11 unmissable gigs coming to Bristol this autumn

From Take That stars to punk legends, there are plenty of unmissable gigs coming to Bristol venues this autumn.

Big names such as Take That star Mark Owen, Sugababes and British rap star Aitch will be performing in the city over the coming months.

Whether you are looking to catch one of your favourite groups at the 02 Academy or SWX or a hot new band in smaller venues, there’s something on offer for everyone.

Some of the big shows have already sold out, but there are still tickets left for plenty of great gigs. Here’s a round-up of some of the Bristol highlights for music fans over the coming months.

02 Academy

There’s a packed line-up of gigs at the 02 Academy in Frogmore Street this autumn.

Some of the big gigs have already sold-out, including The Enemy, Snarky Puppy and Anthrax, but there are still tickets on sale for most of the big names.

On October 16, Take That star Mark Owen will be on stage to perform songs from Land Of Dreams, his first solo record in over nine years.

Tickets are also selling fast for Platinum-selling Manchester rapper Aitch, who plays 02 Academy on October 21. One of the hottest acts of the year, he will showcase his debut album, Close To Home, as well as hits like Taste (Make It Shake) and Baby.

Looking ahead to October 27, Ivor Novello award-winning band The Feeling are back to perform tracks from sixth studio album, Loss. Hope. Love, as well as old favourites like Love It When You Call and Fill My Little World.

For tickets to gigs at 02 Academy, click here.

SWX

Since it reopened earlier this month after its lengthy closure due to a devastating arson attack, SWX is certainly making up for lost time with a busy line-up this autumn.

October 10 sees the appearance of Natalie Imbruglia at the Nelson Street club. The Australian-born former star of Neighbours made her name as a singer in the UK in the late 1990s with hits like Torn and Big Mistake. Her latest album, Firebird, reached the Top Ten last year so fans can expect an evening that covers her 25-year-old career.

Another diary date for fans of early Noughties pop is October 16, when SWX plays host to Sugababes. After a hugely successful comeback at Glastonbury, Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhán Donaghy are back for their first UK headline tour in two decades. Expect all the hits, from Freak Like Me and Round Round to Overload and Hole in The Head.

For many Bristol music fans, one of the highlights of the SWX programme this autumn will be the rare UK appearance from cult American singer-songwriter Bill Callahan, who will be on stage at SWX on November 1. The former Smog frontman is in the UK for just five gigs to promote new album, mysteriously entitled YTI⅃AƎЯ.

Tickets for SWX gigs can be bought here.

Fleece

Redcliffe venue the Fleece is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and it continues to host a wide choice of live music, from the best tribute acts to some of the best touring bands around.

On November 8, the Fleece welcomes Tim Burgess, frontman of The Charlatans, for a solo gig. The Brit-Pop pin-up embarked on a solo career 20 years ago with debut album I Believe and has just released new album Typical Music.

Hugh Cornwell makes a welcome return to the Fleece on November 13. Cornwell was the main songwriter of The Stranglers and penned classic songs like Peaches, (Get A) Grip, (On Yourself) and Golden Brown before launching a solo career. His tenth solo album, Moments of Madness, has just been released and regarded as one of his best.

Back for what is now an annual Fleece show on November 18 are 1970s punk veterans Sham 69, fronted by founder member - and punk icon - Jimmy Pursey. Sham 69 were responsible for some of the most memorable punk anthems of the time including Borstal Breakout, Angels With Dirty Faces, If The Kids are United, Hurry Up Harry and Hersham Boys.

You can buy tickets for gigs at the Fleece here.

The Exchange

Old Market venue The Exchange has built a reputation on promoting up-and-coming new bands but October 7 sees the appearance of a genuine legend.

Percussionist Wolfgang Flür was a member of German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk from 1973-1987, a period some fans regard as their finest.

Now aged 75, Flür is still making innovative music and his new album, Magazine 1, included collaborations from Carl Cox, Peter Hook and Midge Ure.

Tickets for Exchange shows are available here.

Thekla

Floating venue Thekla also has a packed diary of great gigs lined up this autumn, but one of the highlights promises to be Rae Morris on November 20. Part of a four-date UK tour - her first since giving birth to her first child - Morris will perform tracks from her long-awaited new album, Rachel@Fairyland as well as singles like Cold, Closer, Under The Shadows and Love Again.

For tickets to Thekla gigs, click here.