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

A grassroots gig at The Thunderbolt! An evening of punk rock and spooky vibes.

Looking for a cheap Halloween party and live music in Bristol this October? Don’t miss this spooky party at The Thunderbolt in Totterdown.

Halloween dress up. Come dressed up to gig and be in for the chance to win a free beer!

Line up ~

The Issues

The Issues are a raucous, no-holds-barred indie punk band with scrappy riffs, thumping bass, and frantic drums. Their high-energy and unapologetic sound blends the rawness of The Clash, the wit of Boomtown Rats, and the gritty modern punch of Soft Play and Idles. Known for their blistering live shows, The Issues are chaotic, fun, and a little bit mental—your nan might love them... just as long as she doesn't hear the words.

Get Mendoza

A three-piece coming straight out of Andover, Get Mendoza combine the best of indie rock and emo. Comprising of vocalist/guitarist Luke Stone, vocalist/drummer Joe Chapman, and bassist Toby Edds. The band takes heavy inspiration from scenes across the American Midwest, layering soft, harmonious bass lines against heavy, melancholic guitar and strong vocals.

Rallyango

A four piece alt rock band from Bristol, defined by dark chords, memorable riffs and driving grooves. Their music combines atmosphere with strong hooks, creating songs that are as dynamic as they are memorable

More info

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

Tickets £6 adv £8 otd

Doors: 19:30

Rallyango: 8:30pm - 9:00pm

Get Mendoza: 9:15pm - 9:45pm

The Issues: 10:00pm - 10:45pm

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e137765

This is a Halloween gig, costumes are optional but encouraged

Rocky and The Racketeers:

Blues, Soul, and Rock'n'roll songs with personality. A mixture of classic songs you'll know and obscure tracks you'll want to know. Rocky reels you in with her soulful vocals while The Racketeers keep you hooked with bluesy grooves and rockin' solos.

The Roswell Experience:

Funk rock that makes your mama blush

Laid:

2 piece midwest emo / indie band

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e138343

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

THUNDERBONK SPOOKTACULAR......A Halloween Night of Punk musical madness!

The Thunderbolts wildest Halloween party so far! - GLUEBAG // PIZZATRAMP// HAG REFLEX//JED AND THE (NO MICROWAVE)//BILLIE SCREAMZT are back at the The Thunderbolt for another unforgettable night of live PUNK music.

Expect spine-chilling punk sounds and scream-along choruses that’ll keep you in the pit all night long. This isn’t a DJ set -this is a high-energy live gig with a Halloween twist.

Dress to depress, or unleash your inner goth/ghoul. Whether you're reliving teen angst or just down for a heavy Halloween, this is a night to remeber!!!

Live Music • With these spooktacular punk bands;

*GLUEBAG

Riot City Records supergroup GlueBag.

Made up of members of all your favourite classic Bristol bands Chaotic Dischord, Disorder, Lunatic Fringe and Chaos UK, the collective play exactly what you'd expect from these old hands.

www.facebook.com/p/Glue-bag-61559907745014

* PIZZATRAMP

Wonderful dirty orrible skate punk/crossover from South Wales uk

https://pizzatramp.bandcamp.com/

* HAG REFLEX

Excellently named youngsters. New kids on the block. spliff punk rockers.

JED AND (NO) MICROWAVE

Defrosted pub/yacht/stadium rock from the dark ages.

https://jedandthemicrowave.bandcamp.com/

BILLIE SKREAMZ

Loose collective playing Anarcho Folk Music From The UK (based in NW England)

https://www.instagram.com/billie_skreamz_music

Doors 7pm...1st band on @ 7.30pm .12AM

£6Adv on the door https://hdfst.uk/e137809

£5 cash on the door *** Aimed at preserving access to cash for citizens!!!

£7 on the door with card

THEE PSYCHICKS

Garage Punk Psych from Bristol UK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564174042550&locale=be_BY

MOBILE BLACKOUTS

Bristol based band playing Psych and fuzz with a pinch if Glam and ‘78 New Wave

https://www.instagram.com/the_mobile_blackouts/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e140034

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

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

A grassroots gig at The Thunderbolt, Bristol, hosted by POLYGAZE. Join us this November for an evening of indie rock with music from the likes of The Beatles, Guided by Voices and The Strokes

Line up ~

Have You Seen This Cat?

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS CAT? are not a real band, just a flimsy excuse to sell cat based merch. They also make really good music though. Just like all your favourite indie bands, but way more sexy and fun.

The Spiritus Mundi

The Spiritus Mundi is a brand new Bristol-based 5 piece rock and roll band comprising members hailing from Sweden, the UK and Canada. With a sound derived from vintage 60's garage rock and soul crossed with 90's shoegaze, Americana, grunge and loads of catchy, hook-laden songs, The Spiritus Mundi aims to put on lively, danceable performances that showcase the redeeming power of Rock and Roll.

George Wilding

For over a decade, George Wilding has stood out from the crowd, hopping genres and creating new sounds. His troubadoric-natured songs have been described as ‘Kinks-esque psychedelic folk’, ‘shambient Britrock’ and ‘beat-poet penned pop anthems’. Along the way he’s supported Newton Faulkner, The Levellers, Toploader, The Hoosiers, Flyte and many more. Notable radio plays include BBC Intro, Radio 2 and 6 Music. Ten years may be a long time in the fickle world of music-making, but I suggest that, if anything, he is just getting going. Watch this space.

POLYGAZE

A Bristol based event company that hosts live music events in support of grassroots bands, artists and venues

More info

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

Tickets £6 adv £8 otd

Doors: 8:00pm

8:30pm - 9:00pm George Wilding

9:15pm - 9:45pm The Spiritus Mundi

10:00pm - 10:45pm Have You Seen This Cat

Entry requirements: 18+ (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e139179

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

POINT 5

Alt-rock / Grunge band

https://www.instagram.com/point5_band/

NEW PERSONA

indie rock from bristol

https://www.instagram.com/newpersonaband/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e139566

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

BALLOON TOMB

bristols silly little shouty band

https://www.instagram.com/balloon_tomb/

ALIBI

loud, raw and unapologetic alt rock from bristol

https://www.instagram.com/weareyouralibi/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e139567

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

THE PSYCHICS

EARL TEMPLE FOUNDATION

Emerging from the verdant slopes of Strouds five valleys, Earl Temple Foundation play juzzpankjazzpuzzjunk: Neo-post-punk-motorik-proto-disco-juzz

https://www.instagram.com/earltemplefoundation/

GRIMTOWN

yer mums new fav band, indie up and comers music from bristol

https://www.instagram.com/grimtown_/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e139568