10 Arctic Monkeys Related Artists To Hear Before 2026

The Arctic Monkeys didn't emerge from a vacuum. Their razor-sharp lyrics, wiry guitar riffs, and swaggering stage presence are part of a rich tapestry of modern rock, drawing from a specific lineage of indie and garage rock pioneers. For fans searching for that same electrifying energy, exploring the bands that influenced them and the contemporaries who shared the festival stages is the perfect way to discover your next favourite artist. This guide is designed to do exactly that, providing a curated list of essential Arctic Monkeys related artists.

We will break down the bands that walked a similar path, from the New York garage rock revivalists to the British indie rock titans who defined a generation. Each entry will offer a starting point, highlighting key tracks and explaining their connection to the Sheffield superstars. More importantly, we'll connect this raw energy to the kind of live tribute experiences that capture the spirit of iconic rock.

If you appreciate the authenticity of a great tribute show, like those planned for 2026 at The Northcourt LIVE featuring acts such as the anthemic New Jovi or the explosive Dirty/DC, this list will serve as your roadmap. It’s about understanding the DNA of a sound and finding new ways to experience it live, right here in Oxfordshire.

1. The Strokes

As one of the most definitive Arctic Monkeys related artists, The Strokes spearheaded the early 2000s garage rock revival. Their raw, minimalist sound, built on interlocking, angular guitar riffs and Julian Casablancas's effortlessly cool vocal delivery, laid the groundwork for countless indie bands, including the Sheffield quartet. Alex Turner has frequently cited them as a primary influence, and the DNA of their debut album Is This It is clearly audible in the Monkeys' early, frenetic work.

This connection provides a fantastic opportunity for venues like The Northcourt LIVE to tap into a specific indie rock nostalgia. The Strokes' stripped-back, high-energy aesthetic appeals directly to fans who appreciate pure, unfiltered rock.

Booking & Promotional Angle

When considering acts for a 2026 show calendar, a Strokes tribute act offers a compelling alternative to more mainstream tributes. It attracts a crowd that appreciates the authentic, guitar-driven energy that defined an era.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "Last Nite," "Someday," and "Reptilia" are essential listening, showcasing the band's blend of raw power and melodic sensibility.

• Target Audience: Focus marketing efforts on the 18-35 age group, who either grew up with the band or discovered them through their influence on modern indie. Consider how this audience dresses for gigs, a topic explored in our guide on what to wear to rock concerts.

• Event Pairing: A Strokes tribute could be programmed alongside acts that share a similar raw energy, even from different genres. For example, pairing them with the punk spirit of Sex Pistols Expose or the intense precision of Metallica Reloaded could create a powerful, multi-faceted rock night.

2. Interpol

Another key band from the early 2000s indie scene, Interpol's dark, atmospheric post-punk revival sound offers a different but equally important connection for fans of Arctic Monkeys related artists. Where the Monkeys were raw and frenetic, Interpol was sophisticated and brooding, with Paul Banks's baritone vocals and intricate, reverb-laden guitar work creating a sense of intense, cinematic scope. This shared era and guitar-centric approach bridges the two bands, appealing to listeners who appreciate layered, artistic rock music.

This connection highlights an opportunity for venues like The Northcourt LIVE to cater to a more mature indie audience. Interpol's focus on atmosphere, sharp aesthetics, and technical musicianship resonates with fans who value production quality and artistic depth alongside powerful performance.

Booking & Promotional Angle

For a 2026 show calendar, booking an act that captures Interpol's stylish intensity provides a sophisticated alternative rock night. This type of event attracts an audience with a discerning taste for music that is both powerful and meticulously crafted.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "Obstacle 1" is the quintessential post-punk anthem, while tracks like "Evil" showcase their ability to blend moody atmospherics with compelling melodic hooks.

• Target Audience: Market these events towards the 25-45 demographic. This group appreciates the nuances of alternative rock and is often looking for a more refined live music experience.

