INTERIM
Bristol based experimental psychedelic rock band back after a stellar support from fall of the west this time theyre headlining themselfs
https://www.instagram.com/interim__band/
TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e137815
My Mate Dennis are new, loud and somehow managing to unite the Midlands, South Wales, and the South West in one gloriously messy sound. They’re the kind of band you’ll brag about seeing early so now’s your chance.
Main support comes from Viduals, a Bristol/Swindon outfit who really know what they’re doing and gracefully supporting My Mate Dennis as they grow. They’re tight, seasoned and always enjoying what they do.
Opening the night are Fall of the West, flying the Bristol flag with noisy precision and just the right amount of nonchalant coolness.
It’s live music.
It’s loud.
It’s probably exactly what you need.
TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e134354
THIS THUNDERBOLT IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY
John Otway is an English singer-songwriter who has built a sizeable cult audience through extensive touring, a surreal sense of humour and a self-deprecating underdog persona.
From the age of 9, Otway knew he wanted to be a pop star. But even at that young age, having listened to his sister's Beatles and Stones records, he knew he would never be able to do what they do. However, when his sister got the latest Bob Dylan album, he knew there was a place for him and he set about learning how to play guitar.
Otway had to wait until 1977 and the rise of punk before his dream of fame and fortune would finally become a reality. Having caught the eye of the producers of the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test, Otway's performance on that show would grab the attention of the watching audience. Otway, ever the showman, decided to jump on to the amplifier of his colleague during a performance of Bob Lind's Cheryl's Going Home. (Un)fortunately for Otway, he misjudged his leap and sent Wild Willy Barrett’s amplifier tumbling as he crashed down straddling the box under the amp.
The full force of the impact was absorbed by the most tender body parts, but in doing this one simple act of recklessness and his wanton disregard for his own safety, Otway was the talk of everyone who watched that evening's programme.
Rushed are a three-piece authentic tribute act performing the music of Canada’s finest progressive Rock trio – Rush.
They deliver a monster three-hour Rush show (2 sets) with authentic sound, covering all 4 decades of the vast Rush catalogue while priding themselves on performing a large amount of early material. replicating the raw energy that Rush always delivered consistently back in the 70’s.
“Geddy” belts out those high notes in the original keys whilst at the same time playing blistering complex base lines and keyboards.
“Neil” keeps the band together during the complex time changes and structures on every song. He loves his tech and uses the latest gear to replicate those iconic Rush sounds.
“Alex” has spent hours learning that unique style of playing and guitar tone.
It’s a night not to be missed by any Rush fan - 120 Places only - book early!
http://www.rushedisaband.co.uk/
TICKETS: £16Adv
https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-thunderbolt/fri-28-nov-rushed-130236#e130236
Bristol's top Clash, Bowie, Buzzcocks, Kings of Convenience, Peter Bjorn and John, White Stripes, Martha and the Muffins, Strokes, Magnetic Fields, Wire, Breeders, Pixies, Stooges, Velvet Underground, Beck, Camper Van Beethoven, Felt, Fall, Uncle Tom Cobbley . . . tribute band!
https://www.facebook.com/smallonthehill/
SIX SIDED MEN
Imagine a musical pot bubbling with elements of pop, country, folk and the merest hint of psychedeli
https://www.instagram.com/thesixsidedmen/
Doors: 7.30 pm
tix https://hdfst.uk/e137814
Tickets £5 CASH
STILL THE SMITHS
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!
TICKETS:
THIS THUNDERBOLT IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY
Wicked world presents the first annual doom before christmas bringing the best in bristols doom/slam/death/black metal to your Yuletide celebrations. this year we bring you
OSKARIA
hot off their run in the metal to the masses bristol run of which they made it to the semi finals. the bristol doom and death metal trio headline the thunderbolt stage for the first time and promise to be a show you dont want to miss
https://www.instagram.com/oskariaofficial/
EPIMETHEUS
microdog 2023 champions of doom-gaze in bristol are no strangers to the scene having played their own headline shows around bristol already this time they come to put you in the festive spirit in the most doom way possible
https://www.instagram.com/epimetheusdoom/
FOULERAH
young bristol black metalers are making a noise in the scene recently and continue playing shows in and around bristol most recently headling their own show. come and see what christmas gifts the band haveto offer us on the night
https://www.instagram.com/foulerah_bm/
TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e136422
After a fantastic gig earlier in the year. We welcome back THE BEATLES EXPERIENCE UK!
