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.