London Live Music Venues
SBTRKT - Photo by Phil Smithies
Tucked away in tiny basements, converted warehouses and cavernous chapels, London's live music venues come in all shapes and sizes. With an eclectic line-up of events, these venues showcase new names in the industry while also providing rare chances to enjoy intimate gigs from big stars.
Former dance hall that now plays host to a variety of live music.
Bush Hall
Bush Hall,
310 Uxbridge Road London, W12 7LJ
Live Music
310 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 7LJ
Tube: Shepherd's Bush Market Station (Hammersmith and City Line)
A unique venue whose high ceilings have played host to a wide variety of artists from cabaret to cutting-edge electronica. Built in 1905 as a dance hall, it made its way to 2001 in various incarnations before being renovated into the live music and entertainment venue we know today. The larger Shepherd's Bush Empire down the road gets all the mainstream gigs, whereas the Bush Hall welcomes niche artists and those on their way up. Occasionally established bands also seem to love it for secret and fan club gigs.
Events at Bush Hall
David Ford Presents Milk And Cookies 2018
On Soon
Sunday 16th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £16, phone for availability
The artist performs in aid of various good causes.
Danny Goffey
On Soon
Tuesday 18th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £20
Danny Goffey
Bush Hall
2018-12-182018-12-18
Where:
Bush Hall,
310 Uxbridge Road London, W12 7LJ
Category:
Live Music
Indie rock/pop from the ex-Supergrass drummer and his band.
Circle 60
On Soon
Wednesday 19th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £15
Circle 60
Bush Hall
2018-12-192018-12-19
Where:
Bush Hall,
310 Uxbridge Road London, W12 7LJ
Category:
Live Music
Members of Gorillaz, Muse, Delakota, Senseless Things, Penguin Cafe and others collaborate in a melange of psychedelic, punk and rock styles for their original material.
The Old Dirty Brasstards
On Soon
Friday 21st December 2018 - 7.30pm | £12
The Old Dirty Brasstards
Bush Hall
2018-12-212018-12-21
Where:
Bush Hall,
310 Uxbridge Road London, W12 7LJ
Category:
Live Music
The tweed-clad 10-piece brass and drum collective plays an eclectic mix of highly danceable pop, R&B and soul covers.
Grace Petrie
On Soon
Sunday 23rd December 2018 - 6.30pm | £15
Grace Petrie
Bush Hall
2018-12-232018-12-23
Where:
Bush Hall,
310 Uxbridge Road London, W12 7LJ
Category:
Live Music
The DIY folk singer-songwriter and guitarist from Leicester performs her original material.
All events at Bush Hall
Giant live music venue with a high domed roof.
211 Stockwell Road, Brixton, London, SW9 9SL
Tube: Brixton Station
This former cinema with its art deco interior, proscenium arch and 140ft dome is London's most celebrated venue for live music, winning Best Live Venue at the NME awards for 7 years in a row. The famous sloping floor means there are great views wherever you're standing, though keeping your feet can be a problem at the more raucous rock gigs. Most of the biggest bands in the world have played here, and it also holds some of Britain's hardest club nights. The sound could be better, but with a capacity of 4,700, a 6am licence, one of the biggest dance floors in the capital, and a location in one of the hardest-partying areas of London, this is the only place to watch your favourite bands and DJs.
Events at O2 Academy Brixton
SW4 Presents NYE
On Soon
Monday 31st December 2018 | £37.85
SW4 Presents NYE
O2 Academy Brixton
2018-12-312018-12-31
Where:
O2 Academy Brixton,
211 Stockwell Road London, SW9 9SL
Category:
Live Music
South West Four presents a spectacular New Year's Eve dance party to cap off their 15-year celebrations with a selection of their favourite artists. The end of 2018 line up features a DJ set by ...more
The Compozers
On Soon
Sunday 16th December 2018 - 7pm | £29.40 & £32.20
The Compozers
O2 Academy Brixton
2018-12-162018-12-16
Where:
O2 Academy Brixton,
211 Stockwell Road London, SW9 9SL
Category:
Live Music
The four-piece collective are known for their live arrangements and renditions of hit songs and audience interaction.
Wolf Alice
On Soon
Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th December 2018 - 7pm | £25, phone for availability
Wolf Alice
O2 Academy Brixton
2018-12-192018-12-20
Where:
O2 Academy Brixton,
211 Stockwell Road London, SW9 9SL
Category:
Live Music
The indie-rock outfit from North London performs in support of its album Visions Of A Life.
Clutch
On Soon
Friday 21st December 2018 - 7pm | £27.50
Clutch
O2 Academy Brixton
2018-12-212018-12-21
Where:
O2 Academy Brixton,
211 Stockwell Road London, SW9 9SL
Category:
Live Music
The heavy blues-rock outfit performs in support of its latest album.
Enter Shikari
On Soon
Saturday 12th January 2019 - 7pm | £25
Enter Shikari
O2 Academy Brixton
2019-01-122019-01-12
Where:
O2 Academy Brixton,
211 Stockwell Road London, SW9 9SL
Category:
Live Music
The electronicore four piece from St Albans performs in support of its latest album, The Spark.
All events at Brixton Academy
Dalston's cafe/creative haven doubles up as an evening music venue.
Cafe OTO
Cafe OTO,
18-22 Ashwin Street London, E8 3DL
Live Music
18-22 Ashwin Street, London, E8 3DL
Tube: Highbury & Islington Station
Café Oto is a vibrant live music venue with the atmosphere of a student union cafe which puts on avant garde music from the Dalston scene. Housed in the old Reeves Artists' Colour Paint Factory - the three storey building was established in 1868 - Café Oto includes a large cafe/performance space where you can get lunch, tea and alcoholic drinks with an evening programme of creative new music almost seven nights a week.
Events at Cafe OTO
Gaelynn Lea
Friday 14th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £15, concs £12.50
Gaelynn Lea
Cafe OTO
2018-12-142018-12-14
Where:
Cafe OTO,
18-22 Ashwin Street London, E8 3DL
Category:
Live Music
The composer and musician from Duluth, Minnesota, brings her experimental and folk-tinged originals to the UK's stages.
Tashi Wada Group
On Soon
Sunday 16th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £14, adv £12, mems £10
Tashi Wada Group
Cafe OTO
2018-12-162018-12-16
Where:
Cafe OTO,
18-22 Ashwin Street London, E8 3DL
Category:
Live Music
The Los Angeles-based experimental composer presents his new group featuring vocalist Julia Holter and percussionist Corey Fogel performing music from Wada's new album Nue.
CZN: Album Launch
On Soon
Monday 17th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £8, adv £6
CZN: Album Launch
Cafe OTO
2018-12-172018-12-17
Where:
Cafe OTO,
18-22 Ashwin Street London, E8 3DL
Category:
Live Music
Percussionist and sculptor Joao Pais Filipe collaborates with percussionist Valentina Magaletti to create rich tapestries of hypnotic rhythms. With support from Rupert Clervaux, Erna.
Baby Dee: Two Day Residency
On Soon
Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £15, adv £12
The eccentric, gender-bending singer-songwriter and pianist from Cleveland, Ohio, presents her swansong performances.
People Band
On Soon
Saturday 22nd December 2018 - 7.30pm | £10, adv £8, mems £6
People Band
Cafe OTO
2018-12-222018-12-22
Where:
Cafe OTO,
18-22 Ashwin Street London, E8 3DL
Category:
Live Music
The veteran free-music advocates perform with a line up that now includes all the original members: Terry Day, Charlie Hart, Davey Payne, George Khan, Mike Figgis, Paul Jolly, Adam Hart and Tony Edwards. With support ...
All events at Café Oto
Camden venue that's hosted everyone from the Sex Pistols to Goldie.
Dingwalls
Dingwalls,
Camden Lock London, NW1 8AB
Live Music
Camden Lock, Camden Town, London, NW1 8AB
Tube: Camden Town Station
, Camden Town Station
This small Camden venue, known as Dingwalls, has a bar at the back, a stage at the front and room for a couple of hundred people in between. Just as renowned for showcasing up-and-coming talent now as it was in the '70s when the Sex Pistols, Blondie and The Ramones were just a few of the seminal bands who performed there, Dingwalls continues to be a champion of new music.
Events at Dingwalls
Jubilee Club Xmas Party Feat. Frank Turner (DJ)
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 10pm-2.30am | £7
Residents spin indie.
Killer NYE - An Evening With Queen
On Soon
Monday 31st December 2018 - 6pm-3am | £15-£65
The Paper Kites
Tuesday 19th February 2019 - 7.30pm | £13
The Paper Kites
Dingwalls
2019-02-192019-02-19
Where:
Dingwalls,
Camden Lock London, NW1 8AB
Category:
Live Music
The quintet from Melbourne performs indie rock and folk.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
Thursday 28th February 2019 - 7.30pm | £12.50
The Australian psych-rock outfit performs new material.
Marsicans
Friday 5th April 2019 | prices TBC
Marsicans
Dingwalls
2019-04-052019-04-05
Where:
Dingwalls,
Camden Lock London, NW1 8AB
Category:
Live Music
Leeds-based indie-pop quartet performing upcoming material.
All events at Dingwalls
Art deco venue which offers a stage for both standing and seated events for theatre, comedy and concerts.
45 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9QH
Tube: Hammersmith Station
Once London's largest all-seater venue, the Hammersmith Apollo has a 3,600 capacity for seated shows and a 5,000 capacity for standing-room-only gigs. It was renovated in 2002, and now works well as a venue for theatre (hosting a huge variety of shows from Riverdance to Thomas the Tank Engine) as well as rock concerts. It has been the scene of some famous rock concerts including gigs by the Beatles, David Bowie and Queen and does a strong line in comedy - it's where Live at the Apollo, screened on BBC1, is recorded. Its visually challenged exterior (not helped by its poluted location on the busy Hammersmith roundabout) disguises an impressive art deco auditorium - when it was built in the 1930s its original purpose was a cinema and it still features the original 1932 Compton pipe organ.
Events at Hammersmith Apollo
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals
Saturday 18th May 2019 | £40-£46
See ten of the top professional dancers from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing perform brilliant ballroom dances. Reigning Strictly champion Katya Jones is just one of the ten dancers and Strictly favourites performing on the 35 ...more
DJ Spoony Presents Garage Classical
Friday 14th December 2018 - 7pm | £29.75-£45.75
The DJ joins forces with Ignition Orchestra to perform garage classics arranged for string ensemble, featuring original vocalists of some of the most popular garage songs out there including Do You Really Like It?, Crazy ...
