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.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Mogwai
20 years to the week that they first rehearsed in a living room somewhere in Glasgow, the mighty Mogwai curate six shows at The Roundhouse from 24 June-5 July with a line-up of artists who endlessly challenge and inspire.
Confirmed acts include Public Enemy, GZA, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and The Jesus & Mary Chain playing Psychocandy in full, not to mention the men of the hour Mogwai, who play two of the dates.
Yak at St Moritz in Soho
Already selling out shows across the capital, Yak play these two very special gigs on 29 April and 13 May.
The London trio mixes spacious swirling psyche guitars with a backbone rhythm section that’s as solid as a mountain. And in the mix of it all, there’s a seething chaos and a promise that with this band, anything could and will happen.
Tor Miller at Birthdays
From Brooklyn and sitting somewhere between James Bay and Tobias Jesso Jr, newcomer Tor Miller’s debut EP’s title track Midnight already sounds like a classic destined to soundtrack a million emotional teen movie moments. Having already won support from BBC Radio 1 and The Guardian with his romantic storytelling, chocolate vocals, and timeless songwriting, the only thing Tor Miller leaves you wanting is more. He plays Birthdays in Dalston on 27 May.
Yael Naim at St Pancras Old Church
Although she rose to fame in 2008 after her track New Soul was used in an Apple advert, there’s far more to discover in Yael Naim’s repertoire. Returning this year with her fourth album, Older, her music paints with vibrant and colourful melodies, inventive instrumentation, and a use of hooks that direct themselves at your chest with a childlike playfulness.
Playing this intimate show at the beautiful St Pancras Old Church on 1 June, it’s a setting that perfectly fits her music and will be nothing short of stunning.
Alabama Shakes at O2 Academy Brixton
With euphorically tender lyricism and the kind of delivery that shakes souls and encourages fists to be thrown at the sky, this Alabama quartet create the kind of Southern softened garage rock that’s nothing short of timeless. Live, singer Brittany Howard’s voice is so impacting you’ll be surprised the microphone doesn’t shatter. With new album Sound & Color set to steal the hearts of fans and critics alike, this is a monumental gig for Alabama Shakes. Taking place on 18 November, it might be a long way off, but this one will be popular.
This article was created in partnership with mobile ticketing app DICE, which supplies tickets without booking fees. Which makes sense to us, because it seems unfair to charge booking fees for an electronic ticket.
