London’s gig scene feels like it’s properly waking up again — is a spring “in bloom” gag too far here? — as this week offers a mix of big names and quietly exciting newcomers. The Pet Shop Boys are back in Camden, still delivering those pop moments that, somehow, still haven’t been ripped off or bettered. Elsewhere, Skye Newman is promising something more emotionally raw, while out in the clubs, Y U QT and O’Flynn should deliver the kind of energy that only really makes sense once you’re in the room. And with all-day parties returning to The Cause, there’s a sense of the city stretching its legs again.
Can’t make any of them? Have a look at what else to get up to this weekend: we regularly compile guides to enjoy the capital — from activities that don't include drinking, things to do on a budget, or hidden gems for those who believe they’ve worn out the city (they haven't). Or, if you’re loving the sun, the biggest and best beer gardens in London.
The best London gigs this week
Top Pick: Hannah Bahng
Electric Ballroom, April 14
Up-and-coming Aussie singer-songwriter Hannah Bahng, pictured at the top of the page, has made a name for herself over the past three years thanks to her diaristic lyrics, delicate production and distinctly Gen Z TikTok presence (seven million followers and counting). Her vocals are reminiscent of London Grammar, while her music sits somewhere between Kacey Musgraves and Laufey. It’s enchanting easy listening, and you can be sure it’s making a teenage girl feel seen somewhere. For a chance to be transported back to those long adolescent nights with turmoil in the soul, she’s in Camden next Tuesday.
Pet Shop Boys
Electric Ballroom, April 9 & 10
Pet Shop Boys are back on stage with a tour that includes two more dates at Camden’s Electric Ballroom, giving fans the opportunity to witness hits like West End Girls and It’s a Sin in the flesh. In 2024, they joked that their next shows would be on the “Farewell Tour”, but Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant (66 and 71 respectively) have shown no signs of slowing down. Their most recent album, Nonetheless, was praised by NME for “still setting pop’s benchmark”. All hail our synth-pop national treasures!
Skye Newman
O2 Forum Kentish Town, April 14
It might seem a bit cheap to compare Skye Newman to Lola Young, given that the latter artist beat Newman to the Breakthrough Artist Brit award earlier this year, but it’s a compliment. If you like the raw lyricism and Winehouse-esque drawl of Young, you’re going to love Newman, who belts choruses in the way that makes the hair on your arms stand up. For anthems that could make even the calmest human feel self-righteous and vocals to singe your eyebrows off, give her a listen next Tuesday in Kentish Town.
Y U QT
Phonox, April 11
Happy spring: let’s get that speed garage back on the speakers. And who better to start things off than Y U QT, the Leicestershire-born best mates who have been soundtracking some of the most exciting, high-energy club nights this side of Berlin. Their turbocharged basslines are infectious and their clear, unwavering appreciation for sound system culture runs through everything they do. They’re playing four Saturdays at Phonox this month. This week’s event includes support from Fold, Lisa Korver, Beaabea and Royal Sun & Pry.
The Mixmag Lab All Dayer
The Cause, April 12
The folks at Mixmag are well known for throwing great parties. Anyone music-minded who’s lived in London long enough has ended up at one, and now they’re offering everyone a chance to get in on the action — at one of the best clubs in the city. Mixmag have teamed up with The Cause to host one of the club’s first courtyard parties of the season. The line-up includes a personal favourite, Faster Horses, alongside other great names such as Azyr, Nikolina and Yasmin Gardezi.
O’Flynn
Colour Factory, April 9
Described by The Guardian as “dancefloor dynamite”, everyone can get on board with London DJ O’Flynn. You might have heard his imprint on Barry Can’t Swim’s Kimpton, or Shazam-ed his song Fara after hearing it on BBC Radio 1, where it was picked as its “Tune of the Week.” He’s perfect for fans of Bonobo, Nightmares on Wax and Caribou, tying together elements of acid house, disco, jazz and hip-hop with a string of perfect percussion.
