With just days to go, London is gearing up for the arrival of new rock band Chickenfoot, who play their first, and only U.K summer concert today, 25th June. The gig is sold out, but those with tickets will be in for a treat, as the former members of Van Halen and The Red Hot Chill Peppers, take to the stage to perform every track on their self titled debut album! It’s a show that’s sure to bring the London music scene alive. For a sneaky peak at what all the fuss is about, head over to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TT19cB0NTM&feature=related to see their performance on The Tonight Show. It’ll rock your socks off!
America, you are truly spoiling us, sending over not one but two bands to make their live debuts in the U.K. The Black And White Years have already attracted a lot of attention stateside, winning a host of accolades at the prestigious South By South West event. They also have the services of top producer Jerry Harrison from Talking Heads, who’s working with them on a U.K/European release of their album. Meantime, the band is gearing up to perform at this years Wireless Festival, supporting Basement Jaxx on July 4th, and Kanye West on July 5th. They’ve had a great start to 2009, and let’s hope they continue their American successes here in London. To find out more about this four piece art rock act, visit www.theblackandwhiteyears.com.
It’s also a case of ‘Here Come The Girls’ as Nikki Aston and Tora, both have gigs lined up in and around the capital. Nikki has been a regular on the London/Surrey circuit for a while now, delighting many music lovers with her soulful vocal and infectious pop/rock tunes. Nikki will perform at The Amazing Great Children’s Party on July 1st, an invite only event organised by a children’s cancer charity. Other public gigs include The Wheatsheaf in Waltham Cross on July 24th, Maxims Casino in Southend on August 28th, and The Blag Club in Notting Hill on September 3rd. Meantime, new girl band on the block Tora, will add to their live experience with dates at The Cobden Club on July 1st, and The Blag Club (both London) alongside Nikki Aston on September 3rd.. Check out www.myspace.com/nikkiaston or www.myspace.com/toramusicuk for more info and song samples from either act.
Finally I would like to draw your attention to the very talented Anna Leddra Chapman. I first wrote about Anna several years ago now for another publication, and it’s been a pleasure to see her grow, and develop into the artist she is today. Anna has a beautiful voice, and emotive acoustic/pop style that is not to be missed! Although she’s busy recording her album, you can still catch her live at two London venues this summer. She’ll be playing at The Bedford on July 16th, and The Distillers Karma Club on August 30th. Visit www.myspace.com/annaleddrachapman for more details.
This is just a selection of live gigs happening in and around the capital this summer. There’ll be many more events happening all over the country in the coming months, so why not get out and enjoy some of them. If there’s something you’d like us to feature, please get in touch. In the meantime, keep your eyes on music.co.uk for more live music news and previews. Thanks for reading!