The Bristol post-punks announce two homecoming shows for August 2025
Formed in Bristol in 2009, IDLES are known for their intense sound and abrasive lyrics.
The post-punk rocker's confrontational and infectiously volatile debut was Brutalism in 2017. Joy As An Act Of Resistance came out in 2018, acting as something of a manifesto for the band, as well as their attempt to be vulnerable and encourage vulnerability.
IDLES third album, Ultra Mono, came out in September 2020. Recorded in Paris, Ultra Mono was constructed to capture the feeling of a hip-hop record. Across all 12 tracks, the band continued their blunt social commentary, with themes of inclusivity, gender inequality, nationalism, community, toxic masculinity and more.
Ultra Mono also features guest vocals from Jehnny Beth (Savages), as well as contributions from Warren Ellis (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), David Yow and Jamie Cullum. Ahead of its release, IDLES did a series of three live-streamed performances from Abbey Road in August 2020.
In 2021 IDLES released their fourth studio album CRAWLER, which Pitchfork argued "plays like the dark origin story for how Idles became the preeminent life coaches of modern post-punk." It featured the hits The Beachland Ballroom and Crawl!
In 2023 the band released the single 'Dancer', featuring LCD Soundsystem. The single will feature on the band's fifth album TANKG, set for release 16 February 2024. That summer sees the band perform at a number of outdoor shows include The Piece Hall, Cardiff Castle and Margate Summer Series, before heading on a headline tour 21 Nov – 7 Dec 2024.
In November 2024, IDLES announced two back-to-back nights in August 2025 in the intimate but majestic Queen Square in Bristol. The shows are billed as their homecoming Bristol Block Party, with special guests including Julian Casablancas' The Voidz, Soft Play, Lambrini Girls, Hinds, Scaler, and more.
Love is the fing as IDLES bring chaos, politics and a sense of crowd community to the Kent seaside
My partner got tickets to see the Idles in Manchester in December and dragged me along with him and Im so glad he did. I have never experienced something so amazing. We have booked to see them again in August which can't come quick enough. 100% pure energy.
Can't imagine there'll be a better live act. Brilliant gig as always from Idles
Without doubt the best gig I've ever been to. First time seeing them was a real bucket list moment for me and to top it off I got a photo with Joe as he left the arena. Haven't stopped smiling since!
I had high expectations for this gig, watched on TV and online streams. The expectations were exceeded!!! Excellent gig...passion. energy, outstanding musicianship! Interaction with the fans was outstanding! Without a doubt one of, if not, the best live sets around atm!! Thank you Idles for an amazing opening Mancunian night! We will definitely, not maybe...😉...be watching you again!!!
I'm not telling anyone how good this lot are, I might not get a ticket next time round !
IDLES - The best concert I have ever been to!!!! Passion, energy, great songs, what a band!!!! The interaction with the crowd was awesome!!! Amazing night. Thank you IDLES - YOU ARE THE BEST.
Totally amazing - one of the best live bands I've seen!
Fantastic gig. Great set list spanning the back catalogue of brilliant songs. Idles always give their all and never disappoint. Venue sound not great, depending on where you stand.
What a band. The energy and visceral power in here was enough to unite this crumbling broken world. LOVE IS THE FING
IDLES are a great live band and they put on a show for a full 2 hours. Anger is indeed an energy. My only grumble is they pad out a few songs with some self indulgent antics - if they cut some of that out they might have had time to include 'Samaritans' in the set ;) Note to the band management: Wolverhampton Halls (Civic) is a far superior West Mids venue for a band like IDLES than the terrible Academy, so please play there next time. Cheers!
