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. 

Stevie Nicks at Hyde Park

Stevie Nicks

Brandi Carlile

Anna Calvi

Hyde Park, 12 July 2024

It seems the only way you can see Stevie Nicks live in London these days is to take a trip to Hyde Park in the summer, as this is now her third time playing here, only this time she has made her way up the bill to headliner finally. So, once again, was it worth standing all day in a crowded park for?

Anna Calvi at Troxy

Anna Calvi
Woman's Hour
Troxy, 8 February 2014

Out on a cold and windy February night for my first gig of 2014, this time to see the outstanding Anna Calvi who I have wanted to see live since her superb Mercury-nominated debut came out in 2011. I have actually seen Calvi live once before but in her old band Cheap Hotel back in 2007, supporting Jesse Sykes at the Monto Water Rats. Most support acts at the smaller venues are instantly forgettable but while the band itself wasn't anywhere near as good as Calvi's solo work, there was definitely something about Calvi that was memorable: maybe it was her smart style, her strong, clear transfixing vocals but mainly, I think it was the sight of a powerful woman confidently yielding a loud guitar. I admit I didn't fall under her spell back then though but I instantly recognised her when suddenly her first solo effort deservedly began gathering acclaim and by the time her magnificent second LP, One Breath, came out last year I couldn't wait to finally see her live again.

My Favourite Albums Of 2013

Even though I've always been partial to female musicians, whether they are singers, songwriters guitarists, or rockers, this year more than ever it was the girls who dominated by iPod and stereo. There's even a few that I've failed to include that I truly loved: Alessi's Ark's lovely third album The Still Life; Caitlin Rose's fun follow-up to her debut, The Stand-In; Juliana Hatfield's underrated collaboration with Nada Surf's Daniel Caws, Minor Alps; Speedy Ortiz's 90s style alternative rock; Lissie's joyful pop; Mazzy Star's long-awaited comeback and Laura Marling's elegant and beautiful Once I Was An Eagle. I really wanted to include them all but a few of those annoying boys just couldn't be ignored so unfortunately it isn't an all-girl end of year list (but almost). These are my 10 favourites. Well, right at this minute anyway...