Music / Bristol gig listings
Bristol’s month in metal and prog – May 2026
Following last month’s disappointing postponement of the Yes show at the Beacon (it’s now been rescheduled for next year – see Coming Soons for details) another prog titan arrives in town in the form of Jethro Tull. There’s more prog at the end of the month when Tim Bowness plays the Bath Fringe with Bruce Soord and John Sykes of The Pineapple Thief. For those who prefer something heavier, there’s also a chunky metal filling in this prog sandwich.
Thekla, Friday May 8
Bristol-based ‘blackened doom’ band, who we last caught supporting Crypta at the Exchange a couple of years ago, when they demonstrated a sense of ambition that transcends genre boundaries.
Bristol Beacon, Sunday May 10
The departure of longstanding guitarist Martin Barre, who’d been with the band since 1968, means that Tull is pretty much the Ian Anderson Show these days. To be fair, his current incarnation of the band has some excellent musicians, many of whom have local connections – such a Bristolian drummer Scott Hammond, who comes from a jazz background. 78-year-old Anderson himself has had troubles with his voice in recent years, which means a certain recalibration of expectations on our part is required, but on the plus side latest album – their 24th! – Curious Ruminant is the best of the trio the prolific combo have released since 2022. Little wonder Tull’s first Bristol show in two years is almost sold out.
Fleece, Tuesday May 19
Canadian (though he was actually born in Wales) blues-rocker Philip Sayce is mercifully more rock than blues. He’s worked with Jeff Healey, Melissa Etheridge and Jimmy Barnes and supported ZZ Top and Deep Purple. Along the way, he’s built up an impressive reputation as “the soulful master of the Stratocaster”. Support tonight comes from Brit singer/songwriter and guitarist Tom Moriarty.
Gryphon, Wednesday May 20
Nashville might not be noted for its metal scene, but it has spawned this impressive stoner/doom/psychedelic act who’ve recently released their third album, Crucible & Ruin.
Loco Klub, Saturday May 23
Second invigorating dose of doom metal heaviness, featuring Dead Witches, Sergeant Thunderhoof, Old Horn Tooth, TÜSK, Empire of Dust, Urzah, Hora, and Falcon Stoop. Expect everything from occult doom to good old-fashioned fuzzed-out heavy metal at a bargain price and guaranteed to leave ears ringing.
Tim Bowness with Butterfly Mind, Bruce Soord and John Sykes
Rondo Theatre Bath, Friday May 29
Bath Fringe goes prog with a great double bill. Headlining is Tim Bowness, who’ll be performing solo and No-Man material with Butterfly Mind, whose ranks include Matt Stevens of The Fierce and the Dead and John Jowitt of IQ. Support comes from Bruce Soord and John Sykes, both moonlighting from The Pineapple Thief.
Main pic: Jethro Tull
COMING SOON
Here’s our essential diary of upcoming gigs that should be of interest to anyone of a rockin’ disposition.
Venom Inc, Thekla, June 4
Cryptic Shift, The Croft, June 4
Voivod, Thekla, June 10
Hawkwind, Bristol Beacon, June 13
Sunn O))), Prospect Building, June 28
Gong, Fleece, July 2
Rosalie Cunningham, Louisiana, July 17
Steel Panther, O2 Academy, July 24
ArcTanGent Festival (Primus, Igorr, Napalm Death, Alcest, Amplfier), Fernhill Farm, Aug 19-23
Voyage 35, O2 Academy, Sept 15
Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks, Bath Forum, Sept 17
Marillion, Bristol Beacon, Sept 18
Big Big Train, Komedia Bath, Sept 27
The Hu, Prospect Building, Oct 1
Steve Hackett, Bristol Beacon, Oct 7
Baest, Croft, Oct 8
John 5, Thekla, Oct 13
Robin and Bina Williamson, The Cube, Oct 23
LA Guns, Electric Bristol, Oct 27
The Sheepdogs, Trinity, Nov 16
Little Angels, O2 Academy, Nov 26
The Temperance Movement, Electric Bristol, Nov 29
Dominun, Electric Bristol, Dec 9
Sevendust, Electric Bristol, Dec 11
Yes, Bristol Beacon, May 7
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