The Underdog 2026 | Heat E (Indie/Rock)

⚠️ Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat. ⚠️

WE NEED BANDS X Synthetica Present:

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
THE UNDERDOG 2026 · Heat E (Indie/Rock)

🔥 The Underdog Is Back for 2026! 🔥

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

💷 £1,000 cash — no strings attached
🎙️ Two full days in a professional recording studio
👕 50 custom-printed band t-shirts
📸 A killer promo photoshoot
🚌 A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion. 🏆

📱 Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

⚠️ Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ A STRANGE ALLIANCE
Indie · Alt Rock

https://linktr.ee/astrangealliance

WATCH: https://youtu.be/MnIb5mGNO_o

FOR FANS OF: Oasis, Inhaler, Catfish and The Bottlemen

✪ KOOKABURRA EAT YOU
Psych Rock

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/IUnp7XwFWXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/qGMA6_VDEuw

FOR FANS OF: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Tropical F*ck Storm, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

✪ ROMAN
Indie Folk Rock
https://linktr.ee/romanband

LISTEN: https://on.soundcloud.com/hGgjPd5uoXvIeS10f9
WATCH: https://youtube.com/shorts/__0kypPtX1o?si=J5q-sSBg33ea4hnZ

FOR FANS OF: Arcade Fire, The Stone Roses, Wolf Alice

✪ THE AMBUSHED POETS
Rock · Soul · Indie

https://linktr.ee/theambushedpoets

WATCH: https://youtu.be/84aDE43Ursw

FOR FANS OF: The Rolling Stones, Santana, Fontaines DC

✪ THE PAVILION
Indie Rock

https://linktr.ee/thepavilionband

LISTEN: https://youtu.be/3Ei_YTD1sbo
WATCH: https://youtu.be/fwTUj0c53Tg

FOR FANS OF: Catfish and The Bottlemen, The Backseat Lovers, Overpass

✪ THE PROBLEM SOULS
Rock · Britpop

https://linktr.ee/theproblemsouls

LISTEN: https://on.soundcloud.com/leN3...
WATCH: https://youtu.be/KKltk742XKc

FOR FANS OF: The Verve, Sam Fender, Manic Street Preachers

The INFO:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Friday 23rd January

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): SOLD OUT!
Early Bird (3X Votes): SOLD OUT!
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

Artist WAITLIST:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Didn’t get your application in on time? ⏰
Join our Artist Waitlist and be the first to hear if a slot becomes available!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/QxdxxYBKAUSf4Z4p9

Follow All The Action:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:

www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol