Fan Reviews
Beth met everyone in the queue before the gig started, one of the best concerts I’ve been to. Sweetest person ever, an amazing artist. Played some unreleased songs which were incredible, such a cool crowd too!
Amazing set. Shame it was only 6 songs. “Just give me six more songs!”
The crowd- most of whom didn’t seem to know who they were, were really loving it. Great vibe, they definitely warned everyone up for the headliners. We were there for Haggard Cat though and they were awesome! Amazing venue too.
Packed Thekla really good support. Full on it . We were on the balcony. Very messy below. Everyone having a great time. Great music chat and playing
Great support first act. Read that Blinders may be taken a break. They didn't tonight
Cracking gig one of the best this year. Tight sound, amazing vocals. Banging set. Hope someone picks them up and they keep playing should be massive
This was the final night of Boy & Bear’s 2024 European tour, and the fact that all five UK events sold out indicates that the men from down under may have underestimated their popularity and reputation here. They really should be playing bigger venues, and the cavernous hold of The Thekla really didn’t do justice to the clean sound of the band’s gentle, lyrical music. David Hosking has an extraordinary voice which beautifully expresses the of the band’s songs on recordings, but at times it was difficult to hear his words as the overall sound echoed off the walls.
Nor was there room on the cramped stage for the five band members to be visible to all. Drummer Tim Hart was tucked away, stage right, behind a huge hanging amplifier, out of sight and a strange disembodied voice when he spoke. This allowed him to tell an amusing anecdote about how he blocked out a classmate in an old school photo, so maybe the universe was getting its own back on him tonight.
The tour has been promoting the band’s eponymous 5th studio album, released in May last year, and many of the songs on tonight’s set list were drawn from that album, which I consider their most accomplished work to date. There were several requests from the audience for old favourites, which the band politely explained they couldn’t accommodate, but they did play a few classics from earlier albums and some old songs dusted down again.
There was even a crowd-pleasing cover of Simple Minds’ “Don’t you forget about me”, although I felt this number showed up the limitations of the venue more than any other: it’s a stadium anthem, and felt diminished in the confines of The Thekla. Boy & Bear would make a great stadium or festival band. Their music would lift the spirits of any massed audience. Maybe someone needs to have a word with the Eavis family to invite the band to play Glastonbury …
Finally, I must mention the support act, Boo Seeka, who got the party started with a rousing set of their electro-pop songs. While this isn’t really my genre of music, I must admit the duo engaged with the audience and got them dancing and singing along to some infectious rhythms. They later made some impromptu appearances in Boy & Bear’s set, joining in with some harmonies and generally having a blast.
It was all part of the celebratory end-of-tour party atmosphere that pervaded the event. The Thekla may not have the best acoustics or facilities, but it is a great place for a party, and the 400 strong audience certainly had a hell of one tonight.
Great to see them again. It was a fantastic set. I’ve wanted to go to a gig at Thekla ever since I heard about it. Bucket list item ticked off
Kira Mac were brilliant. They had the whole place rocking and singing along. A definite must see band who clearly enjoy their craft. This band are going places!
Cracking. Bit of a wet night and parking an adventure but well worth it. Got upstairs early. Support were good. Black Honey were amazing. Crowd down stairs were mental. Lead singer had them in the palm of her hand. Moshing to order stage diving. Rest of band sound was banging
Would recommend to anyone
Never been let down by these guys and what a surprise, another awesome show, can't wait till they come back around this way for the next unforgettable music and hilarious improv extravaganza.
Always A Good Performance
The boys are always great but I didn't rate the venue, a narrow boat, poor acoustics and to top it off got stuck at the back where everyone was talking. Grrr
Great venue, excellent bar staff. Artist was fantastic as always and hope she is back again and again as Thekla is a great venue for her fan base. Intimate and unique.
What a fantastic show
Not only is Nahko's music so healing and beautiful, he embraced the energy and participation of the crowd. If I could give more stars I would. Superb evening with varied subjects and authenticity!
King Nun were a brilliant show. I would happily have seen them alone. But Reignwolf were something else... I cannot express in words how unbelievable this man and his drummer's concert was. He is a must-see performer and if he plays near you, do everything you can to go. I cannot recommend this enough. Another level of rock n roll. I'd give 6 stars if I could
Sunflower Bean were awesome, as always. A hectic mix of indie pop-rock and dreamy vocals mix with grungy guitars to deliver a wonderous soundscape. This was my sixth time seeing the band live, and they sound better each time. Rock on guys!
Brilliant gig, Ian was on excellent form. Still has a great voice & pretty good at strumming the odd guitar or four! He also has a few funny stories to tell along the way.
Top show as always from band of skulls. Still love their 1st album even 10 years on. They looked like they enjoyed playing as we did listening and watching! Awesome!
Ferocious Dog plus the support acts were great bags of energy and interaction with the crowd. Unfortunately the sound quality was shocking. I know it's on a boat and the acoustics will never be perfect but it was very muffled and hard to hear clearlym
Thekla is a great unique venue good acoustics. Was a close up concert and Bas and the Dreamville team stayed late to meet the fans. Was epic
Banging gig, great to meet some old friends from Lucero’s last visit to Bristol. Highly recommend everyone goes to see the band if they get the chance, we only managed to make two of the nights on this tour, hopefully more next time 🤘😁😘
I've seen Von Hertzen Brothers many times before but this was definitely one of the best. The support band were local and warned the crowd up nicely. VHB were simply brilliant. They played a 14-song, 90 minute, set and were on top form.
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