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