Summer gig guide
Proving that summer in Liverpool is anything but quiet, Getintothis’ Craig MacDonald provides all the details of the best and brightest gigs on the Liverpool horizon.
With prolonged days and the prospect of balmy summer evenings becoming tantalisingly close, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Liverpool music scene would begin to dampen as thoughts turn to beer gardens, holidays and festivals.
Not a chance.
From musical legends like Beach Boys maestro Brian Wilson, to the dawning of a new era at The Invisible Wind Factory, this summer, Liverpool is well and truly spoiled when it comes to the musical delights on offer.
Remember that this list is not exhaustive, there’s always something going on so don’t forget to keep checking these pages and venue listings if you want to discover the best in new music. We’ll try to update the list for new announcements, do keep checking back for the latest news and previews.
Below is a handy playlist to help you get to grips on what to expect, and dont forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest news on new gig announcements.
Adam Green: O2 Academy, May 24
One time Moldy Peaches member Adam Green brings his latest experimental masterpiece to town this May, when he takes to the O2 Academy with his take on Aladdin. With an array of special guests having helped Green to tell the tale in previous shows, this could yet hold a few surprises in store. Read our full preview here.
We Came As Romans: Arts Club, May 24
Detroit metalcore six piece We Came As Romans will be looking to tear down the walls of the Arts Club, when they take to the Seel Street venue in support of their eponymous fourth album. Having been in the game for over a decade, this is going to be a treat for those who like their music with a bit more bite.
Ben Watt Band: Arts Club, May 25
With his previous album Hendra winning plaudits left, right and center, Ben Watt returns to the fold with his new album Fever Dream. The former Everything But The Girl member is lauded for his musical capabilities and will be joined on this date in the Arts Club with regular companion Bernard Butler. Read our full preview here.
Lewis Del Mar: Studio 2, May 25
New York electro acoustic indie pop experimental duo Lewis Del Mar make a whistle stop on their UK tour, when they play Studio 2. The pair are being touted for big things back in their homeland, with their minimalistic, moody self titled debut EP seeing them slowly gain a gathering army of fans. A chance to see them in a venue like this , may not happen again for some time.
Teddy Thompson and Kelly Jones: Music Room, May 25
A double helping of singer songwriters comes to the Music Room this May, when Teddy Thompson and Kelly Jones head to the Hope Street venue in support of their album Little Windows. Having both long been staples on the folk and country scenes respectively, both artists blend together to great affect on their release of 50’s and 60’s themed songs. A true treat for those who get to see them.
Elrow: Camp and Furnace, May 28
The Barcelona super party Elrow dances its way into the Baltic Triangle this month, with the party hitting the Camp and Furnace for what is sure to be one hell of a night. Renowned for its carnival atmosphere, this Bollywood themed extravaganza is promising to have a solid lineup and if past Elrow events are anything to go by, this will be one not to miss. Read our full preview here.
Hands Like Houses: Arts Club, May 29
Australian rockers Hands Like Houses make a brief stop off at the Arts Club, as the Melbourne quintet bring their UK tour to town in support of their latest album Dissonants. Falling under the post-hardcore umbrella, the sextet outfit manage to blend together melodic and heavy sounds effortlessly to create a unique character that could very well see the group make the leap into the mainstream.
Sundara Karma
Brian Wilson: Philharmonic Hall, May 31
The legendary Beach Boys man Brian Wilson, finally makes his long awaited return to Liverpool this summer, when he play the Philharmonic Hall in celebration of the seminal Pet Sounds album turning fifty. One of the most influential albums of all time, being played by one of the greatest musicians. Need we give you any reason not to miss this one. Read our full preview here.
BC Camplight: Leaf, June 1
New Jersey native Brian Christinzo, better known as BC Camplight comes to Leaf this June, with the now Paris based songwriter making the trip down over to the Bold Street venue in support of his superb album, How to Die In The North. The purveyor of exquisite pop songs a plenty, Chisrtanzo has firmly put his recent deportation troubles behind him and will be a delight to behold for those lucky enough to see him.
Sundara Karma: Arts Club, June 2
Swiftly proving that they are more than capable of living up to the hyperbole, four-square guitar rock upstarts Sundara Karma will be demonstrating their abilities in the Arts Club this June. The Reading based quartet have sold out this show for weeks, such is the noise surrounding them. If you have managed to get your mits on a ticket for this one, then we salute you.
