HOLLOW BOOK

this rock three peice from bristol have played a number of shows supporting other bands, but have finally got their own headline show be sure to come along to see what surprises they have for us at their first headliner here at the thunderbolt

https://www.facebook.com/HollowBookband

https://www.instagram.com/hollowbookband/

PAPER FISHES

Andre Levy leads a rag tag band of freewheelin' musical sharpshooters on a dark and dusty Beat Americana roadtrip.

https://www.instagram.com/paperfishesband/

LEANNE PEREIRA

comedy songwriter.

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e133786

THE COASTAL PATH

Glastonbury based four-piece band playing accessible, trippy, ambient indie rock.

https://www.facebook.com/thecoastalpath/

https://www.instagram.com/thecoastalpathband/

FAITH IN GEOMETRY

Instrumental four piece

based in the South West UK

https://www.facebook.com/faithingeometry

https://www.instagram.com/faithingeometry/

CHAMFER

chamfer blends elements of folk, rock, spoken word and indeie

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4o3bk7hjhbYVkl4jbbAgFv

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e133787

GURP

Formed in summer 2023, GURP is a bristol-based folk-grunge band bringing a fresh, chaotic charm to the city's music scene. GURP started as two families jamming together on blissful sunday evenings. out of that joyful chaos grew a full-bodied sound that fuses darkly comic lyrics with high energy folk. drawing on influences from klezmer to grunge and jazz to pop punk, GURP blends clarinet, accordian, violin, guitar and drums to create something both raucous and yearning. GURP (Andy,Emily,Joe,Michael and Ramona) don't take themselves too seriously - but their sound is seriously infectious

https://www.instagram.com/gurp.band/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/20bWN8HgHilPDLCdIEyYw6

AVALEN

West Country Folk Music

https://www.instagram.com/avalen.band/

BALKANY BAND
Eclectic mix of Balkon melodies.

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e133186

THE MILD WEST

Alt Rock / Garage Rock

www.instagram.com/themildwestband

BIG WASH

a fresh new band taking the thunderbolt stage for the first time

https://youtu.be/vxCgNEp44Sc?si=qSXHRpXJMJurTimY

ADACHIANON

a fresh new band breaking onto the scene with their first show

https://www.instagram.com/adachianon?igsh=cGlhdjNvNWEyMnpo

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e136453

Wicked World Promotions proudly presents the very first of the monthly metal nights at the thunderbolt this time featuring

CALVARIA

Calvaria is a melodic metal band hailing from Bristol, UK, formed in late 2022. They deliver a fresh take on early 2000s metalcore, blending it with a modern edge, featuring soaring vocal hooks, driving riffs, and heavy breakdowns. The band is known for their high-energy live performances and aims to bridge the gap between past and present metal sounds.

https://www.instagram.com/calvariaband/?hl=enhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/7zoDn5Bom4iSdr0VEtkhMZ?si=v_rMeRw0T9m1TLxHN6yMkQ

AZALEAS

The Azaleas are a 5-piece hardcore metal band from the West Midlands. They are known for their melodic hardcore and metal sound.

https://www.instagram.com/azaleas.band/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7p2cxKZd4OokKGO3uDJIMp?si=iQjGVKbxSnymDVFGqnaenA

AVICIDE

Southwest Based Alt Metal Band focusing on Powerful Vocals and Intense Breakdowns!

https://www.instagram.com/avicide_uk/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e134604

OPEN RETURN

Based in Bristol, we’re an indie rock band featuring Lily on vocals, Hal on drums, and Charlie, Jacob and Josh on guitar and bass

after impresing everyone at their first show supporting swurve the indie rockers are back to headline and bring the party to the bolt

https://www.instagram.com/openreturnband/

TIME TRAVELLERS ANONYMOUS

Lost in time? You’re not alone. ️

Bristol based, any time.

Brandon | Pete | Ben | Sam | Dash

https://www.instagram.com/timetravellersanonymous_/

AMALFI

fresh indie rockers amalfi take to the stage to release their sound to the thunderbolt one not to be missed

https://www.instagram.com/weareamalfi/

TICKETS : https://hdfst.uk/e134618

Adam and the Hellcats bring their new Album 9 Lives to The Thunderbolt - new riffs but the same fantastic show. Joined by the ever popular FUGITVE and locals Blufin.

Following on from their highly acclaimed debut Album and the success of Catalyst Adam and his Hellcats return with a new musical offering showing a diverse range of talent from the band.

Now setting out on their Fourth UK Tour - this time as Headline they will be bringing the Kitty magic to many town and cities.

Fugitive are celebrating 35 years of rock will be coming down from Liverpool to kick off the party along with local rising stars Blufin.

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e130996

THE THUNDERBOLT IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY!

OUTLIERS

bristol based rockers come to bring their headline show to the thunderbolt

https://www.instagram.com/outliarsmusic/

THER FLICKS

THE FLICKS

returning to the thunderbolt after making their debut last year a band not to be missed

https://www.instagram.com/the_flicksband/

SUPERYCHT

formerly known as first glance these guys are coming to bring their blend of indeie rock

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e136455

"Fresh from stunning receptions at gigs and festival appearances aplenty, Headsticks are proud to release their fifth studio album, 'The Best Thing On TV', their best work yet: 12 tracks that flow effortlessly from high octane punk-rock to poignant, delicate folk.