• Event Pairing: An Interpol-inspired act would pair exceptionally well with other bands known for their distinctive musical identity. Consider a themed "Alternative Icons" night alongside tributes like The Jam'd or U2Baby to create an evening that celebrates influential and genre-defining sounds.

3. The Black Keys

As fellow champions of the modern rock revival, The Black Keys share a common space with Arctic Monkeys, albeit from a bluesier, more garage-infused perspective. While the Monkeys were honing their post-punk sharpness, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney were stripping rock back to its raw, powerful core of guitar and drums. Their fuzzed-out, groove-heavy sound offers a grittier, American counterpart to the Monkeys' British indie swagger, appealing to fans who appreciate unfiltered musical authenticity.

The two-piece format of The Black Keys presents a unique opportunity for venues like The Northcourt LIVE. It celebrates the incredible musicianship required to create a massive sound with minimal instrumentation. A tribute act focused on this style can deliver a powerful, stripped-down rock experience that feels both raw and impressively skillful.

Booking & Promotional Angle

For a 2026 calendar, booking a tribute to The Black Keys adds a distinct blues-rock flavour. This act would attract an audience that values musical purism and high-energy performances, making it a strong addition to a diverse rock line-up.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "Lonely Boy" is a globally recognised hit showcasing their hook-laden, accessible side, while "Tighten Up" perfectly demonstrates their signature groove.

• Target Audience: Promote this as a 'stripped-down rock experience' to purists and fans of guitar-driven music. The audience overlaps with those who appreciate both classic rock foundations and modern indie energy.

• Event Pairing: Contrast the minimalist power of a Black Keys tribute with a full-band experience for a dynamic night. Pairing them with the layered anthems of SHOASIS or the explosive energy of Dirty/DC would create a compelling showcase of rock’s diverse forms.

4. Queens of the Stone Age

The connection between Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys was solidified when frontman Josh Homme produced the Monkeys' acclaimed 2009 album, Humbug. This collaboration introduced a darker, heavier, and more psychedelic edge to the Sheffield band's sound, moving them away from their indie-rock roots towards a more robust, desert-rock aesthetic. QOTSA's signature style, defined by powerful, fuzz-laden guitar riffs and swaggering vocals, represents another facet of Arctic Monkeys related artists for fans who appreciate raw, stadium-sized rock energy.

This heavier sound provides a great booking opportunity for venues aiming to attract a hard rock crowd. The sheer power and technical precision of QOTSA's music appeal to audiences who enjoy the heavier side of alternative rock, bridging the gap between indie and metal.

Booking & Promotional Angle

For a 2026 calendar, a tribute act that captures the heavy, riff-driven sound of QOTSA would be a massive draw. It targets fans who crave a high-decibel, high-energy performance that is both technically impressive and undeniably cool.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "No One Knows" is the quintessential track with its iconic riff, while "Song for the Deaf" showcases the band's dynamic intensity and power.

• Target Audience: Promote this towards fans of hard rock and alternative metal, aged 25-50. This is a crowd that actively seeks out live music and knows where to find rock concerts near me.

• Event Pairing: A QOTSA-style act would pair perfectly with other heavy hitters. Consider a powerful rock night featuring the thunderous energy of Dirty/DC or the intricate musicianship of Metallica Reloaded for an unforgettable experience.

5. Libertines/Babyshambles

Sharing the same chaotic, quintessentially British energy as the early Monkeys, The Libertines and their offshoot Babyshambles are essential Arctic Monkeys related artists. Their poetic, often ramshackle sound captured the raw authenticity of urban UK life, blending garage rock scrappiness with a romantic, literary sensibility. Pete Doherty and Carl Barât's tumultuous songwriting partnership created a mythology that defined a generation of British indie, influencing Alex Turner's own lyrical storytelling.

