Sound Check: Bristol’s music scene reimagined in art and photography

Sound Check offers a striking visual deep-dive into 30 years of Bristol’s legendary music scene. Opening with a private view on Thursday 8 May, followed by a public opening weekend from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 May.

Curated by renowned street artist Sickboy and Adam Devonshire of IDLES, the exhibition fuses reimagined gig posters by leading contemporary artists with powerful music photography, capturing the energy, intimacy and underground spirit that define the city’s musical DNA. From explosive live performances to the unseen moments behind the stage, Sound Check is a celebration of music culture through the eyes of those who document it.

As part of the exhibition, Sound Check is inviting Bristol photographers - both emerging and established - to submit their most powerful live music images. Whether it’s an iconic stage performance, a raw behind-the-scenes moment or the unfiltered energy of a crowd, selected photographs will become part of this unique tribute to the city’s thriving music culture. The call out for artists is now live with all details here. The deadline for submissions is Friday 4 April 2025.

The exhibition will also support Gig Buddies, a charity working to make live music more accessible for people with learning disabilities. Their team will be present throughout the opening weekend, raising awareness and signing up new volunteers.

Bristol’s music scene isn’t just about sound - it’s a living, breathing culture," says Sickboy. "Sound Check captures events that remain incredibly relevant in the development of Bristol's inimitable style of musical activism, and reframes them as art.

Devonshire, whose band IDLES has helped put Bristol’s music scene on the global map, said: “Live music is a life source. It's a way of life for countless people and this exhibition is a celebration of those who capture those unique moments. The relationship between artist, audience and photographer is paramount to the beauty and mayhem of the live music experience and this exhibition is a love letter and a warm hug to those who bask in live music's ample glories.”

Blending contemporary art with music photography, Sound Check will transform The PIT into an immersive, multi-sensory tribute to live music - where photography and contemporary art collide to showcase Bristol’s sound and spirit in a whole new way.

For more information on Soundcheck or to submit photography for consideration, visit pitbristol.com. For updates and announcements, follow @thepitbristol on Instagram.