https://www.facebook.com/sonicsunrise#

https://www.instagram.com/sonicsunriseband/

https://www.youtube.com/@SonicSunrise

kurbside villain
Kurbside Villain are a Bristol/Bath based Alt-Rock band who formed in the summer of 2021.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090645451211
https://open.spotify.com/artist/45XAYrM0gZ7PvsJYyyVlCk...
https://www.instagram.com/kurbsidevillain...

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e127312

FINDING MARY // FRANKIE JONES // ELIZA BOUDELAIRE

The Thunderbolt (map)

Finding Mary @ The Thunderbolt with Frankie Jones, Eliza Baudelaire

Finding Mary bring their groovy indie-rock sound to The Thunderbolt, with support from the incredible Frankie Jones, with his Funk-Soul-Jazz sound. And Eliza Baudelaire providing some smooth R&B Pop.

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/finding-mary-the-thunderbolt-with-frankie-jones-eliza-baudelaire-tickets-1312928306909?aff=oddtdtcreator

SKELEBONE // TRAITORS // WE THE SUN

The Thunderbolt (map)

SKELEBONE: Indie originals from Bath.

https://www.facebook.com/skeleboneband

TRAITORS: A Garage Rock/ Alternative Blues Duo

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568475002483

WE THE SUN: Alt Rock band known for their riffs and high energy performances!

https://www.facebook.com/wethesunband

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e127795

STATE // WICKED CHIP // PARKII

The Thunderbolt (map)

State

Trio of multi-instrumentalists from Bristol. Post-punk, electronic, alt-rock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jGtBPym8F0

wicked chip

Disco, but like, from the deepest pits of hell

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555675031631

parkii

https://open.spotify.com/artist/04hMX1QdxT1JAJ5La6BF0i

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e127796

STILL THE SMITHS (Smiths Tribute)

The Thunderbolt (map)

Fake Me Back To Dear Old Blighty”

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Still The Smiths, the UK’s freshest tribute to the legendary band that shaped a generation! This electrifying ensemble breathes life into the poetic brilliance, dark humour, and razor-sharp wit of Morrissey’s lyrics, while capturing the melodic genius of Johnny Marr.

Prepare for a nostalgic journey as they perform beloved hits like “This Charming Man,” “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again.” They dive deep into the treasure trove of B-sides and classic album tracks, ensuring that every show is a delightful surprise.

✨ “Amazing!”

✨ “Wow, what a night! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but you guys were brilliant. The place was packed, and everyone was dancing. Please come back!”

✨ “They play all the best tunes and sound fantastic! I will definitely be out to watch them again. Great band!”

TICKETS: £9Adv £10 on the door https://hdfst.uk/e125984

JED AND (NO)MICROWAVE // THE LOVESICKS // BENJI ZENE

The Thunderbolt (map)

Jed and the Microwave

Musician/band

Power-pop, Punk/Pub/Yacht Rock from Bristol, UK

linktr.ee/jedandthemicrowave

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hyjYr8OY0sKHWHMcnwTDf?go=1&sp_cid=827a180cf74f688809338c4ae437b559&nd=1&dlsi=906616fa1f19405c

THE LOVESICKS: Bristol punk power pop rocknrollers

https://thelovesicksuk.bandcamp.com/track/f-w

BENJI ZENE

(everyone's least favourite Punk rocker !! his words,not mine !!)

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e128350

Polygaze presents KOOKABURRA EAT YOU

The Thunderbolt (map)

polygaze events presents

KOOKABURRA EAT YOU

"weird band but not ridiculous"

Birmingham / Bristol / Brighton

https://open.spotify.com/album/0ryXV78sRV9luL9YHBDmIf?si=RcPULHGUStiEH5G10Gh4yw&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeF0VV_sJhsxHq_0QRAhK7IzS_pWmvgcEGpNyzl3owIISsO-tFhSTMS8m0zog_aem_ZoWLb-ueSSLMSpDCmIKWNQ&nd=1&dlsi=bfe84a77573c4e16

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e128352

PRIVATE PARTY

THIS THUNDERBOLT IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY

PHIL 'Swill' ODGERS (The Men They Couldnt Hang) & Bobby Valentino (Ex The Bluebells)

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e127300

Founder member and one half of the joint vocal strike force of the inimitable The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Phil “Swill” Odgers is a well loved and prolific solo artist in his own right. Audiences around the world from Cairo to Reykjavik, Brisbane to Tokyo, and Berlin to London have succumbed to his effervescent and heartfelt vocal style.
A fine acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter, his influences are far-reaching, ranging from his Scottish roots, through 50’s/60’s rock ‘n’ roll, punk, folk and country. Phil Odgers is a sorely undervalued national treasure!