Widely regarded as the UK’s most authentic tribute to the Fab Four, they have performed at prestigious venues such as the Cavern Club in Liverpool, the Albert Hall, and festivals including Upton Country Park Festival. We also regularly entertain audiences on Cunard, Saga, and P&O cruise ships and have captivated crowds at iconic locations like the National Railway Museum and Ashton Gate Stadium.
Their performances feature authentic instruments, costumes, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an immersive experience that faithfully recreates the magic of The Beatles. We bring to life the timeless hits that audiences of all generations love to sing along to, making for an unforgettable night of live music.
https://www.instagram.com/thebeatlesexperienceuk
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037192196005
Tickets: £12Adv from headfirstbristol https://hdfst.uk/e130689
£15 on the door
THIS THUNDERBOLT IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY
🎄 The Thunderbolt welcomes you to our special Xmas Eve “FAMILY FRIENDLY” event on MONDAY DEC 24th between from 4-8pm.
We will have a FIRE PIT in the garden, Mark will be ROASTING CHESTNUTS on the fire!🎄
❄️6pm: DJ ELLA MC Dzz ❄️
❄️4pm- 'DJ PEANUT: XMAS SEASONAL NUTS.…..Macadamia? Pecans? Brazil Nuts? Walnuts? No! You need DJ PEANUT . The Peanut will be spinning Xmas bangers alright! inc The Waitresses, Kinks, Pogues, Phil Spector etc. and some old soul, reggae, punk etc. - groovy good time tunes, I'd say!
🎄🎄 FREE ENTRY 🎄 🎄 4-8pm
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q6oVA
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT C
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
Heelflip Records Presents
@dulcet_band live at @thethunderboltbristol on the 15th of January!
Supported by @theguide_official_ and @dirtbasementband expect a night of energy from the best punk bands the Southwest has to offer!
Tickets on sale now!
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/heelfliprecords/1899810
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT A
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT A
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT G
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT A
The Underdog returns in 2026 with a special ten-year anniversary series.
The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians battle it out for one of the twelve spots at the Thekla Semi Finals. Our finalists will be competing for our stacked prize table:
⭐️ £1,000 in no-strings-attached cash
⭐️ Two days recording with Orchard Studios
⭐️ PR deal with Headstrong
⭐️ 50 t-shirts printed by Pins & Knuckles
⭐️ Press shoot with Sam Habridge
⭐️ Bespoke mini-tour by We Need Bands
First launched in 2015, The Underdog quickly established itself on the Bristol scene as an alternative to the larger national competitions. Hundreds of local bands have competed at venues like o2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.
Bands from around the South West and Wales will battle it out at the 2026 Underdog competition, our biggest-ever event series... but there can only be one winner!
Follow the competition by using the hashtag #UnderdogBristol on social media.
Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).
Follow All The Action:
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Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:
www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol
--- THE LATER ROUNDS ---
Semi Final A · Sunday 30th March · Thekla
Semi Final B · Sunday 6th April · Thekla
Grand Final · Friday 5th June · o2 Academy, Bristol
WE NEED BANDS Present: THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT J
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT K
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT L
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT M
Bristol’s biggest battle of the bands returns to the Thunderbolt once again after celebrating it’s ten-year anniversary in 2025!
Bands will compete for a range of prizes (£1,000 cash, studio time, merchandise), at venues like The Thunderbolt, Thekla and O2 Academy.
Want to get involved? Click here: https://forms.gle/hZqd1daRMWV7Q
A return to The Thunderbolt for the "masters of Corby-creased mod punk, sharp operators" (c Stewart Lee) The Fallen Leaves.
The Fallen Leaves are:
- The Reverend Rob Green - Vocals with an English accent
- Sir Robert Symmons - Sniper Guitar
- Ian O'Sullivan - Garage Drums
- Barry Frost - Dive-Bomber Bass
WHAT DO THEY SOUND LIKE?
Punk / Mod / Garage / Beat
If you can imagine a cross between The Who and The Ramones you might get somewhere close….
WHAT DOES THEIR MANIFESTO SAY?
Simple Songs For Complex People.
Punk Rock For Gentlemen.
No Jeans. No t-shirts. No Cover-Versions.
The Fallen Leaves believe in the DIY Punk ethos.
Song, Sound and Performance are all.
Recordings are live, minimal overdubs.
As the self proclaimed champions of the glorious underachievers The Fallen Leaves ask you to remember … Simple and easy are not the same thing.
SUPPORT ACTS TO BE CONFIRMED
TICKETS