Orbital
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 8pm | £30
Orbital
Hammersmith Apollo
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
Hammersmith Apollo,
45 Queen Caroline Street London, W6 9QH
Category:
Live Music
The critically and commercially successful duo, comprising of brothers Paul and Phil Hartnoll, perform their electronic dance works.
Hrvy
On Soon
Sunday 16th December 2018 - 4pm | £21.50-£41.25
Hrvy
Hammersmith Apollo
2018-12-162018-12-16
Where:
Hammersmith Apollo,
45 Queen Caroline Street London, W6 9QH
Category:
Live Music
The singer from London brings his commercial pop and R&B songs to the stage.
Nativity! The Musical
On Soon
19th to 31st December 2018 - Various Times | £35.25-£122.75, child £29.75-£112
Nativity! The Musical
Hammersmith Apollo
2018-12-192018-12-31
Where:
Hammersmith Apollo,
45 Queen Caroline Street London, W6 9QH
Category:
Live Music
Birmingham Repertory Theatre brings to life Debbie Isitt's film as a feelgood stage musical.
All events at Hammersmith Apollo
This mega club is famous for its gay night but also welcomes an impressive gig programme.
Heaven
Heaven,
Under the Arches, Villiers Street London, WC2N 6NG
Nightclubs
Under the Arches, Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 6NG
Tube: Charing Cross Station
, Embankment Underground Station, Leicester Square Station
London's most famous gay club is a vast labyrinth of dancefloors, bars, cafes and shops. This is the kind of place where it's perfectly ok- and encouraged- to jump on a podium: skimpy outfits are preferred. The atmosphere in this deservedly famous venue is second to none. As well as the notorious club nights, Heaven boasts a regular programme of live gigs, which include both established and up and coming artists. It has also been used for a number of music videos, including 'Tapes and Money' by dance producer and DJ, TEED.
Events at Heaven
Porn Idol
Now On
13th, 20th and 27th December 2018 - 11pm | £6
Porn Idol
Heaven
2018-12-062018-12-27
Where:
Heaven,
Under the Arches, Villiers Street London, WC2N 6NG
Category:
Nightclubs
Resident DJs and guests supply burlesque glamour and party tunes.
G-A-Y
On Soon
15th, 22nd and 29th December 2018 - 10.30pm | £3
G-A-Y
Heaven
2018-12-012018-12-29
Where:
Heaven,
Under the Arches, Villiers Street London, WC2N 6NG
Category:
Nightclubs
Resident DJs and guests supply disco, pop and party tunes.
Amy Shark
Wednesday 30th January 2019 - 7.30pm | £13.50
Amy Shark
Heaven
2019-01-302019-01-30
Where:
Heaven,
Under the Arches, Villiers Street London, WC2N 6NG
Category:
Nightclubs
The singer-songwriter and producer from the Gold Coast, Queensland plays her indie pop tracks including 2016 single Adore.
Sea Girls
Friday 8th March 2019 | prices TBC
Sea Girls
Heaven
2019-03-082019-03-08
Where:
Heaven,
Under the Arches, Villiers Street London, WC2N 6NG
Category:
Nightclubs
Indie-rock outfit from the rising London four-piece.
All events at Heaven
A spiritual home for London's reggae, rock and world music fans.
95 Effra Road, London, SW2 1DF
Tube: Brixton Station
This pub is the sister venue to one of the Scottish Highlands' most successful venues, Hootananny in Inverness. Revamped and refurbished, it's fast-establishing itself as one of the finest venues in South London. The late night venue plays host to a regular programme of world music: reggae, blues, ska, jazz-funk, gyspy swing, battle rap, flamenco rock and dubstep, it can all be found here. It has a crowd covering all ages, races, and income brackets, united by their desire to listen to great music and socialise.
Events at Hootananny Brixton
The Balkanoes + The Bohemianauts + Dry White Bones + Marianne Cheesecake
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 3.30pm-9.30pm | Free-£7
Don't Problem + Otto And The Mutapa Calling + Meraki
On Soon
Saturday 22nd December 2018 - 3.30pm-9.30pm | Free-£7
Malika Collective + Legume + Hypernova + DJ Snuffone With MC Honey Brown
On Soon
Saturday 29th December 2018 - 3.30pm-9.30pm | £7
Funkshy + Portacle + Diva
On Soon
Saturday 5th January 2019 - 3.30pm-9.30pm | Free-£7
Funkshy + Portacle + Diva
Hootananny Brixton
2019-01-052019-01-05
Where:
Hootananny Brixton,
95 Effra Road London, SW2 1DF
Category:
Pubs
Aadae + Nuvorrian + Colectiva + Mazzi + DJSnuffOne ft Mc Honey Brown
On Soon
Friday 11th January 2019 - 3pm | £5
All events at Hootananny
Warehouse style bar with great acoustics and an impressive live music programme.