The man who co-wrote and played violin on The Bluebells ‘Young at Heart’, Bobby has played on records by Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Alabama 3 and Paul Weller to name but a few. He has also contributed to many recordings by The Men They Couldn’t Hang as well as frequently appearing with them on stage.
Bobby’s vocal talents are demonstrated on his solo albums ‘This is Murder’ and ‘Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake’ both of which will be on sale on the night.

“Stunning… a welcome reminder of the true beauty of the craft of the songwriter” Louder than War

Admission: £15 on the Door

Tickets: £12Adv

Bizarro Promotions Presents; WASTED YOUTH, Jamie Perrett, Carniepunks, Dub Punk DJ

The Thunderbolt (map)

WASTED YOUTH+ Jamie Perrett, Carniepunks, Dub Punk DJ

WASTED YOUTH the original post-punk pre-goth cult band from 1979-82,
features original members Ken Scott (Vocals) and Rocco Barker (Gtr), with new
members Alan Temple (Drums), Josef Rosam (Gtr) and Sabrina Amade (Bass).
Whilst paying respect and having great love for the ‘old’ Wasted Youth, the
‘new’ Wasted Youth are not a nostalgia act and are keen to prove that they
have something new to offer, both visually and sonically.
Wasted Youth, who reformed initially for one gig in February 2022, have gone
from strength to strength ever since. They supported the Psychedelic Furs on
all dates of their UK tour in 2022, including the iconic Royal Albert Hall. They
built on the demand for more shows by playing four more sold-out headline
shows in London before the year was out.
In 2023, Wasted Youth took their vibrant and contemporary sound to fans old
and new around the country. Wasted Youth played the Wide-Awake Festival
in London, the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool and headlined the Portobello
Live festival, not to mention club gigs in their own right all over the country. 
2023 also saw the welcome re-release of ‘Wild and Wandering (Remaster)’
(WY Records), Wasted Youth’s seminal debut album from 1981, and out-of-
print for decades. Sales have so far been very good, with practically everyone
commenting on how good the remaster sounds when compared to the original
release.
Wasted Youth went back on the road in 2024 and played a series of successful
gigs and festivals throughout the year. Wanting to capitalise on this success
and fans eager for a new Wasted Youth record, a studio was booked. And now,
some six months later, the album is almost ready to go.
The new Wasted Youth album is called ‘NEO NOIR’ (WY Records) and is
scheduled for release in April, 2025. ‘NEO NOIR’ is the debut album by the
modern-day Wasted Youth and features ten original compositions.
Wasted Youth released ‘Wild and…Raw’ (WY Records) in December 2024, a
fantastic and unreleased studio recording from 1981, now available to
download from wastedyouth4.bandcamp.com

A limited vinyl edition (which has been remastered specifically for this release)
of ‘Wild and…Raw’ will be available in shops (via Rough Trade distribution) and
at live shows, from April 2025 onwards.. Also available at wastedyouth4.bandcamp.com

JAMIE PERRETT Growing up in an unconventional household, it was almost inevitable that Jamie Perrett
- the son of the man who wrote one of the most iconic punk songs, ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ — would find music as both a refuge and a means of self - expression. Despite the early success of his father band Jamie’s childhood in South London was marked by extreme hardship due to his parents’ struggles with addiction. Music became his escape. Honing his guitar skills until he could play almost any Jimi Hendrix tune by the age of 12. Jamie has played a pivotal role in Peter Perrett's creative resurgence; contributing lead guitar, production and songwriting to his father’s solo work, released on Domino Records. Jamie produced Peter’s critically acclaimed LP “The Cleansing”, featuring guests Bobby Gillespie, Johnny Marr and Carlos O’Connell from Fontaines DC.
In 2021, Jamie began focusing on his solo work. He went on to release singles which were praised by Clash, KEXP, Radio X, Louder Than War, etc. In 2023, Jamie entered the studio to record an album, bringing an even darker edge to his
songwriting as he delved into themes of abuse, neglect, fractured relationships, and the complexities of growing up amid broken promises. Jamie’s music blends melodic rock with raw, infectious energy, resonating with vulnerability
and honesty. His debut is no ordinary rock record — it’s a testament to resilience, talent, and the unfiltered truth of growing up on the edge of rock and roll.

CARNIEPUNKS play 'Acid-crypt swamp-punkadelia'. They channel the spirits of early post-punk bands such as Killing Joke, Bauhaus and The Birthday Party and the deranged psychedelic blues of Dr John the Night Tripper. Carniepunks excavate the ghosts of their birthplace's dark heart in drum-heavy songs spiked with a tincture of dread. The fetid Avon delta is a cursed place full of bad magic.

