Academy Music Group (AMG) continues to invest in its venues with acoustic transformation at O2 Academy Bristol. 

Monday 23 March 2026: Fans attending O2 Academy Bristol might notice a new, bespoke look at the iconic event space as Academy Music Group (AMG) continues to invest in upgrades to its portfolio of historic venues. 

A pillar of Bristol’s vibrant music scene since 2001, AMG has successfully completed a significant acoustic transformation of O2 Academy Bristol – visible to attendees as soon as they enter the main room. 

Working with tailored acoustic solutions specialists, Inter System Specialists (ISS), the venue’s steel frameworks, metal barriers and upper-level walkways have been treated with over 80 custom-manufactured panels. 

The fabric-wrapped, MDF-framed systems have been integrated directly into the existing structural elements, leading to enhanced clarity and more balanced sound coverage.  

The acoustic transformation at O2 Academy Bristol is the latest in a continuous programme of works by AMG to ensure its world renowned, historic, iconic venues are at the forefront of the industry. 

It follows on from the state-of-the art audio and lighting upgrades and refurbishments at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire and O2 Academy Brixton within the past 18 months, with more upgrades to come across AMG venues.  

Josh Westaway, General Manager, O2 Academy Bristol, said: “The upgrade is hugely impressive and has transformed the entire experience at the venue. It wasn’t just for the audience but the artists as well. What we have now is a much more intimate experience for both. They are closer than ever before, and the feedback we’ve received has been great. Upgrades and innovations are a key part of our development as one of Bristol’s leading venues.” 

Mark Jones, Director at ISS, said: “O2 Academy Bristol is widely considered an iconic venue for live music locally, so it was important that the acoustic upgrade enhanced performance while working seamlessly within the existing structure to preserve the character of the space.

“The system delivers improved mid-to-high frequency control, reduced echo, and more balanced sound coverage throughout the venue. We also saw an unexpected improvement in lower frequencies, which further enhanced the overall acoustic performance.

“We’re extremely proud of the outcome, not only in terms of the measurable acoustic improvements, but also the visual finish of the installation, which sits naturally within the venue while significantly elevating the live experience for both performers and audiences.”

O2 Academy Bristol’s history stretches back to November 1966, when it opened as the ABC cinema as part of a huge entertainment hub called The New Bristol Centre. It was also known as the ‘Rock’, Bristol’s super-club, for a short period before the venue was brought by Academy Music Group in 2001and opened with a legendary night headlined by Ocean Colour Scene and an array of artists followed them on to the stage including Gorillaz, Ian Brown, Faithless and DJ Shadow.

More recently music fans have witnessed memorable shows from both homegrown and international acts including Kasabian, Raye, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Rizzle Kicks, CMAT, Amyl and the Sniffers, Olivia Dean, Protoje. Teddy Swims and Blossoms. O2 Academy Bristol is also an integral part of the local music scene, staging artists as part of the annual Dot To Dot Festival and in 2024 Bristol’s IDLES played an exclusive benefit concert at the venue in aid of War Child.