Erin Rae at The Grace

Erin Rae

Henry Grace

The Grace, 22 October 2026

I've been meaning to catch a solo Erin Rae show for ages, ever since I saw her open for Julia Jacklin back in 2022 in fact, and luckily for me she announced this headline show at the lovely and intimate venue, The Grace. It was something of a surprise as she hasn't had a new record out in a while but I'm so glad she did because, wow, was this a lovely show: she truly is a delight live!

Thelma & Louise at the Young Vic

Thelma & Louise,

Young Vic, 14 October 2026

I'm not much of a theatre-goer these days but when Neko Case announced she was working on the music for a new musical based on the classic film Thelma & Louise, adapted by its original Oscar-winning writer Callie Khouri, I was intrigued to say the least and bought a ticket to see it during its limited run at the Young Vic.

Buffalo Tom at Village Underground

Buffalo Tom

Gerard Love

Village Underground, 10 October 2026

It took me long enough but I finally got to see legendary Boston band Buffalo Tom play a sold out headline show at Village Underground, after first seeing them at the Reading Festival back in the 90s: something I've been meaning to do for years and I honestly don't know why it took me so long.

Alela Diane at EartH

Alela Diane

Two Runner

EartH, 4 October 2026

Earlier this year I got to see the amazing Alela Diane do a completely acoustic and intimate instore at Rough Trade Denmark which was incredible but I was also excited to see her again because this time she was playing with a full band accompanying her, for the first time in 12 years. That said, whether she's completely solo or has a band there's always something magical about seeing her live and this show was no exception.

First Aid Kit at the Royal Albert Hall

First Aid Kit

Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra

Royal Albert Hall, 30 September 2026

I was incredibly lucky that I managed to get a ticket to the last night of two very special shows First Aid Kit played at the Royal Albert Hall backed by the sixty-five piece Gothernburg Symphony Orchestra. 

The Afghan Whigs at Shepherd's Bush Empire

The Afghan Whigs

Ed Harcourt

Shepherd's Bush Empire, 24 September 2026

It's been far too long since I last saw the Afghan Whigs live but with the release of a new album (Soft Control) and, like The Jayhawks, celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, I knew I had to see Greg Dulli and the boys on this tour, and I'm so glad I did because this was an absolute blast of a show.

The Jayhawks at the Electric Ballroom

The Jayhawks

Dave Fidler

Electric Ballroom, 16 September 2016

It's been over ten years since I last saw The Jayhawks live but this year they are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their debut album as well as releasing their twelfth record, Sanctuary Park, so I knew I had to go to this special show at the Electric Ballroom, probably the smallest venue I've seen the band since their Camden Dingwalls show in 2003!

Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band at Oslo

Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band

The Cindys

Oslo, 10 September 2016

They were over supporting Kurt Vile on his UK tour but luckily for me Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band managed to also squeeze in a headline show at Oslo tonight and they were on absolutely storming form.

Ratboys Downstairs At The Dome

Ratboys

Salarymen

Downstairs At The Dome, 5 September 2026 

I was back to see my favourite discoveries this year, the incredible Ratboys, at the downstairs venue in the Dome (singer Julia Steiner was very taken with the idea that there was an actual Dome at the top of the building!), which I had never been to before. It was just as joyful and energetic as before but this time they played one of my favourite songs of theirs, Burn It Down, so I really couldn't have asked for more!

Lily Seabird at The Lexington

Lily Seabird

Joe Harvey-Whyte

The Lexington, 3 September 2026

I was back in more familiar territory at The Lexington last night to see the lovely Lily Seabird, who was over in London to promote her new album Lightspheres On Their Way. Apparently this was her first time playing on these shores with a band, and what a brilliant way to see her for the first time as it was a truly electrifying show.

Geese at Troxy

Geese

Sky Daddy

Troxy, 2 September 2026

I went to see the much-talked about Geese last night at the second of two sold-out shows at The Troxy and I must admit it was a real mixed bag for me. I was ready to be blown away but left not knowing exactly how I felt about it all. That said the youthful audience were going absolutely crazy throughout so maybe I was a little out of place at this one.

More soon... 

Jack White at Hammersmith Apollo

Jack White

Anna Calvi

Hammersmith Apollo, 26 August 2026

I was back again to the Hammersmith Apollo (or the Eventim Apollo as it's known now) for the second time in a week, this time for a no-phones show by the always entertaining Jack White promoting his new album Frozen Charlotte, and it really was a properly rowdy rock n' roll show. 

Wilco at Hammersmith Apollo

Wilco

Hovvdy

Hammersmith Apollo, 20 August 2026

Last year Wilco played their biggest London show at the grandiose Royal Albert Hall but I was more excited to see them rock the legendary Hammersmith Apollo, a venue more suited to a rock band I think, and they certainly didn't disappoint, playing songs from pretty much every album and sounding as good as I've ever heard them.