DUB PUNK (DJ)
DUB PUNK is Pete Webb of ‘Statik Sound System’, ‘New Brand’ and future looking post punk band ‘Making Strange’. He DJ’s a mix of punk, post-punk and dub but will also stray into dub step, breaks and Jungle depending on the event. Versatile and steeped in alternative music history and releasing SSS’s compilation album ‘In Dub volume 1’ on vinyl in April this year, he will be on the decks at many events in 2025.

Doors 7.30pm

Tickets £14.00 in advance/£16.00 on the door

https://wegottickets.com/event/647490

MARTHAS CAT // CALLIOPIE // TBC

The Thunderbolt (map)

MARTHAS CAT

MARTHA’S CAT IS A NEW BAND, BREAKING THE MOULD AND BEING PAINFULLY HONEST

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560900408005

https://www.instagram.com/marthas_cat_band/

CALLIOPE

a fresh new group who are playing their first show at the thunderbolt

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e128753

polygaze presents BOZOS // HEKTICS // DISINTEGRATED BULLETS

The Thunderbolt (map)

Friday 9th May at The Thunderbolt, Bristol - an evening of doom metal, punk and rock n roll

Bozos are a high energy beer drinking rock n roll from Bristol

Taking influence from classic punk groups, as well as reggae and ska greats, Hektics are one of the most exciting new bands on the British scene, playing their original music built on a foundation of thick bass lines, punchy drums and shoutable choruses.

Disintegrated Bullets are a doom-metal band based in Bristol. Their music combines distorted bass with loud drums and very in-your-face lyrics combined with metal screams.

More info

The Thunderbolt, 124 Bath Rd, Totterdown, Bristol BS4 3ED

Tickets £6 adv £7 otd

Doors: 19:30

Disintegrated Bullets: 20:15

Hektics: 21:00

Bozos: 21:45

bizarro promotions presents SOUNDWIRE // CANDYMOUSE // SASSYHIYA

The Thunderbolt (map)

Triple headliner of THREE, brilliant, indie/alternative bands.

SOUNDWIRE are a psychedelic / alternative band based in South Wales / Bristol, UK. Formed by former Sweetest Ache vocalist Simon Court and guitarist Peter Moore, their unique and exploratory sound developed drawing inspiration from the fuzzy riffs of 60's US garage-punk, the motor-rhythms and guitar-synth fusion of 70's 'krautrock', and the reverb-drenched, hypnotic sonic stylings of the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Spacemen 3, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Death In Vegas, and many more.
Their self-titled debut album was mixed and produced by Thighpaulsandra (Spiritualized / Coil / Hawkwind), and received critical acclaim from Drowned In Sound, Louder Than War, Buzz Magazine, etc., and enjoyed frequent airplay on BBC Radio as well as numerous indie and alternative radio stations worldwide.

CANDYMOUSE Candymouse are riding high after their debut album ‘The Light Just Bends’ was released by the Old Bad Habits label at the end of 2024.
The band formed in 2021 and were quickly snaffled up by indie stalwarts Raving Pop Blast Records. Their debut single ‘King of the Pricks’ was released by the label in August 2022, and reached number 17 in that year’s Dandelion Radio Festive Fifty.
Living in the south west, and comprising ex members of 80s label mates Mousefolk and The Candy Darlings, Candymouse are more than living up to expectation.
Mousefolk released three EPs and an album ‘Heads Full of Hope’ in the late 1980s and toured extensively across the UK, and in Europe.
Played by John Peel and loved by a young Steve Lamacq the band split in 1990 amid speculation of a move to Vinyl Japan Records. Their flexi release ‘Motorcycle Boy’ is listed in the Guinness Book of rare records.
In 2023 Mousefolk released a stunning new vinyl album of reimaged tracks titled ‘They’re in Fashion Today’ through Teatime, to the fans’ delight.
The Candy Darlings achieved cult status after the release of their single ‘Where Caroline Lives’ which became a flagship 7” for Teatime Records. The band continued to gig sporadically.
Candymouse refuse to be constricted by genre but instead look to explore the whole history of guitar based music, while staying true (creatively and philosophically) to the guiding ideals of Teatime Records; the collective they were born from in the eighties.
And out now; ‘The Light Just Bends’...love, life, death, fraternity, liberty; an expression of what that means to a band long enough in the tooth to know how to say it, but with the energy to scream it instead. You won't hear this on the radio. It's not that kind of record and wouldn't sit quietly in a music industry box.
The last of the true believers? Or just the beginning…

SASSYHIYA
Formed by Helen and Kathy from London queercore cult heroes Barry, November 2024's debut album Take You Somewhere has been picked up by Amelia Flecther and Rob Pursey's Skep Wax label, a true mark of distinction for their bold, defiant melodic indie-post-punk. A recent 6Music Riley and Coe session gave us sassy punk for the modern age., with wit and attitude to spare.

