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We’ve compiled a list of the top 14 places in Southampton to hear bands and live music. From metal to indie, folk to pop, and whether you prefer huge or intimate venues, there’s so much choice in the south coast’s premier city.
Read on to discover the best venues near you.
14 places in Southampton to hear bands and live music
After a long and tough period of restrictions preventing us from attending gigs in person, we’re delighted to be back at venues. If you’re new to the area, or haven’t been out for ages and need some inspiration, you’ll want to know the best places in Southampton to hear bands and live music. Here are 10 clubs, pubs and theatres, to cover all musical tastes and preferences.
#1 O2 Guildhall
The largest multi-purpose entertainment venue in the South, Southampton’s O2 Guildhall hosts some of the biggest names in music. Some of the performers featuring in 2021 include Paul Weller, Biffy Clyro, Skindred, Kodaline and Del Amitri. Close to all transport links, with a large choice of hotels and car parks, this venue is conveniently situated and easy to find. The list of bands who have performed here reaches back to Pink Floyd, David Bowie, the Manic Street Preachers and The Killers.
#2 Suburbia
This funky club and live music venue sits where Lennon’s used to be. Pop, emo, punk alternative and metal are all among the genres played here. See bands like Selves and Dali, dance to the DJs and head along to the open mic nights to catch some up and coming talent.
#3 Firehouse
Staging live music in the heart of the city, the Firehouse focuses on rock and metal, with a friendly buzzing vibe. It claims to have the loudest jukebox in the South, with tracks from the likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy. Firehouse has been described as the best place in town for local metal bands with a good selection of beers and ciders too.
#4 Engine Rooms
Located in the city centre a few yards from West Quay is the Engine Rooms. With its quirky industrial design, the venue features a great mix of music genres from rising stars to more established musicians and tribute bands. Known for having friendly crowds and a great atmosphere, the venue attracts an eclectic mix of bands. There’s plenty of nearby parking and restaurants, so it makes for a great night out.
Acts coming up at the Engine Rooms
#5 The Joiners
The iconic grassroots music venue is now in its 52nd year. Once named Best Small Venue by NME, it entertains hosts of cool bands like The Virginmarys, Wolf Alice, Pins and MarthaGunn. Found in St Mary Street, it has a great tech spec and super atmosphere.
Southampton music venues
#6 Mayflower Theatre
If it’s mainstream you’re after, this is the place. Don’t expect to see any up and coming talent or alternative music here. Think tribute bands, musicals and easy listening favourites like Daniel O’Donnell, Jools Holland and David Essex. The Mayflower is perfect for family outings, or your mum’s birthday!
What’s on at Mayflower Theatre
#7 The Brook
This grassroots venue has a capacity of around 600. It receives lots of modern tribute bands, like Kings Ov Leon, Coldplace, The Amy Winehouse Experience and Foo Forgers. You can hear acts from the 1990s and noughties such as The Brand New Heavies, but also current bestselling artists including Jack Savoretti.
#8 The Social
An alternative option, this quirky venue serves up a variety of genres including live reggae, blues and house DJ sets. A hipster haunt tucked away behind Bedford Place, it has an ethos of inclusivity. And there’s a menu of hearty food to tuck into alongside the tunes.
#9 1865
Americana, prog-rock, folk, blues, soul electronic and motown are all on offer at this central venue. The space holds 750 standing and has had bands like The Levellers, Fontaines DC and The Story So Far playing its stage in recent years.
#10 Heartbreakers
Shortlisted by Live Music Business Awards, this intimate venue has a rustic-chic vibe. The underground venue hosts touring bands, as well as exciting local talent.
#11 The Hobbit
The Tolkien-themed pub is renowned as a top place to hear live bands late into the night. As it’s a pub, rather than a dedicated music venue, it’s often a case of turning up and being surprised by who you discover on the bill that night. Having received a refurbishment to the value of £600k, you’ll be impressed by the changes if you’ve not seen it in a while.
#12 The Stage Door
Described as Southampton’s only fringe theatre, live music is played in a cabaret setting here. It’s just a short walk from the Guidhall and includes drag and vaudeville styles, as well as music combined with burlesque.
#13 Southampton Jazz Club
Providing the chance to both listen to and chat with established jazz musicians, this club is hosted every third Tuesday of the month in the Austen Suite of The Dolphin Hotel. Jazz may not be to everyone’s taste, but the genre has influenced many legendary artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
Next dates for the Southampton Jazz Club
#14 Music Festivals
Don’t forget, it’s not only the permanent indoor venues that provide the opportunity to hear great acts. Come the summer months, festivals are where it’s at. This is a pretty big list, so we’ve compiled a separate article on the topic of festivals around Southampton and Hampshire.
Another venue we love, that’s just a little further afield, is The Railway Inn in Winchester.
If you’re an emerging music artist or band, you may find these venues to be a little too high profile to be gigging in at the early stages of your career. However, there are lots of other places you can apply to perform in Southampton to gain exposure.
Related Questions
What was the largest rock concert ever held in Southampton?
Some huge names have played the city, including Take That, Blur, Oasis, Queen, Rod Stewart, Elton John and The Beatles. But perhaps the largest rock concert ever played in Southampton was The Rolling Stones comeback tour at St Mary’s Stadium in May 2018. This took place five decades after their first performance in Hampshire.
Where can I find local music gigs?
Join groups on Facebook that publicise listings, sign up to venues’ mailing lists, check venues’ social media, read guides like Time Out and the Daily Echo, Google what’s on in your area, ask peers, keep an eye on acts’ websites and socials.