2-4 Hoxton Square, Hoxton, London, N1 6NU
Tube: Old Street Station
Hoxton Square have deliberately gone for an unfinished urban feel, with bare warehouse walls, scratched-up furniture and one huge glass wall exposing the clientele to the headlights of cars trapped in the one-way sytem. With the likes of Example, Foals and Austra gracing the venue's stage, it's a great place to uncover new music - expect sticky floors and big crowds.
Events at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Buffalo Boogie
Now OnFree Event
14th, 21st and 28th December 2018 - 8pm-2am | Free
Buffalo Boogie
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
2018-12-072018-12-28
Where:
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen,
2-4 Hoxton Square London, N1 6NU
Category:
Mexican Cuisine
Residents spin hip hop, R&B and disco.
Misty's Big Adventure
On Soon
Monday 17th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £12
Misty's Big Adventure
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
2018-12-172018-12-17
Where:
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen,
2-4 Hoxton Square London, N1 6NU
Category:
Mexican Cuisine
The eight-piece ensemble from Birmingham play a mix of pop, ska, jazz, indie, psychedelia, folk and punk.
Garageoke
On Soon
Friday 21st December 2018 - 10pm-2am | £5
Garageoke
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
2018-12-212018-12-21
Where:
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen,
2-4 Hoxton Square London, N1 6NU
Category:
Mexican Cuisine
A chance to perform garage tunes live on stage.
The Beths
Thursday 31st January 2019 - 8pm | £9
The Beths
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
2019-01-312019-01-31
Where:
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen,
2-4 Hoxton Square London, N1 6NU
Category:
Mexican Cuisine
All events at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Located in an old theatre, this Camden institution offers a mixture of live bands and club nights.
KOKO
KOKO,
1A Camden High Street London, NW1 7JE
Nightclubs
1A Camden High Street, Camden Town, London, NW1 7JE
Tube: Mornington Crescent Station
, Camden Town Station, Camden Town Station
KOKO offers a great mixture of live bands and club nights that have put it at the heart of the Camden nightlife. The huge stage, broad balconies and plush upstairs bars are a reminder of its former role as the Camden Theatre, and the deep red colour scheme, chandeliers and gilt molding give it a decadent air that matches the rock stars who grace the stage. It has an illustrious rock 'n' roll history, having hosted The Clash and the Sex Pistols in the 1970s, and The Eurythmics, Madness and Madonna in the 1980s. It became a much-loved scuzzy rock club in the 1990s, before being restored and reopened in 2005.
Events at KOKO
Denzel Curry
On Soon
Sunday 16th December 2018 - 7pm | £18.50
Denzel Curry
KOKO
2018-12-162018-12-16
Where:
KOKO,
1A Camden High Street London, NW1 7JE
Category:
Nightclubs
The American rapper and songwriter supports his album TA13OO.
Sneakbo
On Soon
Tuesday 18th December 2018 - 7pm | £13.50
Sneakbo
KOKO
2018-12-182018-12-18
Where:
KOKO,
1A Camden High Street London, NW1 7JE
Category:
Nightclubs
The London-based artist, Agassi Babatunde Odusina, brings his grime and hip hop material to the stage.
Arkoss Presents Alice In Promised Land
On Soon
Saturday 29th December 2018 - 10pm-6am | £26
All house music, from past to present, playing the kind of music that brings us all together with a vibe that's positively high.
Buttoned Down Disco
On Soon
Sunday 30th December 2018 - 10pm | £10
Buttoned Down Disco
KOKO
2018-12-302018-12-30
Where:
KOKO,
1A Camden High Street London, NW1 7JE
Category:
Nightclubs
A monthly indie dance party from resident DJ and club founder Christian Laing, with plenty of giant balloons, bubbles, swirly visuals, face painting and free badges.
Guilty Pleasures: New Year's Eve
On Soon
Monday 31st December 2018 | from £18.50
They hosted a sell out New Year's Eve party here at KOKO last year and this year Guilty Pleasures is bringing Beyonce to the north London club. No, not the actual real life Destiny's Child ...more
All events at Koko
Big-name acts and a programme dedicated to fresh talent are all housed under this famous roof.
Roundhouse
Roundhouse,
Chalk Farm Road London, NW1 8EH
Historic Buildings
Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH
Tube: Chalk Farm Station
Boasting a colourful history, the Roundhouse initially started life as an engine shed. It was later transformed into a bonded warehouse for Gilbey's Gin before Arnold Wesker established Centre 42 here, insisting it became one of the most cutting-edge performing arts venue in the country. Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd played several memorable concerts and it is these performances that have sealed the Roundhouse's legendary reputation. By the 1980s it was a crumbling wreck and took £27 million to restore it. A shiny, angular, glass three-storey extension has been attached to the original dark-grey drum. Tickets for main performances here can be a little steep but you can rest assured that you're supporting one of the best artistic initiatives in north London.
Events at Roundhouse
The Manor
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 7pm | £23.50
The Manor
Roundhouse
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
Roundhouse,
Chalk Farm Road London, NW1 8EH
Category:
Historic Buildings
The trio performs hip hop.
Have A Faggy Christmas
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £10
Have A Faggy Christmas
Roundhouse
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
Roundhouse,
Chalk Farm Road London, NW1 8EH
Category:
Historic Buildings
Fagulous, Tracy 'La Bouche' Barlow and comedian James Barr, perform at the drag cabaret event.