Malcolm Middleton: Leaf, June 3
Former Arab Strap frontman Malcolm Middleton makes a solo appearance in Leaf this June, as he gears up to the release of his ninth album, Summer of ’13. From his post folk indie heroics to his troubadour persona, the Scottish singer will be making a much welcomed return to the fold, with this his first album in seven years. Read our full preview here.
Adam Ant: Philharmonic Hall, June 4
Rejuvenated pop legend Adam Ant plays the Philharmonic Hall this summer, as he brings his bands sophomore album King Of The Wild Frontier to the Hope Street venue. Introducing the sound of the Burundi beat, the Brit Award winning album is renowned for its bravado and swagger while bringing a dose of camp to the new wave scene.
The Chills: Music Room, June 7
Having released their first album of new material for over two decades last year with the critically acclaimed Silver Bullets, indie luminaries The Chills ride into town later this year when they play the Music Room. Once a firm favourite of John Peel, the group have long been celebrated for over thirty years, with releases such as Submarine Bells and Soft Bomb ensuring the New Zealand groups status as cult heroes. One to get boxed off sharpish we imagine.
Samaris: Leaf, June 9
The latest in the seemingly never ending conveyor belt of musical wonder to come from Iceland, Samaris visit Liverpool during the summertime as they play Leaf in support of new album Black Lights. With their live performances proving equally as mesmerising as their atmospheric cuts, the trio are bound to be a magical experience on this night. Read our full preview here.
Mouse Outfit
Robert Vincent: Studio 2, June 9
Recently picking up the Emerging Artist Award at the UK Americana Awards, Robert Vincent makes a celebrated homecoming when he plays Studio 2 in June. His songs are filled with an abundance of heartfelt emotion, that have seen the likes of Richard Hawley become fans of the singers powers. With his second record due for releases soon, this will be a chance to hear some of his latest tracks.
Bad Manners: O2 Academy, June 10
Lace up those boots and pull up those braces, as the larger than life character that is Buster Blood Vessel and his merry men hit the O2 Academy in celebration of 40 years of Bad Manners. Formed in London in the 70’s, the ska and two tone pioneers are still going strong after forty years in the game and this night has got the party vibes wrote all over it.
Tom Jones: Aintree Racecourse, June 10
Finally free from the clutches of glorified karaoke, Welsh legend Tom Jones makes an appearance for the neon army at Aintree Racecourse this June. With his wild days firmly behind him, the knighted crooner will be playing all of his hits while also throwing in some from his latest acclaimed work.
The Mouse Outfit: 24 Kitchen Street, June 10
Manchester hip hop army The Mouse Outfit will be throwing their slick combinations of piercing samples and fiendish beats together up in the Baltic later in the summer, as they take to 24 Kitchen Street. The nine piece group produce high energy shows that match the electric charge they create in their fused cuts and will be one of the nights of the summer for Liverpool’s hip hop heads to be at.
Cleft: Maguires Pizza Bar, June 10
Mancunian turbo prog duo Cleft will be ready to hit the enclosed surroundings of Maguires this summer, with the pair looking to bring their filthy instrumental tracks to town this June. Armed with a guitar and drums, the two piece manage to create vast walls of noise that will please many who manage to witness their feats.
Allusondrugs and Fizzy Blood: Maguires, June 10
Yorkshire psych pop grunge comes in a double dose this summer, with Allusondrugs and Fizzy Blood hitting up The Magnet as part of their joint UK headline tour. Formed in Leeds and Castleford respectfully, the two groups have long been firm friends and are sure to take this with dual force.
John Cooper Clarke: Liverpool Guild Of Students, June 11
The Bard Of Salford heads up to the Guild Of Students this summer, when John Cooper Clarke comes to town in support of his recent Anthologia. The wordsmith first come to prominence in the 1970’s and he is still just as relevant and vibrant in today’s pop culture. One not to miss if you have any sense.
The Bard of Salford: John Cooper Clarke
Beach Slang: Studio 2, June 11
Philadelphia punk rockers Beach Slang will be looking to set Parr Street bouncing this summer, when they pogo their way into the sanctum of Studio 2. Having released their debut album The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us last year, the group will also playing cuts from their forthcoming second album too. Read our full preview here.
