The London gig world was delivered another blow last week with news of the closing of another venue. The Flowerpot in Kentish Town hasn’t been around for that long but in its short time built itself a lot of love. The promoters seemed in shock as they explained their lease had been sold from beneath their feet but will be taking the brand name with them to a new venue for The Flowerpot’s next chapter. The venue as we know it will be closed at the end of the month, so if you want to catch one of its final gigs, we’d highly recommend post-punk Brits, The Chapman Family, who play there on 28th October. Which is looking like one of the most gigtastic days of the year.
Gigs Of The Week: 25-31 Oct 2010
BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms – Roundhouse, London – 28-30 Oct
The Roundhouse once again hosts this year’s series of the Electric Proms, this year rebranded to be associated with BBC Radio 2. Scaled down from last year’s five gigs, there are only three events this time around, seemingly themed around ageing music legends of the male variety. Elton John will be there with his current working partner Leon Russell (28 October), as will Robert Plant (29 October) and Neil Diamond (30 October). It may be that the rebranding is responsible for this move away from more contemporary artists that last year included Dizzee Rascal and Doves, but with a tradition of experimenting with instrumentation, hopefully this year’s series will hold a few surprises up its sleeves.
Details here.
Teengirl Fantasy/Kitten/Twin Shadow – Hoxton Square Bar + Kitchen, London – 28 Oct
It’s hard to pick which one of these acts should be at the top of this bill. We’ve got the girl-led DIY pop of Kitten, the blogworld-approved bedroom electronics of Teengirl Fantasy. But we’re most looking forward to welcoming Brooklynite and 4AD newbie Twin Shadow to London to hear some of his delicious emo-disco songs.
Details here.
Manic Street Preachers – Brixton Academy, London – 28, 29 Oct
The current Manics (pictured) touring schedule in support of their well-received album Postcards From A Young Man lands in London this week with these two dates at the Brixton Academy.
Details here.
Also recommended:
AM – Water Rats, London – 26 Oct
Yuck – Lexington, London – 27 Oct
Larkin Poe – 12 Bar, London – 27 Oct
Warpaint – Scala, London – 28 Oct
Swans – KOKO, London – 28 Oct
White Lies/Everything Everything/I Am Arrows – Shoreditch Town Hall, London – 28 Oct
UB40 – The Troxy, London – 28 Oct
“Music Of The Mind”: Finn Peters & Matthew Yee-King – Cafe Oto, London – 29 Oct
Meursault – Luminaire, London – 30 Oct
Just Announced:
The Walkmen
With recent album Lisbon released to much acclaim, The Walkmen have announced six dates in January including a gig at Shepherd’s Bush Empire on the 25th. If you can’t wait that long, they’ll also be supporting The Black Keys around the country over the next couple of weeks.
Details here.
The View
With lead singer Kyle recently taking a bit of time out to do a spot of Mark Ronson collaboration, Scot-rock scallies The View are also due to release their as-yet untitled Youth-produced third album soon. They’ll be showcasing new material on a lengthy tour all over the UK in November and December.
Details here.
Pet Shop Boys
Having perfected their brilliant live spectacle to the point of headlining Glastonbury’s The Other Stage, the nation’s favourite pop duo have announced a one-off Pandemonium show in aid of Mencap at the Hammersmith Apollo on the 8th December. It'll mark the launch of the Big Noise Sessions, to run alongside the Little Noise Sessions.
