Autumn always produces the best gigs around the country and Reading is no exception. The post-festival season sees the nation’s best bands starting to tour again, with many making a stop in our town. Not only that but we’re still inundated with a great set of local acts to see. Check out our picks of some of our favourite gigs going on in Reading this month, including We Are Scientists, Mark Morris from the Bluetones and Oxjam Festival. Read on for our guide to the best gigs to see in Reading in October.
Main Photo Credit: Her’s by Ryan Jafarzadeh.
Oxjam Festival
Saturday 13 October, various venues, £10. book tickets
Oxjam Festival is back with another incredible line up of local artists and bigger touring acts. The one day festival takes place at multiple venues across Reading town centre including Purple Turtle, Oakford Social Club, Facebar and tons more. The line up this year boasts names like Bloody Knees, Sister Ray, and Wild Front in headliner slots, alongside some local favourite such as The Keep Cats, Kill Committee, Doops, Shoals, Sam Handy and too many other great acts to mention. Definitely one of the highlights of the year and all in support of Oxfam. What’s not to love?
Husky Loops
Wednesday 17 October, Purple Turtle, free entry
One of the country’s most exciting new bands is Husky Loops. Fusing addictive bass lines with angular guitar riffs, and pounding drums, they’ve carved themselves into one of the most interesting and exciting live bands on the circuit. Expect to be blown away by songs like ‘Dead’ and ‘Everytime I Run’. Support comes from local favourites Vinyl Staircase who play on the back of the incredible recent single ‘Feel It’.
We Are Scientists
Wednesday 17 October, Sub89, £18, book tickets
The undeniable kings of Noughties indie disco, We Are Scientists kick off their huge UK tour in Reading this October. The band have churned out anthems for their entire career, from early classics like ‘The Great Escape’ and ‘Nobody Move, Nobody Gets Hurt’, to more recent chart toppers such as ‘Heart Is A Weapon’. This show is in support of their recent album Megaplex and is sure to be an unadulterated thrill ride that you will not want to miss.
Her’s
Thursday 18 October, South Street Arts Centre, £9, book tickets
One of the acts that got the biggest reception at this year’s Are You Listening Festival was Her’s, who received a raptuous response to their onstage chemistry and humour, but most of all their brilliant music. With nods to surf, jazz, indie rock and more, Her’s are one of the most interesting bands out there at the moment. With their irresistible melodies this show is sure to be a highlight of the year. Support comes from Honey Moon and local singer songwriter KT King.
Mark Morriss
20 October, Rising Sun Arts Centre, £10, book tickets
Mark Morriss is a name that is sure to be familiar to a lot of you. Having played in Reading many times to loving audiences, The Bluetones front man is back for another show at the Rising Sun Arts Centre. Always a favourite for many gig goers, Mark released his new album ‘Look Up’ last year, where his wonderful songwriting really came to light. Support comes from local singer-songwriters Matt Stockl and Damien A Passmore.
I love to write about the bands I'm listening to, and the gigs that I'm attending in Reading. I'm a proud champion of the local Reading music scene, and am always looking for new acts to see live. Aside from writing about local music, I am also the co-founder of Reading based record label, Porterbrook Records.