A little rundown of selected gigs from the pit’s pov!
Turin Brakes at Concorde2 – Brighton
I am a little late to the game with my 2025 gig round up I’m afraid. But as January always seems to be a quiet month it feels like a good time to share, and to also offer some tips for artists to explore during the dark winter months.
As always Brighton offers so much for live music lovers, with every genre generously catered for and such an eclectic array of venues.
I will begin with the gigs that I sadly missed due to clashes and general life activities getting in the way. Three blasts from the past popped up on my gigs wish list that I would have loved to attend. The legend that is John Bramwell of I Am Kloot fame played at a gorgeous church venue just five minutes from my doorstep in Hastings – His Place.
Then there was the full band 25th anniversary tour for Tom McRae. I spent many happy nights at his shows back in the day and was very sad to have missed the London show at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The third almost attended gig of 2025 was BellX1 at the very pretty Union Chapel. Always a joyous experience to see and they leave so many ear worms in my brain for days. Hopefully I will catch them in 2026.
Radiohead at O2 – You and Whose army
And then of course there was the gig that I was sure I wouldn’t get the chance to attend – but with huge thanks to a good friend’s persistence and a wonderful platform called Pyngo – Cinders did go to the ball, with a very last minute ticket for Radiohead’s final night of their tour in London. And what a show! This is possibly the sixth time I have been lucky enough to see Radiohead live, and each time the experience feels unique. The set up at O2 this time incorporated a round stage and superb projections, ensuring every audience member could access the action. And the set list included songs that I have been longing to hear performed. All of this, and the ever present sense of community as well as Thom’s iconic dance moves! Glorious!!!
Twelve Tips from 2025
And so to my recommendations from my gig going this year. There are many more that I could have picked, and musical preferences are very personal. So I am choosing 12 acts that left a lasting impression. I like to use this platform to promote emerging artists and grassroots venues – so please click on the links to explore tracks and upcoming events.
Charlie Keen’s Silver Birch at The Hope and Ruin
Winter Gardens at The Prince Albert
Black Bordello at The Hope and Ruin
Everyday Saints at The Prince Albert
Maria Somerville at Green Door Store
Glasshouse Red Spider Mite at Green Door Store
Sunday(1994) at Green Door Store
Girl in the Year Above at Concorde2
Bino Bames at Green Door Store
Bacci Pouch at Dust
Many thanks as always to Brighton and Hove News and our music editor Nick Linazasoro – such a great community of writers and photographers to be a part of. And huge kudos to the artists, promotors and venues who continue to support live music. Looking forward to another year of inspirational performances. See you all out there. xxx
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