Greg Freeman at The Moth Club

Greg Freeman

Wyatt

The Moth Club, 18 August 2026

A year on from catching the fantastic Greg Freeman live for the first time, I was back to see him at the first of two sold out shows at The Moth Club, where we got a preview of his forthcoming new album, All Set The Bone, and I'm happy to say he was better than ever, with a new expanded band and an even heavier sound! Plus he seemed more confident this time round. 

Phoebe Bridgers at the Union Chapel

Phoebe Bridgers

Union Chapel, 17 August 2026

I was absolutely shocked when I managed to get a ticket to one of Phoebe Bridgers' intimate outstore shows she is playing this week to celebrate the release of her new album, Lost Weekend, which came out last Friday. She is famously "phones-free" for her shows these days, so I didn't get any photos this time but above is the cool t-shirt I got at the show, which was without doubt a magical affair.

Esther Rose at The Grace

Esther Rose

H.B. Whitman

The Grace,  24 July 2026

After trying to see her for ages I finally got my chance to see Esther Rose live and even luckier for me, it was her first time in the UK with a full band. Plus it was in the super intimate and disco-ball filled The Grace, formerly Upstairs At The Garage. It really was worth the wait!

Tracey Nelson at the George Tavern

Tracey Nelson

Bloody Death

When

The George Tavern, 20 July 2026

I got to see the terrific Tracey Nelson playing his first London show at the legendary George Tavern last night, in support of his fantastic new album, Hercules, and it was his birthday too, making this is a really special night indeed! 

Kevin Morby at Troxy

>Kevin Morby

Liam Kazar

Troxy, 8 July 2026

I finally got to see Kevin Morby do a full band show and it was an absolute blast! Even in the sweltering heat he managed to put on a killer show at London's Troxy, showcasing his fantastic new album Little Wide Open and loads of old favourites too. 

Sierra Ferrell at The Forum

The Brudi Brothers

The Forum, 7 July 2026

When I saw Sierra Ferrell back in 2022 playing acoustically with just a two-piece band backing her, I knew she was something special and brimming with star quality but even that wonderful show didn't prepare me for just how fantastic this gig would be. It truly was two hours of pure magic, with Ferrell showing off her incredible stage presence and backed by a truly astonishing band. 

Julia Jacklin at Rough Trade East

Julia Jacklin

Rough Trade East, 30 June 2026 

It's been about four years since I last saw Julia Jacklin so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see her do a small instore appearance at the always super cool Rough Trade East, promoting her upcoming new album, The Gem. She surprisingly didn't play any new tunes but instead treated us to some old favourites and to be honest, just getting to hear that incredible voice of hers up close with just a guitar accompanying her really was something special.

Tift Merritt at the Lower Third

Tift Merritt

The Lower Third, 28 June 2026 

What a pleasure to see the marvelous Tift Merritt back in London doing an outstore for Rough Trade at the Lower Third (formerly the 12 Bar) on Denmark Street in support of her first album in nine years, the wonderful Sugar! It's so good to have her back releasing music after so long and I'm happy to report she is as good as ever. What a treat it was to hear her play all the new songs too. 

Snail Mail at the Electric Ballroom

Snail Mail

Unflirt

Electric Ballroom, 26 June 2026

I've been a fan since Snail Mail released their first album Lush back in 2018, so I braved the ungodly heatwave and at long last I finally got to see the ever-so-cool Lindsey Jordan and her band live at a truly storming show in the beautifully air-conditioned Electric Ballroom last night.

Willy Vlautin at Rough Trade East

Willy Vlautin in Conversation

Rough Trade East, 17 June 2026

It was England's first World Cup match tonight, but I was far more interested in the fact that my favourite author, the incomparable Willy Vlautin, was doing an instore appearance at Rough Trade East, talking to journalist Kate Hutchinson about his new book, the wonderful The Left & The Lucky, and what a delightful night it turned out to be.

Ben Kweller at Islington Assembly Hall

>>Ben Kweller

Modern Love Child

Islington Assembly Hall, 7 June 2026 

It felt like a big celebration last night welcoming Ben Kweller back to London after more than 10 years away. There were lots of classics that had everyone singing along but it was equally exciting and moving to hear songs from Kweller's recent album, Cover The Mirrors. On top of all that there were some fantastic surprise guests that made the night even more special.

