The top 12 gigs and tours to book tickets for this spring
The Telegraph's critic chooses 15 gigs and tours to look forward to this season, from Elton John's colossal farewell tour to the return of the UK's favourite festival, Glastonbury.
Drake
The Canadian rapper’s solipsistic sing-song hip hop loops have become the defining sound of modern pop. He has the charisma and imaginative staging to somehow carry off shows that are essentially one man and some backing tracks.
O2 Arena, London SE10 (drakeofficial.com) 7 shows from Mon April 1st to April 11th
James Blake
Currently amongst the most influential music makers in the world, the Mercury Prize-winning Englishman’s digital distortions and fractured beats have helped shift hip hop and R’n’B from flashy pomp to more artily subdued territory.
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester (jamesblakemusic.com) April 7th and touring til April 18th
Dave
The most exciting new voice in UK rap, the mononymous Dave (David Orobosa Omoregie) is a complex wordsmith tackling serious subjects with flair and depth. Musically ambitious, lyrically superb. Debut album, Psychodrama, went to number one in March.
O2 Academy, Glasgow (santandave.com) April 12th and touring til May 3rd
Imelda May
Billed as an evening of Celtic soul, the outstanding Irish singer tackles the work of great contemporary Irish songwriters, from Van Morrison to Damien Rice, U2 to The Cranberries. Backed by the 24-piece Leo Green orchestra.
The London Palladium, London (imeldamay.co.uk) May 6th
Mariah Carey
The US R’n’B superstar remains one of the most extraordinary and influential vocalists in pop, with a 5 octave range and diva attitude to match.
Royal Albert Hall, London (www.mariahcarey.com) May 25th, 26th and 27th
Sting & Shaggy
Fresh from winning Best Reggae Album at the Grammys, the odd couple duo perform each other’s greatest hits alongside selections from their cheesily spirited and hugely entertaining 44/876 album.
Roundhouse, London (www.sting.com) 19th May and touring until 25th May
All Points East
The London festival curates bills of strong leftfield artists. Six daily events, across two weekends, headlined by The Strokes, The Chemical Brothers, Christine & The Queens, Bring Me The Horizon, Mumford & Sons and Bon Iver.
Victoria Park, London E9 (allpointseastfestival.com) 24th May until 2nd June
BTS
Immaculately manufactured Korean boy band have become a global phenomenon by absorbing western pop trends and regurgitating them slicker and brighter than ever before. The perfectly drilled 7-piece outfit mix sci-fi style with teen angst.
Wembley Stadium, London (livenation.co.uk) June 1st
Elton John
It is the beginning of the long goodbye for perhaps the most universally admired and successful singer-songwriter in pop history. Sir Elton returns for more fond farewells next year. But then it really is goodbye yellow brick road.
1st Central County Ground, Hove (eltonjohn.com) June 9th and Cardiff City Stadium 15th June
Fleetwood Mac
Could be the final fling for long-running soap operatic supergroup. The Mac have had over a dozen line ups in 50 years. Neil Finn of Crowded House and guitarist Mike Campbell of The Heartbreakers are newest recruits. The songs do the heavy lifting.
Wembley Stadium, London (livenation.co.uk) 16th June
Metallica
After 38 years on the road, the LA quartet remain the most popular band in heavy metal. Fierce, intense and spectacular, with surprising personal charm lightning the almost relentlessly dark and grungy tone.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester 18th June and Twickenham Stadium, London 20th June (metallica.com)
The Eagles
Not even the death last year of band leader Glenn Frey could stop the country rock juggernaut. His son Deacon Frey has been recruited to help keep the Eagles sleek grooves and immaculate harmonies in the fast lane.
Wembley Stadium, London (eagles.com) 23rd June and touring until 4th July
Glastonbury Festival
Will it rain or shine for Britain’s favourite festival, returning after a year’s lay off? Stormzy, The Cure and The Killers are the all male headline but Janet Jackson, Kylie, Janelle Monae and Christine & The Queens may well steal the show.
Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset (glastonburyfestivals.co.uk) 26th June to 30th June
Tony Bennett
The last of the crooners returns. Sinatra called him the best in the business. Aged 92, Bennett can still deliver a tune like a master, using jazz warrior skills to negotiate his way through an astonishing repertoire of classic songs.
Royal Albert Hall, London (royalalberthall.com) June 28th and 29th