The Bad Habits: Buyers Club, June 11
Swiftly gaining a reputation as one of the groups to keep an eye on right now in the city, The Bad Habits hit the Buyers Club this June, with a bag of their alt indie tracks ready to show why they are causing such a fuss. Already gaining plaudits with support slots for the likes of Clean Cut Kid, the four piece are gearing up for the release of their debut single and we predict this is one to head down early for.
Plaza: Maguires Pizza Bar, June 13
Four piece post indie comes to Maguires in June, when Hartlepool outfit Plaza come to town having recently released their debut single Totem earlier in the year. The group neatly blend together obnoxious pop with 90’s indie bravado, to form their own unique sound that has seen the fledgling quartet packs shows up and down the land. Expect the same at this one too.
Brian Jonestown Massacre: O2 Academy, June 14
San Fran legends Brian Jonestown Massacre make their long awaited return to Liverpool later this year, when the group play the O2 Academy in what is promising to be an epic show. Easily one of the rock worlds most enigmatic figures in music today, Anton Newcombe and the Brian Jonestown Massacre have long held an affinity with our city and this one is bound to be a sell out in no time. Read our full preview here.
Elton John: Liverpool Echo Arena, June 14
Heading down to the docks this June with his band and not a super injunction in sight, Elton John returns to Liverpool to play the Echo Arena for the first time in 8 years as he brings his Wonderful Crazy Night Tour to town. In what some are predicting to be the song smiths farewell to his fans, this could be the last time to see one of the true great songwriters of our country before he calls it a day. Read our full preview here.
Parquet Courts: The Invisible Wind Factory, June 15
Where one door closes, another one opens. Such is the case with the team behind The Kazimier, who will welcome Parquet Courts to their new home this June, The Invisible Wind Factory. The New York post punk quartet will be looking to play tunes from their latest offering Human Performance, and will be the first touring act to play the new dockland venue. One not to miss we would think. Read our full preview here.
Parquet Courts
Ben Folds and Y Music: Philharmonic Hall, June 15
Songwriter, musician, producer and all round musical man machine Ben Folds makes a long overdue return to Liverpool this June, with the piano man set to play the Philharmonic Hall with Y Music this June. The bespectacled former front man of Ben Folds Five will be performing songs from his classical concerto, as well as some of his long standing treats in what should be a wondrous night of song. Read our full preview here.
George Benson: Philharmonic Hall, June 20
Ten time Grammy Award winner and Jazz legend George Benson begins his UK tour this June, when he plays the Philharmonic Hall in the summer. With a phenomenal career spanning over five decades, Benson is easily one of the finest guitar plays the world has seen and this is an opportunity not to miss a true legend. Read our full preview here.
BoySetsFire: Arts Club, June 20
Now nearly twenty years in the business, Delaware post hardcore specialists BoySetsFire hit up the Arts Club this summer as they play the Seel Street venue as part of their UK tour. The six piece released their sixth album last year and are masters at fusing together their politically charged messages with a real passion for their sonic output.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Arts Club, June 22
After selling out venues over the States an in their native New Zealand home, Unknown Mortal Orchestra return to Liverpool this June when they play Arts Club. In one of only two headline shows set for the UK this year, this is a rare chance to catch the group before they take on the festival circuits. Read our full preview here.
Love Revisited: Leaf, June 25
With a deep and continual passion in Liverpool for legendary psych favorites Love, this June Bold Street venue Leaf plays host to Johnny Echols, as he bring Love Revisited to town. This date si a true must for all fans of Love and we fully expect this to be a sell out if its not already by the time this has been published. Don’t wait around. Read our full preview here.
Paws: Studio 2, June 27
Glasgow trio Paws bash out infectious, lo-fi, garage pop rock that can quickly shift from blissful melancholy to all out terror in a matter of moments. With the group set to play the small settings of Studio 2 this June, expect the unexpected at this one.
Burt Bacharach: Philharmonic Hall, June 29
Quite possibly one of the most romantic songwriters there has been, Burt Bacharach brings his phenomenal back catalogue of songs to the Philharmonic Hall at the end of June. With a career spanning over seven decades, the 85 year old living legend has often been as infamous for his seductive persona as he is for his songwriting.