Rilo Kiley at Shepherd's Bush Empire

Rilo Kiley

Matthew Caws

Shepherd's Bush Empire, 3 June 2026

I was back again to see the reunited Rilo Kiley for a second time, this time at the much smaller Shepherd's Bush Empire, and, unbelievably, night two of their London shows was even more incredible than the first. The whole band were just radiating joy and good feeling and the whole thing felt so much looser and even more special. I can't deny, I was absolutely floating at the end of this show!

Rilo Kiley at the Roundhouse

Rilo Kiley

Matthew Caws 

Roundhouse, 2 June 2026

It's been almost 20 years since I last saw Rilo Kiley live and what a joy it was to finally seen them reunited again at the Roundhouse in London. It was definitely worth braving the train strikes and the heavy rain. Jenny Lewis and her band were honestly like a ray of sunshine and brought back so many good memories as they played pretty much all my favourites from their back catalogue, and I'm happy to say, they are even better than ever.

Case Oats at The Waiting Room

Case Oats

Vegas Water Taxi 

The Waiting Room, 1 June 2026 

I have been longing to see Case Oats live since their debut album, Last Missouri Exit, came out last year and I fell in love with its folky, lo-fi charm. I finally got the chance last night at The Waiting Room, where they treated us to lots of tunes from that record and a bunch of new ones too, as well as a fantastic Neil Young cover, so I'm happy to say they lived up to all my expectations and much more.

Alela Diane at Rough Trade Denmark Street

Alela Diane

Rough Trade Denmark Street, 28 May 2026

Although this is my sixth time seeing the spell-binding Alela Diane, tonight at the small Rough Trade Denmark Street, it's definitely the most intimate show I've ever seen her play, with just 50 people in attendance, and even more exciting, it was completely acoustic, proving what an amazing talent she really is. 

Sugar at the Forum

Sugar

J. Robbins

The Forum, 24 May 2026

It's been more than 30 years since Sugar last played in London and then they split before I ever got the chance to see them live, so when they announced a short run of reunion shows, including two nights at the Kentish Town Forum, where they first played London back in 1992 (I went for the second night), I jumped at the chance to finally see them live and wow, it certainly didn't disappoint, as the trio, especially Bob Mould, have the energy of bands more than half their age.

Ratboys at The Garage

Ratboys

Sunday Mourners

Former Champ 

The Garage, 22 May 2026

Even though they've actually been around for over ten years, one of my greatest discoveries this year has been the fantastic Chicago band Ratboys with their latest album, Singin' To An Empty Chair, so I was super excited to finally catch them live at the always great Garage in London, and they certainly didn't let me down! It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

Emmylou Harris at the Royal Albert Hall

Emmylou Harris

Jim Lauderdale

Royal Albert Hall, 17 May 2026

It really was bittersweet to see the legendary Emmylou Harris play the Royal Albert Hall as part of her Farewell Tour, before she retires from touring outside of the States. Even though she turns 80 years old next year, she sounded as wonderful as ever tonight, treating us to songs from throughout her career, I just wish it wasn't the last time!

Friendship at The Dome

Friendship

Garden Centre

The Dome, 11 May 2026

What a thrill to see Friendship play their biggest ever show (aside from festivals, so they said), at the Dome last night, where they played lots from their excellent recent album, Caveman Wakes Up, some older tunes and a brand new one and even a cover of the Tom Waits classic Ol' 55. This was my first time seeing them but what a fantastic show it was!

Florry at The Moth Club

Florry

Starter Car

The Moth Club, 8 May 2026

I went to see the fantastic Florry for the first time at the always fun Moth Club, where they played lots of tunes from their brilliant album Sounds Like... (surely one of the best from last year) as well as lots of new songs too, with at least one making its live debut. It was beautifully loud, ragged and raw, with plenty of Neil Youngian guitar breaks, so naturally I loved it.

Jesse Sykes & Sweet Hereafter at The Lexington

Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter

Henry Grace

The Lexington, 27 April 2026

It's been almost 20 years since I last saw Jesse Sykes live, so I was especially excited to see her play the wonderful Lexington. The previous times I've seen her play it was with a full band but this time it was a little different and just as special as she played as a duo with her bandmate, guitarist extraordinaire Phil Wandscher, and it was truly a spell-binding, atmospheric night. How lovely to have her back!

Big Thief at Brixton Academy

Big Thief

Dylan Meek

Brixton Academy, 23 April 2026 

I braved the tube strike (and almost got stranded in Brixton!) to see Big Thief last night, my first time seeing the band in almost ten years.  It was incredible to see just how popular they've become since then (this was the first night of four sold out shows), with so many young people in attendance seeing them for the first time (for one chap behind me, it was actually his first ever gig!). But it was evident to see just why they are now so big and beloved, as they played songs from throughout their career and even a bunch of new tunes. Definitely a memorable first gig for that young chap!