Kreator & Dimmu Borgir
On Soon
Sunday 16th December 2018 - 5pm | £34.50
Kreator & Dimmu Borgir
Roundhouse
2018-12-162018-12-16
Where:
Roundhouse,
Chalk Farm Road London, NW1 8EH
Category:
Historic Buildings
The German thrashers and the Norwegian symphonic black metal unit co-headline the night. Support comes from Hatebreed and Bloodbath.
Lily Allen
On Soon
Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th December 2018 - 7pm | £42.50
Lily Allen
Roundhouse
2018-12-172018-12-18
Where:
Roundhouse,
Chalk Farm Road London, NW1 8EH
Category:
Historic Buildings
The singer-songwriter from London performs her pop tunes.
Adam Ant
On Soon
Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th December 2018 - 7pm | £38-£55
Adam Ant
Roundhouse
2018-12-192018-12-20
Where:
Roundhouse,
Chalk Farm Road London, NW1 8EH
Category:
Historic Buildings
The flamboyant singer known for this new wave and post-punk hits in the 1980s performs material from his entire back catalogue.
All events at Roundhouse
This King's Cross venue is home to live music, clubs, art, and film.
Scala
Scala,
275 Pentonville Road London, N1 9NL
Nightclubs
275 Pentonville Road, King's Cross, London, N1 9NL
Tube: King's Cross Station
Housed inside the old King's Cross Cinema, Scala might be a bit tattered around the edges but this only adds to its battered charm. The venue welcomed legends like Iggy Pop during the 70s, but didn't become a purely music venue until 1993. Since then though it has seen an illustrious series of soon-to-be-famous bands pass though the doors, including Foo Fighters, Chemical Brothers, Scissor Sisters and Coldplay.
Events at Scala
Allan Rayman
Friday 14th December 2018 - 7.30pm-9.45pm | £18
Allan Rayman
Scala
2018-12-142018-12-14
Where:
Scala,
275 Pentonville Road London, N1 9NL
Category:
Nightclubs
The idiosyncratic and reclusive singer-songwriter, who received a Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2018, is currently based in Toronto.
Soca Frenzy: Santa Wear Christmas Fete
Friday 14th December 2018 - 11pm-5am | £11-£16.50
The DJs spin soca tunes.
Urban World
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 10pm-6am | £11
Urban World
Scala
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
Scala,
275 Pentonville Road London, N1 9NL
Category:
Nightclubs
DJs spin international urban, house and Desi, hip hop, bhangra, Bollywood, pop, garage, bashment, soca and afrobeat, across four rooms.
King 810
On Soon
Thursday 20th December 2018 - 7.30pm | £16
King 810
Scala
2018-12-202018-12-20
Where:
Scala,
275 Pentonville Road London, N1 9NL
Category:
Nightclubs
American four-piece performing their alt-metal material.
University Of Dub Presents: Roots Dance Joyful
On Soon
Friday 21st December 2018 - 10pm-6am | £14.30
Dub-heavy sounds from Maasai Warrior Sound-System with full crew from Bristol, Word, Sound & Power with Robert Tribulation, Jimmy Ranks and Bobo Blackstar, plus Aba-Shanti-I.
All events at Scala
Former BBC recording theatre now plays host to gigs and occasional club nights.
Shepherd's Bush Green, London, W12 8TT
Tube: Goldhawk Road Station
, Shepherd's Bush Market Station (Hammersmith and City Line), Shepherd's Bush Station (Central)
The Empire is, admittedly, not the most comfortable of venues - the standing area is sunk so far beneath the main stage that anyone under six foot risks painful neck injuries if they want to watch from close-up. Still, the faded grandeur of this former BBC recording theatre, a fantastic acoustic, and the cheerful international population of Shepherd's Bush all add up to a fun live experience, and many musicians cite this as their favourite London venue to perform in.
Events at Shepherd's Bush Empire
Uriah Heep
Friday 14th December 2018 - 6.30pm | £32
Uriah Heep
Shepherd's Bush Empire
2018-12-142018-12-14
Where:
Shepherd's Bush Empire,
Shepherd's Bush Green London, W12 8TT
Category:
Live Music
Forming in London in 1969, this rock four-piece performs in support of their brand new album, Living The Dream.
Alabama 3
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 7pm | £25
Alabama 3
Shepherd's Bush Empire
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
Shepherd's Bush Empire,
Shepherd's Bush Green London, W12 8TT
Category:
Live Music
The Brixton-formed ensemble, known for their eclectic use of genres and ironic lyrics, present an alt rock, electro and trip hop fusion.
In Memory Of Chas Hodges
On Soon
Monday 17th December 2018 - 7pm | phone for availability
In Memory Of Chas Hodges
Shepherd's Bush Empire
2018-12-172018-12-17
Where:
Shepherd's Bush Empire,
Shepherd's Bush Green London, W12 8TT
Category:
Live Music
Dave Peacock and others perform in support of the Water Aid charity.
