12 great gigs coming to Birmingham this month
It’s December. No, really. The end, of 2015, is nigh. But that doesn’t mean we’re short of great live music options — here’s 12 top gigs coming to these during this twelfth month of the year — see you there!
Guy Garvey @ O2 Academy, Thursday 3 December
Taking a break from doing the Elbow thing, Guy Garvey has switched his focus to a solo project and is now hitting the road to promote it, having recently appeared on Jools Holland’s TV show. Expect big soundscapes and plenty of down-to-earth normalness from a guy (boom, boom!) who seems really rather likeable.
Status Quo @ Barclaycard Arena, Saturday 5 December
Yes, they tour every year. Yes, their songs are all somewhat similar. Yes, they’re getting on a bit. But, trust us, Status Quo still know how to put on a show and can guarantee you a fun night out. Also, sad to say it but they won’t be around forever, so catch them while you still can.
Nothing More @ the Institute, Saturday 5 December
Nothing More are one of the most exciting and innovative live bands you’re likely to see; they’re a blend of the chaos of At the Drive In, the passion of boyhitscar and the, erm, suspending a bass guitar in mid air and having all four band members use it as a percussion instrument of…ok you got us there. Anyway, their live show show is bonkers, their songs are incredible and they’re being supported by Birmingham SHVPES to boot.
The Story So Far @ the Asylum, Tuesday 8 December
There have been few pop punks to break out and have as much impact on the scene in recent years as The Story So Far — something they’ve continued with their latest album. This is a band that opened up the band stage at Reading and Leeds in 2014 and didn’t look at all out of place. IN the intimate setting of the Asylum, expect this to be one hell of a good show. Oh and make sure you arrive early enough to catch support act Drug Church too. Why? Because they’re great, that’s why.
The Darkness @ O2 Academy, Friday 11 December
It wouldn’t be (almost) Christmas without a festive tour by Justin Hawkins and co. Lowestoft’s biggest rock stars are back in town this month and, if their rip-roaring ‘secret’ set at Download is anything to go by, it’ll be a cracking night. Even better, the band have a brand new Christmas single to promote, alongside their classic ‘Don’t Let the Bells End’, so you can guarantee you’ll be heading home full of the spirits of the season.
Stereophonics @ Genting Arena, Friday 11 December
The staying power of the Stereophonics is quite something; that they can still headline arenas and score number one albums — keeping Bring Me The Horizon’s most recent effort off the top spot — is hugely impressive. Their melodies will be filling the Genting Arena this month and it will almost certainly be a top night.
Clutch @Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Friday 11 December
If the many options in Birmingham for Friday 11 December don’t tickle your fancy, how about a trip up to Wolves to see the mighty Clutch? They are a cult band who practically always deliver the goods — their main stage set at Download in the summer and the newest album both more than prove this. If you’ve never seen them before, go and see what all the fuss is about. If you have already seen them…then you already know why this one is worth getting to!
Lower Than Atlantis @ the Institute, Saturday 12 December
It’s been a fabulous year and a bit for Lower Than Atlantis since the release of their self-titled album last autumn, with appearances at Slam Dunk and Radio One’s Big Weekend as well as far more national media attention. Now, they’re in town on a headline run and ready to celebrate how far they’ve come. Even better, they’re bringing two great support bands in the shape of Moose Blood and As It Is. Get in.
Charlatans @ O2 Academy, Saturday 12 December
We had a blast watching Tim Burgess and co in Leicester back in the Spring, so it’s great to see them coming to this neck of the woods before the year is out, complete with bad haircut and cardigan. The band is an indie institution, expect some great songs and plenty of Burgess snapping photos of the crowd on his phone.
Def Leppard and Whitesnake @ Genting Arena, Saturday 12 December
OK, let’s not worry about the combined age of these two bands, or the fact that David Coverdale is quite terrifying or that the new album from the Leppard is simply awful…these two bands both have back catalogues to die for and know how to put on an arena show. If you love your rock cut from a classic variety, this is the night out for you! (Also, Def Leppard were the first I saw live, so I will always have a soft spot for them!)
Madonna @ Genting Arena, Wednesday 16 December
So, there’s this singer coming to town on the 16th — you might have heard of her. She’s called Madonna. Yep, that Madonna. She’s an icon. She’s a mega star. Her music changed the world. She was on the soundtrack for one of the Austin Powers films. What more do we need to add?
UB40 @ O2 Academy, Monday 21 December
What better place to finish than with a hometown gig for UB40, just days before Santa stops by. Again, there’s not much we can add here — the band is already so legendary and so well-known — but hey, you should always support your local bands!
Words: Dave Musson
Photograph: Stephanie Colledge