The Apples: The Magnet, June 29
From deep, growling double bass and baritone sax through to flute and trumpet solos, The Apples will make sure The Magnet is where its at when the group play the venue this summer. As pioneers of Tel Aviv and Haifa’s underground jazz scene, the nine piece infuse their particular brand of brass with a unique feel.
The Christians: The Dome, July 1
One of the most loved soul groups to come from the city, The Christians play the much underused The Dome this July. Now thirty years since they reformed, the group have found fame all over the globe and were prime movers in the heat of British soul in the 1980’s and 90’s. Read our full preview here.
The Night Cafe: Buyers Club, July 1
Filled with joyous indie pop tunes like Addicted that will shimmer in the summer sunshine, The Night Cafe are quickly becoming one of the most vital bands to have come out of the city in a good while. Having been mates since school days, the quartet of teenagers are making all the right noises and hit the Buyers Club this July. Be there.
Earth Wind & Fire: Echo Arena, July 4
The funk most defiantly comes to town this July, when legendary R&B outfit Earth Wind & Fire play the Echo Arena. Following the tragic loss of founding member Maurice White, the group are soldiering on and continuing to show why they are one of the best live acts around today. Read our full preview here.
Jesse Malin: Arts Club, July 11
Following a standout show in The Kazimier a couple of years back, New York punk troubadour Jesse Malin returns to Liverpool in July, when he plays the Arts Club as part of his upcoming tour. From DIY punk to supporting the likes of Springsteen and Guns and Roses, the rocker will be showcasing why he is held in such high esteem by the heavyweights of his chosen genre.
Jesse Malin
The Maccabees: O2 Academy, July 14
Following the release of their critically acclaimed album Marks To Prove It last year, its safe to say that The Maccabees have gone from strength to strength. With this gig serving as a warm up before they headline festivals throughout the summer, expect the Londoners to be on fire at this one. Read our full preview here.
Space: Arts Club, July 15
Local legends Space play the Arts Club this July as part of their current UK tour in support of their new album, Give Me Your Future. Having proved that they still have the goods with a packed set at last years LIMF festival, the group will be sure to play plenty of their old cuts as well as their new work.
Father John Misty: Liverpool Guild Of Students, July 16
Whether its creating sublime songs or getting of his face while watching Taylor Swift, its safe to say that Father John Misty doesn’t do things by halves. The towering singer songwriter rolls into town this July having released one of the best album of the last year and his show up at the Guild Of Students is one not to miss this summer. Read our full preview here.
Raging Speedhorn: Arts Club, July 17
Hailing from that most renowned corner of planet metal, Corby, Raging Speedhorn will be ready to tear the roof off Arts Club this July when they take to the Seel Street venue. The group will be using the date to showcase songs from their new album Lost Ritual, which is released two days prior to the event. Expect a loud night for this one.
EyeHateGod: The Magnet, July 28
With plenty of controversy to match the attitude, New Orleans noise merchants EyeHateGod will be decimating the small confines of The Magnet this July. Its never a dull moment with the five piece so who knows what might happen when they roll into town for this one. Read our full preview here.
George Clinton at the OTHER Parliament
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic: O2 Academy, July 29
Liverpool, are you ready for the funk? This July, the godfather of all things funky gears up to land his mothership at the O2 Academy, when George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic hit town this summer. With this the groups first appearance to our city in over 40 years, this is unquestionably going to be one of the highlights of the summer.
Imarhan: Philharmonic Hall, July 31
Algerian desert rockers Imarhan make a brief stop to Liverpool this summer, as the six piece head to Hope Street to play the Philharmonic Hall in July. The group have been together for over a decade, yet only released their debut album this year. If your looking for a rare treat in the heady heat of the summer sun, this is it.
Low: The Epstein Theatre, August 3
Its three years since Minnesota’s Low played their now iconic set at the Anglican Cathedral, and this August finds the group return to our city as they play The Epstein Theatre. With anticipation continuing to build with each week passing, you can expect this to be a full house. Read our full preview here.
Polar States: Buyers Club, August 6
Fresh from playing the likes of Dot To Dot and X & Y Festival over the summer, Polar States will be gearing up for their homecoming headline show at Buyers Club this August. With songs like the brilliant Time starting to get the four piece noticed further afield, it wont be long before this type of venue feels small to them we imagine.
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