Thundercat

Thundercat at Aviva Studios, Manchester - Friday, 27 March 2026

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the visionary bassist, singer, and songwriter Thundercat graces the stage at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Aviva Studios on Friday, 27 March 2026. This promises to be more than just a concert; it’s an immersion into a unique sonic universe, a testament to Thundercat’s singular artistry that blends virtuosic musicianship with deeply personal lyricism and a playful, genre-defying spirit. Prepare to be captivated by a performance that transcends the ordinary, offering a journey through funk, jazz, soul, and experimental electronica, all delivered with the effortless cool and profound depth that has become his trademark.

About the Event

Manchester, prepare for a seismic shift in your musical landscape. On Friday, 27 March 2026, Aviva Studios will play host to Thundercat, a true modern maestro whose live performances are as renowned for their electrifying energy as they are for their intricate sonic explorations. This is a rare opportunity to witness an artist at the peak of his powers, a musician who consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with his instrument and his voice. Thundercat’s concerts are not merely recitations of his celebrated discography; they are living, breathing entities, where improvisation dances with carefully crafted arrangements, and every note resonates with a profound sense of emotion and intellectual curiosity. Expect an evening that will stimulate your senses, challenge your perceptions, and leave you utterly enthralled by the sheer brilliance of Thundercat’s musical vision. This is a chance to experience a legend in the making, live and in the flesh, in one of Manchester’s most exciting new cultural spaces.

About Thundercat

Stephen Bruner, better known to the world as Thundercat, is a towering figure in contemporary music, a virtuoso bassist whose distinctive four-string sound has become instantly recognisable. Born into a musical family, his father was a Grammy-winning jazz drummer, and his brothers are also accomplished musicians, including Ronald Bruner Jr., who has drummed for artists like Kendrick Lamar and Dianne Reeves. Thundercat’s own musical journey began at a young age, mastering the bass guitar with a level of technical prowess rarely seen. His unique playing style, characterised by its intricate melodicism, fluid improvisational runs, and a remarkable ability to weave complex rhythms, has earned him widespread acclaim from critics and fellow musicians alike.

Beyond his instrumental genius, Thundercat is a gifted songwriter and vocalist. His lyrical narratives often delve into themes of love, loss, spirituality, addiction, and the everyday absurdities of life, delivered with a disarming honesty and a penchant for witty, often surreal, observations. This deeply personal approach, coupled with his adventurous musical palette, has led to collaborations with an eclectic range of artists, including Kendrick Lamar, for whom he was a key musical architect on the critically lauded album To Pimp a Butterfly, contributing significantly to tracks like “These Walls” and “Complexion (A Zulu Love).” He has also lent his talents to luminaries such as Flying Lotus, Erykah Badu, and Mac Miller, further solidifying his reputation as a sought-after and influential collaborator.

Thundercat’s solo career has seen him release a string of critically acclaimed albums. His 2015 breakthrough, The Beyond/Where the Giants Roam, showcased his burgeoning talent and included the much-loved track “Them Changes.” This was followed by the masterful Drunk in 2017, a sprawling and ambitious double album that explored his struggles with alcohol addiction with both humour and poignant vulnerability. Tracks like “Show You the Way” (featuring Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins) and “Dragonball Durag” became instant fan favourites, highlighting his ability to blend profound emotional introspection with infectious grooves and unexpected guest appearances. His latest offering, It Is What It Is (2020), further cemented his status, earning him a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for its innovative sound and deeply personal themes, featuring the standout track “Funny Thing.” Thundercat’s music is a captivating fusion of genres, effortlessly bridging the gap between jazz fusion, funk, soul, R&B, and electronic music, creating a sound that is unequivocally his own.

Venue Information

Aviva Studios is a dynamic and cutting-edge cultural hub located in Manchester, designed to host a diverse range of artistic experiences. This purpose-built venue boasts state-of-the-art acoustics and a flexible performance space, ensuring that every show delivers an unparalleled audio-visual experience. Its central location makes it easily accessible, and its contemporary design provides a fitting backdrop for the innovative artistry of performers like Thundercat. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a Thundercat performance that is nothing short of a masterclass in musicality and showmanship. While the exact setlist for this 2026 Manchester date will undoubtedly hold its own unique surprises, a typical Thundercat show is a thrilling exploration of his extensive and beloved catalogue. Fans can anticipate a generous selection of fan favourites from albums like Drunk and It Is What It Is, with anthems such as “Them Changes,” “Dragonball Durag,” and “Funny Thing” almost certainly making an appearance. You can also expect to be treated to gems from earlier works and potentially even some deeper cuts that showcase his impressive improvisational skills.

Thundercat’s performance style is captivatingly unique. He is a dynamic frontman, effortlessly transitioning from virtuosic bass solos that defy gravity to smooth, soulful vocal passages. His stage presence is one of relaxed charisma; he commands the attention of the audience not through histrionics, but through the sheer power and precision of his musicianship. His Fender six-string bass, a signature instrument in his sonic arsenal, will undoubtedly be at the forefront, weaving intricate melodies and thunderous grooves that will reverberate through Aviva Studios. Expect moments of intense musical dialogue between Thundercat and his exceptionally talented band, often featuring world-class drummers and keyboardists who can keep pace with his boundless creativity.

The overall duration of a Thundercat concert typically runs for approximately two hours, including any potential intervals. This generous runtime allows for a comprehensive journey through his diverse sonic landscapes, incorporating both his more structured compositions and expansive, improvisational jams. The energy levels will likely ebb and flow, moving from moments of intense, danceable funk to more introspective and atmospheric passages, before building back to electrifying crescendos. It’s a performance that engages the mind as much as the body, a testament to Thundercat’s ability to craft music that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling.

FAQs

Q1: How long is Thundercat typically on stage for? A1: Thundercat’s live performances usually last for approximately two hours, often including a brief interval. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of his extensive musical repertoire.

Q2: Will Thundercat be playing songs from his latest album, It Is What It Is? A2: It is highly probable that Thundercat will be performing tracks from his Grammy-winning album It Is What It Is, such as “Funny Thing” and “Blackservant,” as these are popular highlights of his live sets.

Q3: Can I expect to hear his collaborations with Kendrick Lamar? A3: While Thundercat often performs his own material, he has been known to incorporate elements or even perform tracks that showcase his work with Kendrick Lamar, particularly those from To Pimp a Butterfly, though direct renditions are not always guaranteed.

Q4: Is Thundercat’s music suitable for all ages? A4: Thundercat’s music is renowned for its sophisticated instrumentation and diverse lyrical themes. While generally enjoyed by a wide audience, some lyrical content may be more mature. It is advisable to check specific age recommendations for the venue.

Q5: What is Thundercat’s signature instrument? A5: Thundercat is most famously known for his exceptional skill on the bass guitar, particularly his distinctive four-string Fender bass, which is central to his unique sound.

Q6: Will there be an opportunity to meet Thundercat or get autographs? A6: While there are no official meet-and-greet opportunities advertised with this event, limited merchandise may be available for purchase at the venue, and occasionally artists may interact with fans in a less formal capacity before or after the show. However, this cannot be guaranteed.