MEMORIALS performing live at Stranger Than Paradise on 1st April 2026
HAAi performing live at the Courtyard Theatre on 1st April 2026
Odd capital letter related double header tonight, MEMORIALS at Stranger Than Paradise and then HAAi at the Courtyard. MEMORIALS stripped back set was excellent, proving they are an absolute joy live in any circumstance. HAAi was superb too, euphoric and emotional. Sore legs incoming.
My Bloody Valentine performing live at the Royal Albert Hall on 27th March 2026
My Bloody Valentine at the Royal Albert Hall were nothing short of incredible tonight. The acoustics of the hall made for a very different sound experience than at Wembley last year, vastly clearer but still teeth clatteringly loud. Quite simply, one of the best gigs I've ever seen.
Mogwai performing live at the Royal Albert Hall on 25/03/2026
Craven Faults performing live at the Royal Albert Hall on 25/03/2026
My first time seeing Mogwai and whilst they were a good, beyond the expected aural assault, it felt a bit underwhelming, the atmosphere not being helped by a lot of empty seats. In support though Craven Faults was absolutely superb, a really immersive performance, great lighting/visuals.
Heavenly performing live at Sidney and Matilda in Sheffield on 21/03/2026
Heavenly were as joyous as ever this evening on my first visit to Sidney and Matilda (indeed probably my first Sheffield gig in 30 years). An excellent mix of long time faves and songs from the new LP, Deflicted and Excuse Me sounded particularly wonderful. Really enjoyed Tulpa's support set too.
Meilyr Jones performing live at SJQ on 2nd March 2026
An absolutely wonderful evening watching Meilyr Jones play his first gig of the decade at SJQ in Dalston. The new excellent new songs played tonight hopefully mean an album is not far away and on tonight's showing, that will be something very special indeed. An utterly triumphant return.
Very sorry you can't make it Steven, can't thank you enough though for putting the link on here.
Lauren - thank you for an absolutely beautiful piece of writing that has led to my listening to (and buying) an absolutely beautiful album. Breathtakingly good.
Iona Zajac performing at the Social on 27th November 2025
Absolutely incredible album launch show from Iona Zajac at the Social tonight. So many highlights, Dilute, Bang and an utterly gripping version of Anton. One of the standout gigs of what's proving to be an amazing year of live music.
my bloody valentine performing live at Wembley Arena on 25/11/2025
Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone, but my bloody valentine still make the most joyous racket (in what I think was my first arena gig since Rollercoaster).
Perfume Genius performing at the Roundhouse on 11/11/2025
Perfume Genius were absolutely excellent at the Roundhouse tonight. I've been really enjoying this year's Glory LP, but tonight strongly suggests a need for me to properly revisit the older albums, Otherside going into Describe was simply stunning.
McKinley Dixon performing live at the Lexington on October 20th 2025
McKinley Dixon at the Lexington was easily one of the best gigs I've seen this year (despite a frustrating 15 minute technical stuff up towards the end). An energetic, hugely engaging performance with a joyous 'We're Outside, Rejoice!' and a visceral 'Mezzanine Tippin' highpoints.
The Loft performing live at The Moth Club on October 19th 2025
Autocamper performing live at The Moth Club on October 19th 2025
The Loft split just before I started going regularly to gigs, so it was lovely to see them in fine fettle tonight at The Moth Club. Great renditions of their older songs (Winter sounded particularly good), with lots to like from the new/debut LP. Autocamper were reliably fantastic in support.
Lande Hekt performing live at the Lexington on 15th October 2025
Lande Hekt performing live at the Lexington on 15th October 2025, featuring Sam from Perfect Binding
Absolutely loved Lande Hekt at the Lexington tonight. Lande's songwriting is a lovely blend of melancholy and joy and next January's LP promises to be rather special. Hopefully there will be more shows then. The always fun Sassyhiya and Perfect Binding were both really good as support too.
Peter was fantastic last night, real lightness of touch that elevated the whole gig
That's a lovely piece about a phenomenal show, thanks for retriggering some goosebumps
Robert Forster performing live at the Union Chapel on 11th October 2025
Robert Forster was wonderful tonight at the Union Chapel. Brilliantly chosen setlist covering plenty of solo and Go-Betweens tunes. His Swedish Band excelled, with Peter Moren's guitar just superb. Getting to hear Spring Rain live a massive treat.
Edwyn Collins performing live at the Royal Festival Hall on 4th October 2025
Utterly joyous, life-affirming celebration of Edwyn Collins at the Royal Festival Hall last night, genuine privilege to be there. Edwyn on great form, truly beautiful on Low Expectations in the encore. James Kirk and Steven Daly joining for a triumphant Felicity/Blue Boy finale was a delight.
The Cords performing live at the Betsey Trotwood on 26/09/2025
The Would-be-Goods performing live at the Betsey Trotwood on 26/09/2025
I was starting to worry that The Cords debut LP couldn't live up to expectations, and dear me if it doesn't end up going way beyond. Utterly perfect pop music backed up by a blindingly good set at the Betsey Trotwood tonight, genuinely very special. Would-be-Goods were excellent as support too.
Clara Mann performing live at the Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room on 25/09/2025
Clara Mann was superb in the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room tonight. Rift has been one of the very best albums of the year and songs from it were beautifully performed with perfect accompaniment from Owen Spafford. Great to have a handful of new songs too. Lovely support from Watch Paint Dry.
Black Country, New Road performing live at the Albert Hall, Manchester on 13/09/2025
Black Country, New Road performing live at the Albert Hall, Manchester on 13/09/2025
Saw Black Country, New Road at the Albert Hall last night. What a fantastic venue with a great audience completely into things including Titanic who were excellent as support. BCNR were wonderful live, inventive and engaging. Forever Howlong is an LP that repays regular listening.
That'll be a cracking night, have fun!
Would this band be playing live in the next few days by any chance?
Ben Watt & Tracey Thorn at the Moth Club were magical last night. A deep dive into their solo and EBTG songbooks, beautifully performed with Rex Horan and son, Blake. Seems unfair to pick highlights but Winter's Eve and Bridget St John's Song To Keep You Company were superb. Just a lovely night.
It was an International Youth Year event, the youth club she worked at did a relay run from Derbyshire to the Finnish/Russian border and then went on to Moscow. All of which sounds unbelievable even now!
Forty years since my Mam saw you play in Moscow, thrilled to be carrying on a family tradition
Excellent, I've always wanted to read a book about fantasy FA Cup preliminary round away ends
Sara Wolff performing at the Shacklewell Arms on 17/08/2025
Dominie Hooper performing at the Shacklewell Arms on 17/08/2025
Great Lost Map records showcase at the Shacklewell Arms last night as part of Label Mates festival. Sara Wolff's solo set was fantastic, and Dominie Hooper was excellent, looking forward to the LP to be released on Halloween and full band show at the Moth Club. Both promise to be rather special.
The Leadmill was my first venue - honorable mentions to the Mighty Wah! Sept 84 as my first gig, and Julian Cope August 86, but The Pogues in March 85 blew my mind and broke my body. So many great nights, ending with taxis back to the Derbyshire border as it was fare and a half after that
That's magnificent 😍
Heavenly performing at Islington Assembly Hall on 19/07/2025
Lightheaded performing at Islington Assembly Hall on 19/07/2025
Heavenly were on excellent form at Islington Assembly Hall tonight, a cracking set with a sprinkling of great sounding new songs which went down a storm. Very much enjoyed Lightheaded's set too. Coming home with a couple of fanzines and a 7" feels pleasingly familiar too.