London Music: Rock & Pop

Our Picks

Blondie (Excel - 28 July 2008) One Way or Another, Debbie Harry is going to get you to her concert. Watching the famously flaxen-haired performer walk the stage again should induce the perfect amount of Eighties nostalgia - just make sure your Heart of Glass doesn't crack when she says goodbye for the night.

The Sex Pistols (Hammersmith Apollo - 2 September 2008) Having trouble choosing which concert to see? Let singer John Lydon, a.k.a. Johnny Rotten, make it easy. “We are Britain’s finest – always have been, all right?” he says. The band’s reunion show last November was supposed to be a one-off, but apparently the Pistols still have enough sexiness left for another round.

Queen (The O2 - 13 October and 7 November 2008) A lot has happened since this British rock band formed in 1970. The group has recorded 15 studio albums, including one that came out after lead singer Freddie Mercury died in 1991. They've also inspired a hit musical, We Will Rock You, and now are set to drop another album in September. Be the first to see the live show with all the new material.

Coldplay (The O2 - 14, 15 and 16 December 2008) Viva La Vida, the fourth album from Chris Martin & Co, has spawned what some are calling the British rockers' best tour yet. Music for some of the latest songs was inspired by the supernatural so prepare for haunting melodies laced over the group's trademark driving guitar-and-piano sound.

Madness (The O2 - 19 December 2008) Flushed from the incredible successes of 2007, a year that saw them making jubilant appearances at Glastonbury, Benicassim and Bestival, as well as completing a critically acclaimed sell out UK arena tour, Madness have announced a one-off show returning on 19th December for a traditionally triumphant Christmas knees-up.

THE ORIGINS OF LONDON ROCK & POP...

For many, London's vibrant music scene dates back to the 60s, when The Stones were rocking Hyde Park and The Beatles were jamming away at Abbey Road. For others, the heady days of 70s punk showed London's true calling. Clubbers will point to the dance-music explosion of the past decade as the capital's defining era.

Who cares! The real strength of London's music scene is diversity. The capital can lay claim to some truly memorable homegrown talent: The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Primal Scream, The Chemical Brothers and hey, we can't forget All Saints and The Spice Girls.

With so many bands based in one city, live music choice is unparalleled - every sound is just a short tube ride away. In pubs, in clubs, in stadiums; hundreds of bands play live in London every night of the year.

Selling Fast

 The Feeling - 17 July and 4 November 2008
 Meat Loaf - 2 August 2008
 Van Morrison - 16 August 2008
 Taking Back Sunday - 21 August 2008
 R.E.M. - 30 August 2008
 Gym Class Heroes - 18 September 2008
 Nickelback - 19 September 2008
 One Republic - 24 September 2008
 Queen - 13 October and 7 November 2008
 Coldplay - 14, 15 and 16 December 2008