Bjorn Again
On Soon
Thursday 20th and Friday 21st December 2018 | £27.50-£37.50
Bjorn Again
Shepherd's Bush Empire
2018-12-202018-12-21
Where:
Shepherd's Bush Empire,
Shepherd's Bush Green London, W12 8TT
Category:
Live Music
Considering they're a satirical parody of a certain successful Swedish pop outfit, Bjorn Again has lasted longer than anyone could have predicted. Back in 1988 when the show was first created Rod Stephen meant for ...more
Twisted Circus NYE Special
On Soon
Monday 31st December 2018 - 9pm-4am | £20
Twisted Circus NYE Special
Shepherd's Bush Empire
2018-12-312018-12-31
Where:
Shepherd's Bush Empire,
Shepherd's Bush Green London, W12 8TT
Category:
Live Music
Dance tracks are supplied by the DJs on the night.
All events at Shepherd's Bush Empire
This former art deco cinema now welcomes a weekly programme of live gigs.
The Forum
The Forum,
9-17 Highgate Road London, NW51JY
Live Music
9-17 Highgate Road, London, NW51JY
Tube: Kentish Town Station
Once a gorgeous art deco cinema, The Forum is now an essential mid-sized rock venue. It's got everything you want from the North London rock scene, with superb bands week-in week-out, and a fully-lubricated, enthusiastic and music-loving crowd. Well-designed and well-organised it manages to avoid the bar queues that are a feature of so much London gigging, while the main stage has great sound and a design that brings bands far closer to their audiences than you have any reason to expect in a venue this size.
Events at The Forum
Razorlight
Friday 14th December 2018 - 7pm | £26, phone for availability
Razorlight
The Forum
2018-12-142018-12-14
Where:
The Forum,
9-17 Highgate Road London, NW51JY
Category:
Live Music
Indie-rock from the chart-topping London-based band.
Bury Tomorrow
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 6pm | £18
Bury Tomorrow
The Forum
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
The Forum,
9-17 Highgate Road London, NW51JY
Category:
Live Music
The five-piece from Southampton offer their melodic metalcore originals.
DMAs
On Soon
Monday 17th December 2018 - 7pm | £17
DMAs
The Forum
2018-12-172018-12-17
Where:
The Forum,
9-17 Highgate Road London, NW51JY
Category:
Live Music
The three-piece formed in Sydney in 2014 present their raw brand of alt rock.
The Twang
On Soon
Friday 21st December 2018 - 6pm | £20
The Twang
The Forum
2018-12-212018-12-21
Where:
The Forum,
9-17 Highgate Road London, NW51JY
Category:
Live Music
The Tipton indie-rock band celebrates the 10th anniversary since the release of its debut album, Love It When I Feel Like This.
Richard Ashcroft
On Soon
Saturday 22nd December 2018 - 7pm | £47.50, rescheduled from Nov 2, original tickets remain valid
Richard Ashcroft
The Forum
2018-12-222018-12-22
Where:
The Forum,
9-17 Highgate Road London, NW51JY
Category:
Live Music
The guitarist and singer-songwriter, known as the lead singer of 1990s band The Verve, performs solo alternative-rock material.
All events at The Forum
The largest purpose-built music venue in London.
The O2 Arena
The O2 Arena,
Peninsula Square London, SE10 0BB
Live Music
Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0BB
Tube: North Greenwich Station
The centrepiece of the redeveloped Millennium Dome is the O2 Arena, the first purpose-built music venue in London. With a capacity of 23,000, it offers the rather soulless Wembley Arena some serious competition. Big name acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Justin Timberlake, Girls Aloud and Tina Turner have performed on stage, with the likes of Beyonce, AC/DC, Kings of Leon and Britney Spears set to appear in 2009. The 02 Arena also hosts live comedy and was used for the first ever ATP World Tour tennis finals in November 2009. It has been used ever year since for the annual tennis event - with the current contract running until 2015. A variety of other sports events take place under the dome - including darts, polo, gymnastics, martial arts, wrestling and basketball from the NBA. As a music venue, it is reportedly the most visited arena in the world. From the expensive debacle that was the Millennium Dome, something quite special has sprung.
Events at The O2 Arena
Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour
Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th February 2019 | £52-£227
Stacey Dooley, Dr Ranj Singh and Joe Sugg are foxtrotting and waltzing their way across the country as Strictly Come Dancing goes on a live tour at the beginning of 2019. Strictly favourite and winner ...more
Madness
Friday 14th December 2018 | £37.50 & £49.50
Madness
The O2 Arena
2018-12-142018-12-14
Where:
The O2 Arena,
Peninsula Square London, SE10 0BB
Category:
Live Music
Hailing from Camden, the ska septet reigned through the 70s and 80s comes to London. The appeal of Madness endures thanks to their upbeat singles including House Of Fun, Nightboat To Cairo and One Step ...more
Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018
Nearly 40 years on, based on HG Wells' dark Victorian tale, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds remains a firm favourite to millions around the world. Commanding The O2 stage, Jeff ...more
Jeff Wayne's The War Of Worlds
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm | £46-£67.50
A new production to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic musical based on H G Wells's famous science fiction novel.
Paul McCartney
On Soon
Sunday 16th December 2018 - 6.30pm | £45-£130, phone for availability
Paul McCartney
The O2 Arena
2018-12-162018-12-16
Where:
The O2 Arena,
Peninsula Square London, SE10 0BB
Category:
Live Music
The iconic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who rose to international stardom as one quarter of The Beatles, performs material from his new album, Egypt Station, as well as revisiting older material.
