From jazz shows at Alexandra Palace to sell-out stadium shows a la Taylor Swift, these are the biggest and best gig tickets which you should book right about now to avoid inevitable disappointment.
Gilberto Gil - at the Royal Albert Hall
On his Farewell to London tour, the Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil gives London his last hurrah, and no better place to do it than the Royal Albert Hall.
The mastermind behind classics like 'Maracatu Atomico' and 'Andar com fe', Gil celebrates a rich, 60-year history in Brazilian popular music. The long road from bossa nova into a founder of Tropicalia involved a 50 year spell in exile in London, as his music put him at odds with the dictatorship.
His last celebration for a city that has given him so much, this farewell show is unmissable for lovers of Brazilian music.
See tickets here.
New Order - UK tour
Their first UK tour in a good few years, the introduction-redundant New Order once again grace the big stage to the delight of all.
There’s not much new that can be said about the group, as their intergenerational appeal has helped them maintain huge popularity for decades; is there anyone who doesn't know 'Blue Monday'? Frankly I don't want to know. For that reason, tickets will go fast and time is running out!
See tickets here.
The Streets - UK tour
Announcing a string of tour dates from the country, The Streets are on the road again, bringing their signature brand of ironic, witty, poetic garage across the nation.
An iconic live presence, Mike Skinner will often begin Mcing before arriving on stage, either backstage or in the corridor, before launching into a raucous applause upon launch. His mix of nonchalance and stucatto energy has made him one of the best live tickets for the last 20 years.
See tickets here.
Little Simz - UK Tour
UK’s greatest rap export of the last few years, Little Simz was delighted to announce two massive shows at the iconic Alexandra Palace, near her place of birth, along with a UK tour, and will be even more delighted once it sells out.
A huge stage presence, coupled with sharp, funny, introspective lyrics over some of the best beats in the game, this will be one of the years most sought-after tickets.
See tickets here.
Matthew Halsall - UK Tour
An absolutely massive jazz talent, Matthew Halsall’s been cranking out the groove since even when it was fairly uncool.
Now that jazz is in vogue again, he’s reaping the results. Playing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, complete with an orchestra, the show is sure to be a romp. Jazz fans, old and young, come along and join the groove.
See tickets here.
Dominic Fike - UK Tour
A recent boom for younger audiences, Dominic Fike shot up the charts with a popular strand of indie soul/alternative rap, helped by features on hip-hop artists like Bakar and slowthai.
A massive crossover hit, perfectly suited for the playlist generation, and with their new release, booasted by a feature from Weezer of all artists, they’ll be celebrating with a nationwide tour. Come see what the new generation is up to.
See tickets here.
Bakar
Speaking of, Bakar has become one of Britain’s biggest and best surprise hits of the last five years.
With that now-rinsed ‘Hell N Back’ tune, which has become a TikTok sensation both slowed down and sped up, he’s inadvertently become the poster boy of UK fusion.
Combining funk, soul, rock, indie, hip-hop, rap, while not being necessary any of them, he’s gone from minor FIFA soundtrack artist to mainstream success within a matter of years. Get on it!!!
See tickets here.
Sleaford Mods - UK Tour
Punk might be dead, or somewhere in the ICU, but the angry, comedic, irreverent, and lonely spirit of punk is kicking, screaming, and throwing a moody on the ground that Sleaford Mods walk upon.
Their new album, UK GRIM, makes no attempts to appease or delight, other than through satirical, hilarious jabs at the modern culture.
A meeting of hip-hop-style beats and punk vocals and aesthetics, they’ve become a darling of the undergrounds Overground line.
See tickets here.
James Blake - at Alexandra Palace
28th September - Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY - Tickets from £40
Now here’s a show. James Blake, UK dubstep artist turned electronic extraordinaire, always brings a quality show. A mystical presence, he’s often seen showing up unannounced to DJ at affiliated events, never failing to capitalise on the awe of the audience.
These tickets might be steeper than usual, but for a live show, not a DJ set, at Ally Pally, it’s only completely worth it. If you haven’t before listened to the Mercury Award winner, I wonder where you’ve been the last 13 years, and strongly encourage you to check it.
See tickets here.
Taylor Swift - UK Tour
The obligatory Taylor Swift listing. In order to get these tickets, you pretty much have to book a year in advance and take out a high-interest loan from a bank.
But to see possibly the biggest American female artist of the last two decades perform hits from across her discography? Well, if you’re a Swifty or even Swifty-adjacent, you’d be foolish not to consider. Just get there first.
See tickets here.