Gigs

Live music from across the region...

The Bootleg Beatles

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 6 December

Formed in 1980 from the cast of the musical Beatlemania, the Bootleg Beatles remain one of the most popular tribute acts in the country, despite the emergence of numerous rivals. Their ongoing success is down to the accuracy of their portrayals of the Fab Four, not only managing to look uncannily like them but also sounding incredibly authentic. An evening in their company offers a nostalgic but vital journey through the Beatles years, as ‘John’, ‘Paul’, ‘George’ and ‘Ringo’ transform from happy-go-lucky moptops to bearded, drug-addled/inspired hippies. The multimedia show features a special set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Please Please Me.

Idle Hours

The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, Fri 2 December

“The last time we tried to drive down to Birmingham, Jimmy’s Corsa broke down 15 minutes outside of Salford!” Idle Hours frontman Jack Waldron recently revealed to Yuck Magazine. “It’s been replaced by a much more reliable Ford KA now, so we might make it as far as Stoke this time!” With four-track mini EP The Fourth Wall brilliantly showcasing their genre-blending skills and sonic adaptability, Idle Hours are acquiring plenty of diehard admirers. “Kraut-rock and post-punk are big influences on us at the moment,” says Jack, “but there’s always room for a bit of disco!”

Gigs

The Cure

Utilita Arena Birmingham, Wed 7 December

Releasing their debut album as Mrs Thatcher came to power, The Cure initially seemed to sit comfortably in the post-punk and newwave movements. But it wasn’t long before the Robert Smith-led ensemble shifted gear and impacted on the emerging genre of gothic rock... More than 30 million album sales later, The Cure are proud members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They’re visiting the Midlands with a touring show that’s been doing great business around Europe for the past couple of months.

Blackbeard’s Tea Party

Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Sun 11 December

Earth-shattering riffs, playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms are the name of the game for riotous modern folk rock ensemble Blackbeard’s Tea Party. Taking traditional songs and boldly gifting them a heavy rock edge, the band have been praised for ‘making shanties chic’. They are visiting Birmingham with their Kick The Curb tour.

James Yorkston

The Kitchen Garden, Birmingham, Mon 12 December

James Yorkston had already made a splash (supporting the late, great Bert Jansch in Edinburgh’s Café Royal) by the time he packaged up a cassette of music and sent it to John Martyn, asking the folk rock legend to consider him for a support slot when he visited the Scottish capital. Martyn went one better - or, to be more precise, 31 better - by adding the East Neuk of Fife-born musician to the bill for each and every one of his tour dates... In the years which have followed, James has established himself as one of Scottish folk’s finest singer-songwriters, producing music which Radiohead’s Philip Selway has likened to “coming across the interesting-looking person on the fringes of a party. Before you know it, you’ve spent the evening listening to their compelling tale.”

Placebo

O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 8 December

Alternative rock band and one-time Britpop stars Placebo are heading to Birmingham this month in support of eighth studio album Never Let Me Go. With their best-known songs including Pure Morning and Every You, Every Me - and with a cult fanbase that’s stood by them throughout - the band’s 28-year career has seen them delve into the genres of glam rock, goth rock, grunge and punk rock.