This connection offers a unique angle for a venue like The Northcourt LIVE. An act channelling the spirit of The Libertines appeals directly to audiences who crave the unpolished, high-energy authenticity that characterised the British indie rock boom of the early 2000s. It’s a sound built on passion, poetry, and a hint of beautiful chaos.

Booking & Promotional Angle

For a 2026 event calendar, a tribute capturing the raw spirit of The Libertines or Babyshambles provides a powerful draw for true indie aficionados. It's an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of one of the UK’s most influential and mythologised bands of the modern era, tapping into a deeply loyal fanbase.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "Can't Stand Me Now" and "Don't Look Back Into The Sun" by The Libertines, alongside Babyshambles' "Fuck Forever," are perfect examples of their blend of melodic genius and punk rock abandon.

• Target Audience: Market this to the 18-35 demographic, focusing on fans of authentic British indie rock heritage. This audience values lyrical depth as much as high-energy performance.

• Event Pairing: Create a definitive night of British rock by pairing a Libertines-style act with tributes that share a similar cultural impact, such as the mod revival energy of The Jam'd or the anthemic sound of SHOASIS.

6. Cage the Elephant

As contemporaries who also exploded onto the indie rock scene, Cage the Elephant share a similar trajectory with the Arctic Monkeys, evolving from raw, garage-infused rock to more polished, genre-bending sounds. Their fusion of high-octane indie with elements of funk, blues, and soul has created a sound that is both chaotic and incredibly infectious, mirroring the Monkeys' own journey from frenetic guitar music to sophisticated lounge rock. The raw, unpredictable stage presence of frontman Matt Shultz provides a powerful, energetic counterpart to Alex Turner's suave persona, making them another key name for fans exploring Arctic Monkeys related artists.

This blend of modern energy and classic rock sensibilities makes them a perfect fit for a venue like The Northcourt LIVE. An act capturing Cage the Elephant's vibrant, festival-ready spirit would appeal to younger audiences seeking an authentic and dynamic live rock experience that feels both current and timeless.

Booking & Promotional Angle

For a 2026 calendar, booking an act with the fiery energy of Cage the Elephant would attract a modern indie crowd. This type of performance bridges the gap between the raw power of early noughties indie and contemporary alternative rock, offering a fresh, high-energy night out.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked," "Mess Around," and "Come a Little Closer" highlight their stylistic range from bluesy garage rock to polished, funk-infused anthems.

• Target Audience: Market towards the 18-35 demographic that actively follows modern alternative and indie rock festivals. This is a crowd that values authenticity and high-energy performances.

• Event Pairing: A Cage the Elephant-inspired set would create a thrilling modern rock night when paired with the Britpop revival energy of SHOASIS or the punk rock rebellion of Sex Pistols Expose, offering a diverse yet cohesive showcase of guitar-driven music.

7. Two Door Cinema Club

While not a direct influence, Two Door Cinema Club represents the brighter, more dance-oriented evolution of the indie scene that Arctic Monkeys helped to define. Hailing from Northern Ireland, their sound is characterised by intricate, high-tempo guitar lines, electronic undertones, and infectiously catchy vocal hooks delivered by Alex Trimble. They capture the energetic, festival-ready spirit that many modern indie rock fans crave.

This connection to upbeat, celebratory indie rock makes a Two Door Cinema Club-inspired act a fantastic booking for venues aiming for a feel-good atmosphere. Their music is less about brooding intensity and more about collective, dance-friendly euphoria, appealing to a broad segment of the indie audience looking for a fun night out.

Booking & Promotional Angle

For a 2026 calendar, an act channelling the spirit of Two Door Cinema Club offers a fresh, modern indie experience. This angle is perfect for attracting groups, office nights out, and audiences seeking an alternative to heavier rock tributes, providing a vibrant, celebratory energy.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "What You Know" is the quintessential anthem, while "Something Good Can Work" perfectly showcases their pop sensibilities and intricate guitar work.