With an ever growing fanbase at their side, Headsticks are reaching new heights with their self proclaimed ‘Revolutionary Punk Roots Rock’n’Roll’ which has cross genre appeal seeing the band gaining endless plaudits from pillars of the Folk/Roots, Post Punk, Punk, and even the rock and blues fraternities. Sell out shows across the country as well as high profile tour supports with the likes of New Model Army, The Men They Couldn't Hang, Ferocious Dog, and Terrorvision to name a few, have seen the band profile rise.

Since late 2012 the band have relentlessly gigged and recorded and their hard work is now well and truly coming to fruition with their albums and their live performances receiving rave reviews from all corners of the musical spectrum as anthemic choruses, barbed lyrics, irresistible riffs, and uplifting beats are combined with a wry sense of humour, to deliver social commentary to encapsulate the spirit of this unique band. 2025 includes prestigious festival slots including headlines at many grass root festivals as well as returns to the likes of Bearded Theory and Rebellion where the band have become firm favourites.

Whether it’s the full throttle, heart pounding stompers, the anthemic singalongs, or the haunting acoustic ballads, Headsticks deliver an experience like no other band, built on honesty, integrity, bloody hard work, and a passion for what they believe."

TICKETS: https://www.gigantic.com/headsticks-tickets/bristol-thunderbolt/2025-10-10-20-00

A DOUBLE HEADLINER FEATURING

CLASHNIKOVS

Old school Punk Rock and New Wave and Originals 1976-80 style

https://www.facebook.com/Clashnikovs

THE X-RAYS

The X-Rays play stripped down Punk N’ Roll from CBGB to The marquee. Ramones, Clash, Sex Pistols, Johnny Thunders, Buzzcocks, Undertones, Cramps, Stray Cats, Stooges, Dead Boys and more…

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565241805709

DJ CBADZ

playing the the best of new wave, punk, ska, glam and the bowie universe

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e134620

An Evening of Folk, Soul & RnB – 16th October

Come down for a chilled night of live music, bringing together smooth soul, stripped-back folk, and mellow RnB vibes. Three brilliant artists will be taking the stage across the evening – the perfect midweek escape.

Lineup & Times:

• 19:45 – 20:30 → Eira Reed – A talented folk musician from South Wales, Eira Reed brings heartfelt storytelling and acoustic charm to every performance.

• 20:45 – 21:30 → Ali Austin – A soulful RnB singer from Bristol, Ali Austin combines smooth vocals and emotional depth for a truly captivating set.

• 21:45 – 22:50 → Lara Rxse – An artist from Bristol blending folk, jazz, and pop influences, Lara Rxse delivers a genre-crossing sound full of warmth and personality.

Tickets are on sale now – grab yours and join us for a night of incredible music and good vibes.

TICKETS: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/6w5ecyre/lara-rxse-thunderbolt

THE BIG HOWEVER
Bristol based art folk garage collective. Melodic, intelligent, yet unintelligent popular music. Non-iconic & sustainable.
Using discarded musicians found locally, The Big However play their own peculiar version of post truth, sub-tonic, melodic, bristolian lo-fi, folk, indie.

https://thebighowever.bandcamp.com/

PILOT WHALE RESEARCH

Their music wraps around you like a warm hug—gentle, reflective, and full of starry-eyed guitar noise, mandolin chimes, and swooping cello. Think Iron and Wine meets Godspeed You! Black Emperor, with a touch of Sonic Youth-style improv, Krautrock rhythms, and classic indie jangle. A sonic journey you won’t want to miss!

https://www.instagram.com/pilotwhaleresearch_band/

Doors: 7:30PM
Tickets: £5 Advance / £6 on the door
Ticket Link: https://hdfst.uk/e135192

THE DUKES

a bristol based up and comimng band.

having played the exchange recently as well as supporting restorative justice on their final show in july were exited to see what THE DUKES have instore for their first headline show

https://www.instagram.com/thed.ukes/

GETAWAY

Bristol based band made up of members from restorative justice

https://www.instagram.com/getaway_.band/

BROKEN FOCUS

Alternative rock band from the south west.

https://www.instagram.com/broken.focus/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e136702

Sea shanty and folk rock troubadours The Captain's Beard return to the Thunderbolt for more songs about beards and Cockney Mermaids.

Doors at 7:30

£10 In Advance 
£15 on the door

TICKETS: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thecaptainsbeard

THE FAZELEYS

Birmingham post-punk 4 piece with jangle pop and psychedelic influences. For anyone who loves Echo and The Bunnymen, R.E.M. or The Smiths...

https://www.instagram.com/thefazeleys/

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Fazeleys-61553463777156/

http://open.spotify.com/album/5gwbD0kUeHPJtgSCsUxWeP...

