The last time that The Jesus Lizard performed in the UK was in 2009, and even that was just for a couple of reunion shows at All Tomorrow’s Parties. The time before that—what would be their last proper tour over here—was in 1998. It makes sense for a band whose simple existence has been sporadic at best for the best part of the last 30-ish years, but it still feels like a long time when you consider their status. The Jesus Lizard remain one of the legendary lynchpins of noise-rock, blessed with the Steve Albini touch in their early-‘90s heyday, and putting out a split release with Nirvana post-Nevermind. Obviously they’d never be as big, but just like seemingly every band that Kurt Cobain loved, there’s an indelible legacy behind them.
So, at the very start of 2025 and with last year’s comeback album Rack as another glowing addition to their catalogue, The Jesus Lizard return to these shores. Joining them is a cycling cast of UK noise-rockers, with a new one taking position each night to showcase the breadth of our fair isle’s penchant for loud, antisocial sounds. It’s the turn of LICE for Bristol’s date, as our photographer Ross Peacey headed down to The Fleece for a night in underground rock to remember.
LICE
The Jesus Lizard
Photos by Ross Peacey (Instagram)
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