Kacey Musgraces at Circuit

Kacey Musgraves

Circuit, 22 April 2025 

I never thought I would get the chance to see the magnificent Kacey Musgraves in a small venue, but that dream came true last night when the country queen gave a special performance for Banquet Records at the nearby Circuit Kingston to promote her upcoming new record, Middle Of Nowhere. What an absolute treat to see the Space Cowgirl play some brand new tunes and also some old favourites in such an intimate place and it was everything I had ever hoped it would be. 

Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore at EartH

Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore

Vines

EartH, 11 April 2026

I had a very magical, witchy evening with Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore at the charming EartH playing songs from their beautiful new album, Tragic Magic. It was a lovely night filled with dreamy, ethereal music and it's always a joy to hear a harp live, particularly Lattimore's gorgeous playing, as well as Barwick's heavenly vocals.

Melissa Auf der Maur at One Ninety Four

Melissa Auf der Maur in Conversation

One Ninety Four, 10 April 2026

Ever since it was announced that Melissa Auf der Maur, who I first became familiar with when she joined Hole in the mid 90s, had written a memoir, I was super excited. So I couldn't pass up the opportunity to hear her read from her book, Even The Good Girls Will Cry, and hear her thoughts on her fascinating life in music, for this talk held as an outstore event for Rough Trade.

My Bloody Valentine at the Royal Albert Hall

My Bloody Valentine

Chvrches 

Royal Albert Hall, 27 March 2026

I never expected to see My Bloody Valentine again, let alone at London's most grand and iconic venues, the Royal Albert Hall, but after reuniting last year to play some shows (I didn't fancy seeing them at Wembley Arena though), I jumped on the chance to see them as part of this year's Teenage Cancer Trust line-up, this time curated by Robert Smith of The Cure after Roger Daltrey stepped down two years ago.

Courtney Barnett at The Moth Club

Courtney Barnett

The Moth Club, 26 March 2026

I got to see the fantastic Courtney Barnett for the first time at the tiny Moth Club and wow, what an electrifying and thrilling show! An out-of-store Rough Trade promo gig for her new album, Creature Of Habit (she actually did two, a matinee and an evening performance - I was at the latter), it was short and sweet and, best of all, loud and raw.

Kevin Morby at Rough Trade East

Kevin Morby
Rough Trade East, 24 March 2026

My first time seeing Kevin Morby and not only was I lucky enough to catch him play a super intimate show at Rough Trade East, where he gave us a lovely preview of his upcoming album Little Wide Open, but he was also joined by his "better half" (his words!) the equally wonderful Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee, who sang with him on three songs.

David Byrne at Hammersmith Apollo

An Evening With David Byrne

Hammersmith Apollo, 4 March 2026

I saw him live with St. Vincent many years back but I finally got to see the legendary David Byrne headline his own show and it was quite honestly, one of the most unique, visually arresting, joyful and fun nights I've had in a long in time, filled with so many great songs, from new solo tunes to lots of classic Talking Heads hits.

Courtney Marie Andrews at Islington Assembly Hall

Courtney Marie Andrews

Brown Horse

Islington Assembly Hall, 26 February 2026

I was back yet again to the lovely Islington Assembly Hall to see the even more lovely Courtney Marie Andrews for fourth show in just four months, but this time for a full band show that was equally dreamy and sublime. It really feels like Andrews just keeps getting better and better.

Wednesday at the Roundhouse

Wednesday

Bleary Eyed

Roundhouse, 25 February 2026

I finally saw my favourites Wednesday again at their biggest ever show at the Roundhouse and the crowd absolutely went wild for them, as they celebrated their most recent album, Bleeds.

Jeff Tweedy at Islington Assembly Hall

Jeff Tweedy

Macie Stewart

Islington Assembly Hall, 20 February 2026

What an amazing evening seeing Jeff Tweedy tonight with a youthful band that features his two sons and their friends and showcased his last solo album, the fabulous Twilight Override. Honestly still on a huge high from this one and it's made me remember just why I have always loved Tweedy's music so much!

Courtney Marie Andrews at Rough Trade Denmark Street

Courtney Marie Andrews

Rough Trade Denmark St, 17 February 2026

It's only a couple of months since I last saw Courtney Marie Andrews play live and both those shows were particularly special: one in a tiny church, the other a part poetry reading in a shabby chic arts club. This surprise in store though was easily the tiniest show I've seen her play and was all the more magical for being completely acoustic, letting her natural big voice shine through.

Fust at The Lexington

Fust

Ladylike

Trustpaste 

The Lexington, 14 January 2026

My first gig of the year and it was definitely a great way to start off 2026, with the pure twangy, Americana of North Carolina band Fust, playing their first ever London show, in the always great atmosphere of the lovely Lexington.