• Target Audience: Market towards a younger adult demographic (18-30) and groups looking for high-energy, dance-friendly live rock music. Their appeal is broad, making them ideal for celebratory bookings.

• Event Pairing: The upbeat nature of a Two Door Cinema Club tribute would contrast brilliantly with a feel-good singalong act like Abba Chique or the legendary pop hits celebrated by Seriously Collins, creating a dynamic night celebrating different facets of UK pop and rock history.

8. Foster the People

While not a direct sonic influence, Foster the People represents a parallel evolution in indie rock during the 2010s, making them an interesting artist to consider in the context of Arctic Monkeys' own stylistic shifts. Where the Monkeys explored darker, guitar-heavy textures, Foster the People leaned into synth-pop and dance-rock, creating a slick, festival-ready sound. Their breakthrough hit "Pumped Up Kicks" showcased an ability to pair upbeat, infectious melodies with surprisingly dark lyrical themes, a contrast Alex Turner would later master.

This connection to polished, accessible indie pop makes them a relevant touchstone for venues. Their sound bridges the gap between raw indie origins and mainstream chart success, appealing to a broad audience that enjoys both rock sensibilities and pop production. A tribute to their sophisticated, modern sound would attract a different but complementary crowd to the traditional rock enthusiast.

Booking & Promotional Angle

For a 2026 calendar, an act capturing Foster the People's polished pop-rock energy offers a contemporary flavour. It appeals to audiences who grew up with the indie-pop boom of the 2010s and appreciate high-quality production alongside catchy songwriting.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "Pumped Up Kicks" is the obvious anthem, but "Helena Beat" and "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)" demonstrate their energetic, synth-driven power.

• Target Audience: Market towards a slightly broader 18-40 demographic, encompassing fans of modern indie, alternative pop, and electronic music. This audience values a sophisticated night out with a contemporary feel.

• Event Pairing: An act with this style would fit perfectly on a bill with tributes that blend rock with distinctive showmanship, such as the anthemic rock of New Jovi or the flamboyant energy of Dan Budd as Robbie Williams, creating a night of diverse, high-energy performances.

9. Franz Ferdinand

As contemporaries in the post-punk revival, Franz Ferdinand are key arctic monkeys related artists whose sharp, danceable rock offered a different, yet complementary, flavour to the indie scene. The Scottish band, led by Alex Kapranos, perfected a blend of angular guitar riffs, disco-infused drum beats, and witty lyricism. This art-rock sensibility created a sound that was both intellectually stimulating and irresistibly danceable, influencing the Monkeys' more rhythmically complex arrangements.

This fusion of raw energy and stylish composition is perfect for a venue like The Northcourt LIVE, attracting an audience that appreciates both the grit of garage rock and the polish of dance-pop. Franz Ferdinand’s catalogue provides a blueprint for a high-energy show that engages both the mind and feet.

Booking & Promotional Angle

Booking a tribute act that captures Franz Ferdinand's unique style can draw a discerning crowd of music lovers. It's a fantastic way to programme an evening of 'intelligent alternative rock' that stands out on a busy 2026 calendar.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: The iconic structure of "Take Me Out" and the dance-rock groove of "Do You Want To" are essential touchstones for capturing their innovative sound.

• Target Audience: Market the event to music enthusiasts aged 25-45 who grew up with the 2000s indie boom and appreciate artistic substance in their rock music.

• Event Pairing: A Franz Ferdinand tribute would pair brilliantly with acts that share a similar era-defining energy. Consider creating an indie revival night by programming them alongside a band like SHOASIS, offering a powerful double-header of 2000s British rock excellence.

10. Bloc Party

Emerging from the same post-punk revival scene as the Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party offered a more angular, art-rock alternative. Their sound, defined by Kele Okereke's impassioned vocals and Russell Lissack's intricate, effects-laden guitar work, showcased a different kind of British indie. While the Monkeys were chronicling nightlife with raw swagger, Bloc Party were exploring emotional and political complexities with a jittery, intelligent energy, making them key contemporaries and another facet of what makes Arctic Monkeys related artists so compelling.

