Bristol Rovers F.C. - Supporter Culture

Supporter Culture

The team traditionally draws the majority of its support from north and east Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Many towns and villages in the surrounding area are also home to significant pockets of Rovers supporters.

The nickname given to Bristol Rovers supporters is "Gasheads". "The Gas" was originally coined as a derogatory term by the supporters of Bristol Rovers' rivals Bristol City, and was in reference to the large gas works adjacent to the old Bristol Rovers stadium, in Eastville, Bristol which wafted the sometimes overpowering odour of town gas across the crowd. "Gasheads" was adopted as a name by a splinter group of Rovers supporters in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. The chant "Proud to be a Gashead" spread to regular fans, and a fanzine was produced called The Gashead.

The term "Gasheads" is now universally accepted within the English media and football fraternity as referring to Bristol Rovers supporters. After the club's relegation to Football League Two in 2001, the club designated the squad number 12 to the Gasheads to signify them as the club's 12th Man in recognition of their loyal support.

In 2000 another splinter group of supporters came together. Known as the Blackthorn Buccaneers, their aim was to celebrate the maritime heritage of the city of Bristol, identifying with the pirate on the club's badge. The group celebrates its existence at most games by the waving of pirate flags and wearing of pirate costumes. The group take its name from the terrace formerly known as the Blackthorn End (now the Bass Terrace) on which they stand at the Memorial Stadium.

In the British film Hot Fuzz Danny Butterman played by Nick Frost is seen wearing a Bristol Rovers shirt.