All events at The O2 Arena
Traditional no frills boozer famed for its live music.
The Old Blue Last
The Old Blue Last,
38 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A 3ES
Live Music
38 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3ES
Tube: Old Street Station
The Old Blue Last is a legendary pub and live venue in Shoreditch, East London brought to you by the people at Vice magazine. The venue has two floors, the pub and the small upstairs room where the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Florence and the Machine have played gigs before becoming the stuff of legend. The pub hosts different nights which range from fun bouncy pop to punk parties, indie swag hipster nights to dirty drum and base as well as Vice magazine launch parties. In the live room upstairs most nights are free and even the ticketed gigs rarely cost more than a fiver.
Events at The Old Blue Last
Bad Sounds
On SoonFree Event
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 8pm | Free
Bad Sounds
The Old Blue Last
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
The Old Blue Last,
38 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A 3ES
Category:
Live Music
British indie band from Bath, consisting of Ewan Merrett, Callum Merrett, Charlie Pitt, Sam Hunt and Olivia Dimery.
Odette Peters
On SoonFree Event
Monday 17th December 2018 - 7.30pm | Free
Odette Peters
The Old Blue Last
2018-12-172018-12-17
Where:
The Old Blue Last,
38 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A 3ES
Category:
Live Music
The singer-songwriter plays her own brand of pop with support from Lole.
Xmas Fun
On SoonFree Event
Saturday 22nd December 2018 - 8pm | Free
Xmas Fun
The Old Blue Last
2018-12-222018-12-22
Where:
The Old Blue Last,
38 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A 3ES
Category:
Live Music
Festive fun featuring a night of rock covers bands.
The Maple State
On Soon
Sunday 23rd December 2018 - 7.30pm | £8.50
The Maple State
The Old Blue Last
2018-12-232018-12-23
Where:
The Old Blue Last,
38 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A 3ES
Category:
Live Music
The quartet plays alt rock with support from Data.Select.Party.
Vice House Party NYE
On Soon
Monday 31st December 2018 - 8pm | £7.70
Vice House Party NYE
The Old Blue Last
2018-12-312018-12-31
Where:
The Old Blue Last,
38 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A 3ES
Category:
Live Music
Party across three floors with live music and DJs, hosted by Poundland Bandit, Vice and karaoke.
All events at The Old Blue Last
The Islington Chapel is one of the most enchanting music venues in London.
Union Chapel
Union Chapel,
Compton Terrace London, N1 2UN
Live Music
Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN
Tube: Highbury & Islington Station
This Grade II listed building just south of Highbury Corner functions not only as a place of worship, it is also one of London's most unique and enchanting live music venues with a diverse and enticing list of upcoming events. There's something quite magical about this place and you will be hard pushed to find a more memorable location to listen to live music in London. The Chapel has seen over a century's worth of visitors come through its doors and has welcomed artists such as Bjork, Tori Amos and Fionn Regan to the stage in recent years. Performers are framed by the stained glass window and the space is lit with the warm glow of church candles. A fully licensed bar is open on show nights, and a kiosk in the Chapel provides visitors with hot chocolates and snacks to keep hands warm in those chilly winter months.
Events at Union Chapel
Cara Dillon: Upon A Winter's Night
Friday 14th December 2018 - 7pm | adv £25
Seasonal folk-based material featuring Dillon and her band.
Duke Special
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 7pm | adv £20
Duke Special
Union Chapel
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
Union Chapel,
Compton Terrace London, N1 2UN
Category:
Live Music
The Belfast-based singer-songwriter renowned for his long dreadlocks and eyeliner, plunders his studio albums and songs from his theatre productions in the company of special guests David Ford, Thomas Truax and Kathryn Williams.
Rick Wakeman
On Soon
Monday 17th December 2018 - 7pm | £40, phone for availability
Rick Wakeman
Union Chapel
2018-12-172018-12-17
Where:
Union Chapel,
Compton Terrace London, N1 2UN
Category:
Live Music
The world-renowned former Yes keyboardist performs pieces from his recent solo album, Piano Odyssey.
George Ezra & Friends
On Soon
Tuesday 18th December 2018 - 7pm | £68.25, phone for availability
George Ezra & Friends
Union Chapel
2018-12-182018-12-18
Where:
Union Chapel,
Compton Terrace London, N1 2UN
Category:
Live Music
The singer-songwriter and guitarist is joined by special guests to perform in support of mental health charity, Mind.
Rick Wakeman
On Soon
Thursday 20th December 2018 - 8pm | £40
Rick Wakeman
Union Chapel
2018-12-202018-12-20
Where:
Union Chapel,
Compton Terrace London, N1 2UN
Category:
Live Music
The world-renowned former Yes keyboardist performs pieces from his recent solo album, Piano Odyssey.
All events at Union Chapel
Vast, mostly seated venue for live music, indoor sport and touring family shows.
SSE Arena, Wembley
SSE Arena, Wembley,
Arena Square, Engineers Way London, HA9 0DH
Live Music
Arena Square, Engineers Way, London, HA9 0DH
Tube: Wembley Park Station
This is London's second largest indoor arena after The O2, and though the building lacks the character of some of the older venues, the sheer scale of the place makes Wembley Arena an exciting place to watch a gig. Located opposite Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena has hosted concerts by some of the world's most famous artists, including The Beatles, Rod Stewart, ABBA, The Cure, Spice Girls, Beyonce, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam and many more. Comedians who have graced the venue with their witty presence include the likes of Eddie Izzard, Michael McIntyre, Ricky Gervais and Bill Bailey. Try and have a look at a seating plan before booking, as you can end up an enormous distance from the stage. Wembley Arena is also a major indoor sports venue, hosting the annual Masters Snooker tournament, boxing, mixed martial arts, ice hockey, darts, netball, basketball, five-a-side football, wrestling and even cage fighting. The Arena, which was built in 1934, originally housed a swimming pool, which was used during the 1948 and the 2012 Summer Olympics. A versatile space, Wembley Arena has also been used for the filming of popular TV shows The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing.
Events at SSE Arena, Wembley
Fatboy Slim
Thursday 21st February 2019 | £94.32
Fatboy Slim
SSE Arena, Wembley
2019-02-212019-02-21
Where:
SSE Arena, Wembley,
Arena Square, Engineers Way London, HA9 0DH
Category:
Live Music
20 years since 'You've Come A long Way Baby', 17 years after the infamous Big Beach Brighton, the world-famous DJ, real name Norman Cook, brings the best party he can to six UK cities, kicking ...more
The X Factor Live Tour 2019
Saturday 23rd February 2019 | £23.50-£55
The X Factor Live Tour 2019
SSE Arena, Wembley
2019-02-232019-02-23
Where:
SSE Arena, Wembley,
Arena Square, Engineers Way London, HA9 0DH
Category:
Live Music
X Factor online host Becca Dudley presents the pop tour which features the eight quarter finalists from last year's show. Just like the ITV show, there are winners but the difference with The X Factor ...more
Black Stone Cherry
Friday 14th December 2018 - 7pm | £36
Black Stone Cherry
SSE Arena, Wembley
2018-12-142018-12-14
Where:
SSE Arena, Wembley,
Arena Square, Engineers Way London, HA9 0DH
Category:
Live Music
The four-piece who hail from Edmonton, Kentucky, perform hard rock material.
Ms Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour
On Soon
Monday 17th December 2018 - 6pm | £57.50-£100
The R&B and soul singer-songwriter and former member of the Fugees celebrates the two decade anniversary of her iconic debut solo album.
Def Leppard
On Soon
Tuesday 18th December 2018 - 7pm | £37.50-£55
Def Leppard
SSE Arena, Wembley
2018-12-182018-12-18
Where:
SSE Arena, Wembley,
Arena Square, Engineers Way London, HA9 0DH
Category:
Live Music
The rock band from Sheffield performs its seminal album Hysteria in its entirety, alongside other classic hits from the back catalogue.
All events at Wembley Arena
This basement club is one of the best places to catch big-name DJs, dance acts and bands.
XOYO
XOYO,
32-37 Cowper Street London, EC2A 4AP
Nightclubs
32-37 Cowper Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 4AP
Tube: Old Street Station
Located a few minutes from Old Street tube, XOYO opened in September 2010 and was re-launched in 2012. On Friday nights the venue holds a programme of cutting edge live events - past performers include Mark Ronson, Simian Mobile Disco and Mike Skinner - while Saturdays are dedicated to parties from some of London's top club promoters, including Bugged Out!, Neon Noise Project and Upset the Rhythm. Spread across two floors, the top floor being sister bar The Shoreditch Butchery, XOYO has a capacity of 800 and aims to be an incredible platform for London's clubbers.
Events at XOYO
Your Mum's House
Ongoing
Thursday 13th and Thursday 20th December 2018 - 10pm-3am | £7
Your Mum's House
XOYO
2018-05-032018-12-20
Where:
XOYO,
32-37 Cowper Street London, EC2A 4AP
Category:
Nightclubs
Hunee Residency
Friday 14th December 2018 - 9.30pm-4am | £8-£25
Hunee Residency
XOYO
2018-12-142018-12-14
Where:
XOYO,
32-37 Cowper Street London, EC2A 4AP
Category:
Nightclubs
Hunee, Brilliant Corners and Winds & Skins spin their choice of dance music.
Pleasurehood
On Soon
Saturday 15th December 2018 - 9.30pm-4am | adv £8
Pleasurehood
XOYO
2018-12-152018-12-15
Where:
XOYO,
32-37 Cowper Street London, EC2A 4AP
Category:
Nightclubs
Dance music of various styles from Folamour, Baltra, Hannah Holland and Joshua James.
Play
On Soon
Monday 17th and Monday 24th December 2018 - 10pm-3am | £5
Play
XOYO
2018-10-152018-12-24
Where:
XOYO,
32-37 Cowper Street London, EC2A 4AP
Category:
Nightclubs
Monday Monday
On Soon
Monday 17th December 2018 - 10pm-3am | £5-£7
Monday Monday
XOYO
2018-01-082018-12-17
Where:
XOYO,
32-37 Cowper Street London, EC2A 4AP
Category:
Nightclubs
All events at XOYO
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