For a venue like The Northcourt LIVE, embracing Bloc Party's sound means appealing to an audience that values musicianship and artistic depth. Their blend of danceable post-punk rhythms and experimental textures attracts discerning listeners who appreciate a more cerebral rock experience.

Booking & Promotional Angle

A tribute to Bloc Party is an excellent choice for a 2026 calendar, targeting fans of 'intelligent alternative rock'. This act would attract a slightly older indie crowd and those who appreciate technical skill and emotional authenticity.

• Key Tracks for Inspiration: "Banquet" and "Helicopter" are essential, demonstrating the band's unique blend of spiky energy and innovative guitar arrangements.

• Target Audience: Market to the 25-50 age demographic, focusing on listeners who seek artistic innovation over straightforward rock anthems. This audience values the intellectual side of indie music.

• Event Pairing: Position a Bloc Party tribute as a sophisticated counterpoint to more traditional acts. Pairing them on a bill with the art-punk energy of Sex Pistols Expose or the polished pop-rock craft of U2Baby could create a diverse and musically rich evening for serious music fans.

Top 10 Arctic Monkeys-Related Artists Comparison

Bringing the Energy to The Northcourt LIVE

Navigating the musical universe surrounding Arctic Monkeys reveals a vibrant and sprawling map of modern rock. From the garage rock revivalism spearheaded by The Strokes and The Libertines to the sophisticated, dance-infused post-punk of Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party, the connections are undeniable. We've explored the heavy, riff-laden landscapes of Queens of the Stone Age, the blues-drenched grit of The Black Keys, and the slick, indie-pop anthems of bands like Cage the Elephant and Two Door Cinema Club. Each of these Arctic Monkeys related artists represents a different facet of the same high-energy, guitar-driven diamond, showcasing the evolution of a sound that defined a generation.

The core takeaway is that the spirit of Alex Turner’s lyrical genius and the band's dynamic musical shifts isn't confined to their albums. It lives in the DNA of their influences, contemporaries, and the countless bands they've inspired. Understanding this web of artistry enriches your listening experience, offering new pathways to discover music that captures that same raw, electrifying feeling you get from hearing the opening riff of 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor' for the first time. It proves that great rock music is a conversation between artists across time, and we are all invited to listen in.

From Your Playlist to the Main Stage

So, how do you translate this passion for interconnected, high-octane rock into an unforgettable live experience? The answer lies in seeking out performances that capture the essence, not just the notes. The magic of Arctic Monkeys is in their swagger, their stage presence, and their ability to connect with a crowd. This is precisely the spirit that premium tribute acts bring to intimate venues like The Northcourt LIVE. These aren't just cover bands; they are meticulously crafted productions designed to replicate the energy and atmosphere of a legendary concert.

For fans who appreciate the powerful rock heritage that influenced the Monkeys, the upcoming 2026 schedule offers incredible opportunities. Imagine the thundering precision of Metallica Reloaded or the unmistakable classic rock showmanship of Dirty/DC. These shows deliver the authentic, stadium-sized energy that shaped modern guitar music. Similarly, if you're drawn to the charismatic frontman persona, seeing Dan Budd as Robbie Williams or the rebellious spirit of Sex Pistols Expose provides that same captivating, larger-than-life performance quality. Booking a night out to see one of these tributes is the most direct way to experience the foundational power and attitude that fuels bands like Arctic Monkeys.

Ready to experience this live music energy for yourself? Explore the full calendar of upcoming shows and secure your tickets for a night of incredible tribute performances by visiting Paul Robins Promotions. They are the driving force behind the fantastic lineup at The Northcourt LIVE, dedicated to bringing the spirit of legendary artists, including many who share a rock heritage with Arctic Monkeys related artists, right to your doorstep. Find your next unforgettable concert at Paul Robins Promotions.