IDLES returned to their hometown of Bristol on Aug. 1 for the first night of their sold-out two-day “Block Party” in Queen Square—their only UK dates of 2025. Set in the picturesque Georgian square in the city center, the outdoor show drew 15,000 fans and transformed the usually calm space into a full-blown punk festival.
Under clear skies and with beer flowing, the event opened with two fierce support acts: Brighton’s Lambrini Girls delivered an explosive set featuring “Big Dick Energy” and “Terf Wars,” while SOFT PLAY (formerly Slaves) tore through a 15-track blitz, including “Bin Juice Disaster” and “Girl Fight.”
IDLES took the stage just as the sun began dipping, launching straight into “Colossus” from their second album Joy as an Act of Resistance. The crowd, a mix of longtime followers and curious newcomers, responded with total abandon. Highlights included fan favorites like “I’m Scum,” “The Wheel,” and “The Beachland Ballroom,” as frontman Joe Talbot prowled the stage and guitarists Lee Kiernan and Mark Bowen dove into the crowd.
The set closed with a storming trio: “Dancer,” “Danny Nedelko,” and “Rottweiler”—a cathartic finale that left the crowd bruised, exhilarated, and cheering for more.
As fans poured into nearby bars post-show, the consensus was clear: IDLES’ chaotic energy, sharp politics, and fierce hometown pride made for a night to remember.
Byline: Sam Walker-Smart
Photo credit: Rhys Dolman