ONE MORE ACT TO BE ANNOUNCED

TICKETS : https://wegottickets.com/event/647405?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ_LylleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBoMFphcUFBb3FkZzdoTzFwAR5lvIEAbL7RpEnLOQWVxj39vKmhnPptM3Vim6O3bijLL-RxOFZdB-7_8P1SZA_aem_U1yKB56hR749AhQpzFy68w

SLIDERS - ALBUM LAUNCH

The Thunderbolt (map)

SLIDERS - ALBUM LAUNCH

Sliders is an exciting collaboration between Neil Smith (guitar - The Brackish, This is the Kit), Chris Langton (drums - Snazzback ) Dan Moore (keyboards - Modulus 3) and Harry Stoneham (bass - Waldo's Gift). This is their album launch show.

In the mix and match Happy Families of Bristol bands, there was eventually going to be one with Neil Smith & Dan Moore in, and evolution dictates that it's heading in the motorik-with-impro direction of German & Mancunian favourites.

OTWAY & BARRETT

The Thunderbolt (map)

TICKETS https://wegottickets.com/event/649191

Otway and Barrett initially emerged from the acoustic, roots, and folk genres, with Otway drawing significant inspiration from early Bob Dylan. During their early gigs, Otway performed on the folk circuit, while Willy Barrett gained a notable reputation within the folk scene of the early '70s. Willy's talents were recognized on The Contemporary Folk Guitar album, alongside esteemed musicians such as Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Gordon Giltrap, and Ralph McTell. He also graced the stage multiple times at the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival and worked as a guitarist with George Hamilton IV. However, Otway & Barrett's distinctive blend of grungy, fast-paced fiddle, banjo, and guitar, accompanied by their harmonious yet contrasting vocals, eventually became associated with the punk rock/new wave genre. Since their initial performances in 1971, the duo has experienced numerous splits and reunions. The iconic debut album, "John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett," was produced and featured performances by Pete Townshend of The Who. One particularly memorable moment occurred during a legendary performance on the Old Grey Whistle Test, where Otway's failed amplifier leap resulted in a painful crash onto his most sensitive parts. Despite the discomfort, the incident propelled their song "Really Free" to become a Top 20 hit and secured appearances on Top of the Pops. Over the years, Otway & Barrett have headlined numerous festivals, including a noteworthy gig at Aylesbury Market Square, where over 10,000 fans attended. This event was filmed for the ITV documentary "Stardust Man," shedding light on Otway's previous occupation as a dustbin man. Otway's career highlights include headlining the Reading Rock Festival and making numerous appearances at Glastonbury. Wild Willy Barrett remains a regular performer at the esteemed Cambridge Folk Festival. Additionally, the duo performed on the main stage at Cropredy and entertained a crowd of 150,000 while supporting The Police in Toronto. Their success on the charts has been somewhat sporadic. In 1980, a BBC cameraman's dispute resulted in the cancellation of Otway & Barrett's scheduled Top of the Pops performance for their single "DK50/80," causing it to drop out of the charts. The BBC also banned their single "Headbutts." However, Otway enjoyed a Top 10 hit in 2002 with "Bunsen Burner," which he performed during one of the final episodes of Top of the Pops. Recently, Otway celebrated his 5000th gig, a testament to his enduring popularity and the duo's cult following. Their stage shows are characterized by an enduring, hilarious, and utterly entertaining live performance. Barrett showcases his incredible talent as a musician and his knack for humor, effortlessly transitioning from Django Reinhardt-style playing to punk rock. He demonstrates his versatility by playing blues slide guitar with an egg and using a hacksaw and claw hammer to strum the classical guitar (usually owned by Otway). Otway, on the other hand, is a brilliant songwriter, and their sets encompass a range of musical styles, encompassing beautiful ballads, grunge-folk-punk tunes, and their well-known hits such as "Bunsen Burner," "Really Free," "Geneva," and the seminal "Beware of the Flowers ('Cos I'm Sure They're Going to Get You Yeah!)." Interestingly, in 2000, "Beware of the Flowers" was voted the seventh favorite lyric in the BBC National Poetry Day poll, ranking higher than The Beatles' "Yesterday," which came in sixth.

PRIVATE PARTY (Wedding)

PARTYWEB WEDDING.jpg

THIS THUNDERBOLT IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY