The best gigs in London this summer
Can you feel that? Summer is on its way, and with it comes picnics on the common, pub gardens ‘til (a late) sunset, and a calendar of plans upon plans upon plans.
Most of my get-togethers with pals for the summer involve live music in one way or another. With tickets to some of the best summer festivals in the city secured, it’s time to think of where else I can get my tunes fix.
You’ll find me sticking out my seat in the pub garden for the live band at Clapham’s The Windmill or trying to nab last-min tickets to Pitbull’s extra summer dates at The O2 (nothing but respect for Mr Worldwide and those showing up to gigs dressed as him, wearing bald caps).
If you also haven’t secured the Pitbull goods, then these are the best gigs in London this summer:
The big hitters
Lana Del Ray at Wembley
Queen Lana to score a double at Wembley this summer (3 and 4 July). Lana Del Rey brings her “Summertime Sadness” to fans with her UK and Ireland tour. Let’s just hope she isn’t 30 minutes late like her Glasto set in 2023, when bosses cut her mic off while singing “White Mustang”. The crowd helped carry her home, though, singing “Video Games” a cappella.
Camila Cabello at Eventim Apollo
Camila Cabello is bringing the Yours, C tour to London this summer – catch her live on 8 July at Eventim Apollo. The ‘Havana’ singer returns to the stage and brings with her the high energy of the 2024 album C,XOXO and tracks such as 'I LUV IT' and 'He Knows'. Expect playfulness and a touch of chaos as Camila takes you on a musical and visual journey, drawing inspiration from her Miami roots.
Tyler, The Creator at The O2
Everyone’s favourite oddball and soft boy, Tyler, The Creator has three upcoming dates at The O2 this summer (19, 21 and 22 May). Taking his eighth studio album on the CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR, with the line-up including special guests Lil Yachty and Paris Texas, it is sure to be a trio of knock-out performances.
Next up…
Leon Bridges at Alexandra Palace
Texan artist Leon Bridges takes to the stage at Ally Pally on 18 July for his biggest UK headline show to date in support of his fourth LP, LEON. From busking in his hometown of Fort Worth to performing for President Obama within a two-year span, the artist blends soul, R&B, and modern influences with heartfelt storytelling, and LEON is no exception to that. Grab your tickets now for an evening of mood music.
LCD Soundsystem at O2 Academy, Brixton
With an eight-night residency at Brixton’s O2 Academy (12-22 June), LCD Soundsystem is bringing electricity to South London. With their signature style of dance-rock and electro beats, they will be celebrating over 20 years of tunes. With a new album set to be released this year, too, it’s clear indie sleaze is still happening.
Roundhouse, Camden
One location, many amazing summer music events. Enter the dome of Camden’s Roundhouse and block out your diary with “At a gig” for several evenings this season.
Atlanta’s rising rap sensation Hunxho makes his UK debut on 5 May, Supergrass celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Mercury-nominated debut album, I Should Coco, from 21-23 May; the “Princess of Amapiano” Uncle Waffles storms the stage on 30 May; Alessia Cara returns with Love & Hyperbole on 9 June, and Kid Creole & The Coconuts embark on their farewell tour, The Creolian Bye Bye Birdy Tour, on 21 June. Now that’s a schedule.
Good for the soul
The South London Soul Train at Peckham Levels
To mark the start of this summer of live music, South London Soul Train hosts a 14th anniversary special at Peckham Levels on 26 April (OK, this might actually be the end of Spring, sue me). Expect back-to-back and wall-to-wall South London Soul Train classics, anthems and dancefloor busters for max soul satisfaction. With tunes from Marvin Gaye, The Salsoul Orchestra, Donna Summer, Isaac Hayes, The Sugarhill Gang, The Rebirth Brass Band, and more, it’s time to get it on.
Bilal at The Jazz Cafe
GRAMMY award-winning artist Bilal returns to the spotlight with Adjust Brightness, marking his first album of new music in eight years. He brings a beautiful blend of soul, funk, and jazz, with futuristic, electronic, and abstract elements to this Camden venue on 27 May.
Vortex Jazz Club
Make Vortex Jazz Club your go-to spot for all things blues, jazz, soul, and more. The Dalston location welcomes the greats as well as up-and-coming artists into its arms, squeezing every last drop of magic outta them. Its summer schedule is no different: the Glenn Charles Trio on 28 May; the Tom Ollendorff Quartet is in for a double night on 6 and 7 June; and Tomorrow’s Warriors frontline and youth ensembles on 18 June. Plus, head down for the Sunday jam session each week for an impromptu evening of music.
Keep it lowkey
Ivy House
The local is where it’s at, and having a good local with good Guinness and good music is even better. And Nunhead’s Ivy House always presents a line-up worth listening to. Coming up, we have The George Mooney Group on 4 May, Tugboat Captain on 9 and 10 May, and Chris Cohen on 31 July.
Remy Bond at EartH
Vintage vibes with modern lyricism, Remy Bond’s music invites listeners into a world where the Golden Age of Hollywood meets modern-day sensibilities. After her breakout single, ‘Summer Song’, launched her into the spotlight, she’s got a summer gig at EartH on 14 July. If her previous shows are anything to go by, you can expect her to take to the stage with burlesque dancers, giant martini glasses, and 6-feet-tall wedding cakes that she emerges from. That’s just the cherry on top.
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