Bristol has long boasted a music scene that's among the very best in the world, from the emergence of punk and reggae in the '60s, to the 'Bristol Sound' and trip hop of the 1990s and its significant role in the rise in popularity of drum & bass and dubstep.
Needless to say, this means that Bristol offers a wealth of places to see live music from an impressive variety of music genres.
So, if you're new to the city, just visiting, or are just embarking on a mission to go to as many gigs as you can but don't know where to start, we're here to help. Here are a few suggestions for some of the best places to catch live music in Bristol - and what you can expect when you get there:
To see the next big thing: The Louisiana
Flickr: Robert Cutts
Famed across the city for giving a stage to burgeoning new acts, The Louisiana on Wapping Road is an indie and folk venue that's played host to some very impressive names in the past.
A quick glimpse at the many posters on its walls reveals a rich history of performances from internationally renowned bands and artists including The Libertines, The Strokes, Kings of Leon and Coldplay. Head there and who knows which stars of tomorrow you could be hearing.
To see much-hyped bands: Thekla
Flickr: Barney Moss
Yep, it's a live music venue and a club on a boat that's been moored in Bristol's Mud Dock since the '80s.
In its earlier life, the Thekla was used for theatrical performances and cabaret acts, before becoming a focal point for the city's drum & bass music scene in the '90s.
Past performances have included the likes of Electric Six, Pete Doherty and Franz Ferdinand, and the Thekla is still incredibly in tune with current trends, and its promoters know how to put a good bill together.
Over the coming few months there are scheduled performances from Surfer Blood, Titus Andronicus, Lonelady, The Bohicas and many more – all darlings of the music press, and for good reason.
To catch a band on tour: The Fleece
Flickr: Paul Townsend
The Fleece on St Thomas Street has a legendary reputation in Bristol. First opened in 1982, everyone from Oasis and Napalm Death, to Amy Winehouse and Queens of the Stone Age have taken to its stage over the years.
The Fleece excels at booking great touring bands and its intimate environment means, more often than not, the gigs sell out. If you do manage to squeeze into this one-time wool mill (hence the venue's name), expect to witness everything from trash metal to folk and reggae.
To watch an established band: The Marble Factory
The MJR Group
Launched last year, The Marble Factory near Temple Meads Station may be Bristol's newest music venue, but it has enjoyed great success quickly, thanks to a slew of established bands performing on its stage.
A sister venue to Motion, acts are often electro and dance orientated, but forthcoming gigs offer something for everyone. These includes metal acts like Sepultura, Fear Factory and Cradle of Filth, alongside rappers like Lethal Bizzle and Ghost Poet. Oh, and, er, Chas & Dave...
To hear an acoustic band: The Grain Barge
Flickr: Andrew Gustar
The Grain Barge off Hotwells Road is a great little cubbyhole that's been responsible for some truly magical performances from acoustic acts, yet somehow remains sorely overlooked on the Bristol live music scene.
Its cosy environment lends itself perfectly to folk and Americana genres, while the bar upstairs will provide a scrummy meal to compliment your evening.
To hear local bands: The Golden Lion
The sister pub to The Old Duke (itself a decent venue for live music if you like jazz and blues) The Golden Lion way up Gloucester Road in Horfield has established itself as a great venue for local rock, folk and funk bands to start making a name for themselves.
As an added bonus, the Golden Lion is also home to street food vendors Burger Theory, so you'll have something tasty to tuck into while the music plays.
To see a noisy band: Start The Bus
Flickr: David McKelvey
Start the Bus on Baldwin Street books a hodgepodge of acts to perform on its stage, but is at its best with a band who are loud. Really loud.
Despite minuscule standing space, the venue has pulled off some of the most ferocious gigs this humble writer has seen – from touring and local bands alike.
To hear a punk band: Exchange
One of few venues to mostly focus on a single music genre, you know where you stand when it comes to Exchange. Head over to Old Market for some live music, and you’ll usually be faced with awesome punk talent from across the world.
Have we forgotten your favourite off the list and think that somewhere else deserves to be included? Let us know.
Looking for more nightlife venues in Bristol? Here are a few more suggestions.