The final tour by London legends Orange Goblin rolls into Electric Bristol for the last time. An evening to savour, to absorb, and most importantly, to celebrate. Thirty years of touring, hard rocking, and making some incredible music is drawing to a frantic close.
Orange Goblin – Grand Magus – UrneElectric Bristol – 14 December 2025
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
I reflect on my relationship with the band over their history as I drive from Wales to the venue. I have lost count of the times I have seen them, but it is well into double figures.
From small venues like the Globe in Cardiff and the Fleece in Bristol to massive festival stages at Bloodstock and Download, from a refuse yard in Truro to slots supporting Corrosion Of Conformity and celebratory nights at Damnation Festival, there is only one show that I would describe as slightly substandard in my memory.
Orange Goblin – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Consistent is the word I would use to describe Ben Ward, Joe Hoare, Chris Turner and Harry Armstrong, with a huge nod to Martin Millward at this point, too.
They also have a catalogue of bangers, tunes that span their recording career and which tonight are fan-picked. As the venue swells to capacity, anticipation is high. An Orange Goblin show is a highlight at any time, but this swansong carries extra significance.
Orange Goblin – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
The final transmission rolls on the video screen, a Star Wars-style narrative that eulogises the hard work and hard-playing style of the band. As AC/DC’s It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock’ n’ Roll) blasts through the PA, the final words elicit the biggest roar. “We Are Orange Fucking Goblin Baby.”
A heroic welcome greets these fine gents, who proceed to deliver as good a 90-minutes as I have ever seen. It is frenetic, powerful, and heavy. Yeah, they may not play Heavy Metal in the way that touring peers Grand Magus do, but Goblin make your ears ring alright.
Orange Goblin – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
As the strains of opener Solarisphere ricochet around the venue, it is impossible to take your eyes off the giant Ben Ward, who never stops striding around the stage. He is Metal’s cheerleader, a behemoth of a frontman who continues as an advert for healthy living and no booze. The change in his vocals has been significant since his decision to tweak his lifestyle.
The place is going bonkers from the start. Those crammed onto the barrier are pounded in the back by those intent on causing carnage in the pit behind them. Ward tells the audience that Manchester was intense. Bristol matches it and ups a level too. The surfers are flying, and all around the packed venue, heads are banging.
Orange Goblin – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Alongside Ward, Hoare proves another reminder that he is one of the most underrated guitarists in the business. His lead work soars, and his rhythm adds backbone and grit to the engine that purrs thanks to Turner and Armstrong’s linked drum and bass work.
Harry is, well, Harry. He has been in the band for a few years, but as he says later in the show, he has been a fan and friend of the band since seeing them in his local when they were This Haunted Kingdom, pre-1995.
Armstrong is now the essential low-end, a blur of blond hair contrasting with Hoare’s distinguished grey mop. He is also, like the other members of the band, having a real blast.
Orange Goblin – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Ninety minutes pass in a flash. (Not) Rocket Science makes the cut, a fine track from possibly the band’s best (and latest) album. It is in early, allowing the band to go deep. Cozmo Bozo achieves appreciation from the old school, Heavy Lies The Crown is huge, whilst The Devil’s Whip, their own nod to Motörhead, incites mayhem in the pit.
The intensity of an Orange Goblin show cannot be underestimated. Ever the ring master, Ward is prowling back and forth throughout the show. He is grinning, roaring, thumbs up and fists in the air. It is impossible not to be engaged.
Blue Snow is another welcome old timer getting a final run, and when Hoare throws the opening riff to Sabbath’s Into The Void, the place gets ever crazier.
Orange Goblin – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
They never fail to acknowledge their roots, their crew, and their peers. Ward thanks them all, and in a moment of some emotion, reminds us that we are the reason why we have had 30 years of this great band.
It is hard not to wipe a tear, even during the main set closer, Time Travelling Blues, which is just majestic.
Unlike many, there is no ego here. Ward tells us that it is now that some enter the charade of going off and waiting before returning. No such ceremony here, as the band rip into a closing trio that melts the paintwork. The Filthy And The Few segues into Quincy The Pig Boy before Red Tide Rising gives the pit crew a final workout.
Orange Goblin – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
90 minutes that pass like ten. That is how you do it. No one leaves early. And that is why I, for one, will raise a glass, shed a tear, but mainly celebrate that I was around to see this band so many times.
What happens next is open to debate. But for now, it’s time to say Thank You to one of the greatest UK Metal/Rock bands of all time. Orange Fucking Goblin Baby!!
Grand Magus
It has not been that long since Grand Magus roared across our shores. Late February and early March, to be exact, as they opened for fellow Swedes Opeth.
Grand Magus – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Tonight, they have a short set and roll out anthem after anthem to a crowd that is fully appreciative from the start. I, The Jury gets the place moving, and heads nod in unison with the riffs that flow. About to hit their own 30th anniversary, JB, Fox and Ludde show no signs of slowing down.
They draw from several albums, get fists pumping for Steel Versus Steel and conjure imagery with Ravens Guide Our Way.
Grand Magus – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Although Grand Magus are also frequent visitors to Bristol, they may well have captured a few new fans tonight. Their music is traditional Metal, played with heart and passion. And as the crowd continues to sing long after Magus have stopped on final track Hammer Of The North, you know that they have done their job.
Urne
Denied by Covid, there was no way that Urne were not getting out with Orange Goblin on this tour tells singer/bassist Joe Nally as he takes a breather mid-set.
Urne – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Urne are powerful, bludgeoning, but also with subtle passages that have attracted much admiration since their formation. They do not have much time and use it wisely.
It is a blistering set, with plenty of haze and strobes to enhance their sludgy crossover style. Ben Ward later states that with bands like Urne, the future of British Metal is in safe hands.
Urne – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
It is hard to disagree, and when they can close out their set with a ten-minute song in Harken The Waves, their recent single featuring Tory Sanders, then you know that the confidence needed to get to the top is there in spades.
Urne – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Urne – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Grand Magus – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Grand Magus – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk
Grand Magus – Electric Bristol – 14 December 2025. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk