Ticket Alert: Don't Miss These London Gigs

By Londonist Last edited 107 months ago
Ticket Alert: Don't Miss These London Gigs

London is the best city in the world for seeing live music — but the best gigs often sell out before you’ve even heard they’re happening. DICE music editor Jen Long has the inside track and is here to make sure you don’t miss out on the hottest concerts in the capital.

Before we get into it, as today is payday for most of us, there’s no better way to splash your cash than on a night you’ll remember, rather than the usual one you’ve forgotten by the next morning. Plus, as a little bonus on your pay packet, we’re giving away a DICE tote bag to anyone who buys a ticket to anything today (Friday). No booking fees, and a sexy tote to carry all your summer essentials.

The Vaccines at The O2 Academy Brixton

the vaccines

The Vaccines have it all; rock n roll swagger, thick grooves, and instant pop hooks. Undeniable and addictive, their singles will be stuck in your head forever, and the second you hear that opening riff you will be singing along.

Their live show is known for igniting crowds into an indie frenzy. Returning with their third album English Graffiti this May, the quartet take Brixton Academy on November 22 and 23 that are guaranteed to sell out. Be quick.

Join all your friends at Field Day

It’s become a staple on the annual festival circuit, but this year Field Day has outdone itself. On 6-7 June some of the greatest acts in the world both old and new will grace east London’s beautiful Victoria Park.

Having already sold out a massive show at Brixton’s o2 Academy, Caribou is the perfect headliner for Saturday night to lift you from reality. Genre-defining and unaccountably influential, Ride have reformed as Sunday headliners for an unmissable performance. Forget the hassle of Glastonbury; this is the weekend of the summer. And let’s face it — everyone you know is going to be there. Don’t get left at home.

Now Booking: Bestival

Rob and Josie da Bank know how to throw a party, and this year’s is set to be the biggest yet with headline sets from The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, and Duran Duran. With the broadest range of names and genres, there really is something for everyone. So get your fancy dress ready, because 2015 at Bestival is the Summer of Love.

BadBadNotGood are excellent

badbadnotgood

The ever-imaginative Toronto trio BADBADNOTGOOD are coming to London, and what's more, they’re bringing the iconic Ghostface Killah.

Having recently collaborated on the critically acclaimed Sour Soul LP which see's Ghostface's ingenious lyricism float so effortlessly over BADBADNOTGOOD's dream-like production, it's no surprise they've decide to perform such mastery to the masses. Two pioneering sounds coming together, it can only end well. They play Electric Ballroom in Camden on 15 May.

British Summer Time at Hyde Park

Blur, The Strokes, Kylie, The Who and Taylor Swift all take to the main stage at this series of one-day festivals, smack bang in the centre of London. The biggest names in music basically in your backyard with more hits than you can remember. What’s not to love?

And with support acts that could be headliners themselves (Beck, Ellie Goulding, Metronomy), you need to take notice. Plus tickets now come in bundles so you really can make a weekend out of it.

Book a day off work for Tyler, The Creator

tyler the creator

Known for his malevolent themes, his downcast, slurred, staccato production, shock values, and thrashing live shows that turns crowds to a frenzied mass, Tyler, The Creator is one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in the last 10 years.

Odd Future challenge; as confrontational as they are creative, their live show is a ball of energetic chaos, at times aggressive, exhilarating at others. On stage, Tyler and his crew excel. Book the next day off work and grab a ticket to see him at the Roundhouse on 14 May.

Give Peace a chance

Sorry (not sorry). On new record Happy People, Birmingham’s Peace expand on the slick guitar lines and warm sugar rush choruses of their debut In Love with a new confidence and a vibrant sheen.

Live they turn it up with accomplished musicianship, a chaotic energy, and undeniable charm. This show at the O2 Academy Brixton on 9 October is one massive show for Peace, but then Peace deserve to be massive. Don’t miss out.

If all these have given you a flavour for some festivals in London, take a look at our pick of the best festivals in the city.

Last Updated 24 April 2015