THE PROBLEM SOULS

a brand new band from Bristol (Dino Brewster, Dan Pye, Matt Kempa) consisting of veterans from other successful bands across the country. they have a Britpop-influenced sound and soulful melodies tied to unforgettable hooks

https://www.instagram.com/theproblemsouls/

LOAB

Indie/Grunge/Post-Rock noises

https://www.instagram.com/loabmusic/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e136704

GLUEBAG

a brand new punk band in bristol coming with a fresh headline set. dont miss this excluseve first.

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e137809

The razor sharp raconteur and songsmith, a carrier for a punk/post punk/folk is back!

This is the official “Fairy tales and Lies” Album Launch! The new album last year at Alma Vale Studio in Clifton. Engineered by brilliant and highly respected Luke Cawthra.

With the comradeship of the uk`s most magnificent powerhouse rhythm section of John Langley on drums and Mike Youe on bass, Rita is going to deliver a night of glittering, high-energy, rock'n'roll-fueled glory!

““ Bristol’s enduring riot grrrrl rock’n’roll banshee Rita Lynch needs to be seen to be worshipped. The St Paul’s icon of razor-blade guitar anthems is always essential viewing FFO: PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Screaming Females, Breeders, Ex Hex."“ HEADFIRSTBRISTOL.COM

https://ritalynch.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/rita.lynch.121

THE JESUS BOLT: The Bristol based duo of Hazel Winter and Gerard Starkie perform with their songs of love, death, revenge & the past and the present, packed with humour, soul and guitars.

https://www.facebook.com/thejesusbolt

TICKET LINK: https://hdfst.uk/e134606

ALIEN STASH TIN

Alien Stash Tin hail from Bristol, UK. Performing a crazy mix of space rock, classic rock and punk

https://www.facebook.com/alienstashtin

DAVE PURPLES HOT WIRES

Passionate playing 3 piece of guitar, harmonica, bass & drums. Bluesy funky and rock style originals and covers

https://www.facebook.com/DavePurplesHotWires

UNCLE RUSTYS POCKET SAND

UNCLE RUSTYS POCKET SAND

Here for a good time, and a bad time.

We don't know what we're doing, but we're having fun doing it.

Bristol, UK

https://unclerustypocketsand.bandcamp.com/community

https://www.instagram.com/uncle.rustys.pocket.sand/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e137810

BEAKER

Legendary late-90s Oxford indie group Beaker are back at the thunderbolt again

The all-female group garnered a loyal following during the heady days of the late-90s Oxford rock scene.

Despite not having performed together since 1999, band members were brought together by the tragic death of bassist Kim Parsons in 2023. The mutual support they provided to each other in a time of sadness rekindled #social and musical relationships, and inevitably led to talk of getting the old band together.

The band will be formed by original members Clare, Teresa, and Sam, and they will be joined by the wonderful Hayley Wright on bass, formerly of Harry Angel and the fabulous Emma Hunter, who really needs no introduction as she is her own musical sensation

https://open.spotify.com/track/46wsjNTR0lJH60UGS0EAAa?si=eNxiagLPQjSfwc_J0GG78Q

TICKETS: 6 adv £7 otd https://hdfst.uk/e137811

WICKED WORLD PROMOTIONS is proud to present the third of the monthly metal nights at the thunderbolt this time featuring

SIGILS

coming all the way from macclesfield this four piece are committed to creating emotional melodies, sonic vastness and cathartic moments.

coming off the release of their debut album '108' they are set to bring their towering, immersive soundscapes to the Bristol metal scene

https://www.instagram.com/sigils_band/

SHADOW OF ICARUS

newcomers to the Bristol metal scene but making their presence know with hard hitting performances not to be missed. this will be only the second time gracing the stage at the thunderbolt but will definitely be one not to be missed

https://www.instagram.com/shadowoficarus/

REDSHIFT

a progressive metal trio who balance aggressive technical passages with inviting hooks. the last time these guys graced the stage at the thunderbolt was back in march and we cant wait to have them back

https://www.instagram.com/redshiftbanduk/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e136417

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e137812

THE BRACKISH

The Brackish are a 4-piece experimental band from Bristol, UK. First formed in 2012, the band have released five albums and are finalising their sixth.

Constantly evolving, the band draws inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, art, films, places and people.

The Brackish sound is characterised by its use of dynamics, long-form composition and improvisation. Face melting heavyness gives way to gentle, spacious soundscapes within a single composition. Kraut-like grooves, polyrhythms, violent melodic statements and psychedelic, freeform improvisation are present in equal measure. Always expressed with a strong emphasis on melody and narrative, aiming to take the listener on journeys of much needed escapism.

“ PWYC! Delirious instrumental post-punk / post-jazz / post-prog genre-melters for your enraptured ears! The Brackish tie together idiosyncratic artistry and psychedelic experimentalism, side by side with The Flag Fen Project’s esoteric industrial druidism. Essential FFO: Frank Zappa, Gentle Giant, John Zorn, Elephant9, The Jelas, These New Puritans."

Headfirst Editor's Pick