Gigs in London: A Guide To May 2022

Don’t believe us? Well, the proof is in the pudding as they say – so get ready to get your lighters up! You’re in for a real good’un this month. Here’s our roundup of the best gigs in London you can’t miss in May 2022:

April 29 & 30 & May 1, 2 & 8: Foals

This Brit and NME-award-winning band are beloved by many (including this author), and really love to tour – hence their five separate dates across April and May. Their latest album – ‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 2’ – was released back in October 2019 and topped the UK Albums Chart, and hits include ‘Black Bull’, ‘The Runner’ and ‘Into the Surf’. Foals have sold out all their London shows – including the two at Olympia and three at the O2 Academy Brixton – so you may need to go on ticket swap for this one.

April 30: DJ Spoony

Rounding off our April gigs is DJ Spoony, a British DJ, radio presenter and member of the garage trio ‘The Dreem Teem’. His lively tour, ‘Spoony’s House’, will be rolling into Lafayette in King’s Cross St Pancras on Saturday April 30.

May 2 & 3: Dua Lipa

A Pop princess who took the entire world by storm in 2020, 2022 finally sees Dua Lipa bring her much-anticipated tour to London’s O2 Arena. The Grammy-winning star has made waves with her album ‘Future Nostalgia’ – as well as unanimous critical acclaim, she topped the charts in fifteen countries and smashed sales records all over the world. Twice-postponed due to the pandemic, the show promises to bring high-octane set pieces and energetic dance routines throughout the duration of its run-time, as well as performances by support acts Griff and Angèle. We’re practically ‘Levitating’ at this one…

May 3: JoJo

An American singer and songwriter, JoJo first burst onto the scene back in the early noughties, when her hit single ‘Leave (Get Out)’ reached the top of the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Chart. In doing so, she became the youngest solo artist ever to do it and subsequently released the hits ‘Too Little Too Late’ and ‘Baby It’s You’ with Lil’ Bow Wow. She released her latest EP, ‘Trying Not To Think About It’ back in October 2021 and is hitting up the Roundhouse – on of the best live music venues in London – on May 3.

May 4: James Bay

Winner of the Critics’ Choice Award in 2015 and the Best British Male Solo Artist in 2016 at the Brits, it’s safe to say that James Bay has made quite the impression since the release of his debut album ‘Chaos and the Calm’. Since then, he’s gone on to release 2018’s ‘Electric Light’ as well as various singles – he’s playing the O2 Forum Kentish Town on May 4 and tickets are still available.

May 4: Denzel Curry

Next on this roundup of the best gigs in London comes from arguably one of the most exciting rappers around. Hailing from Florida, 27-year-old Denzel Curry has been rapping since the sixth grade, and has released five LPs since. His latest ‘Melt My Eyez See Your Future’ was met with critical acclaim, and in the words of the artist himself, is seen as his ‘green lightsaber moment’. He’s playing the O2 Academy Brixton with support from Kenny Mason and PLAYTHATBOIZAY.

May 6: Feeder

With 11 albums under their belts, four EPs and 43 singles – yep, really – Feeder aren’t exactly short of material. Born out of the so-called Britpop era, this Welsh band was inducted into the Kerrang! Awards Hall of Fame in August 2019 for ‘distinguished services to rock’, so expect plenty of head banging and lively vibes when they play the O2 Academy Brixton on Friday May 6. Rock on.

May 6: Liam Bailey

Famous for his collaborations with Chase & Status and Shy FX, Liam Bailey started out on Amy Winehouse’s Lioness Records, and in the 12 years since his first EP, he’s gone on to achieve some really great things. He released four singles last year – three with the ‘Cinematic Soul’ group El Michels Affair, and he’s playing a night at XOYO with special guests Digital Soundboy, Coki, Bailey and Rebelclash.

May 6 & 7: Keith Urban

Country music fans, look no further – this addition to this roundup of gigs in London is for you. Winner of four Grammys and an impressive fifteen Country Music Awards, New Zealander Keith Urban returns to our shores to tour his latest album, ‘The Speed of Now’. Expect loads of sing-a-long hits from his 12-strong back catalogue, as well as some new singles too. Also, who knows, his Oscar-winning wife Nicole Kidman may also put in an appearance. You never know… He’s playing the London’s Eventim Apollo on May 6 and 7.

May 7: Metronomy

This English electronic group formed back in 1999, and they have made plenty of waves since. With seven albums under their belt – the latest reaching number seven in the UK Album’s Chart – Metronomy were also nominated for an acclaimed Mercury Prize back in 2011, and have done many remixes of other famous artists too. See them play at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace on May 7.

May 9, 10 & 11: Bryan Adams

With close to 100 million record sales to his name, the legendary and Grammy Award-winning Bryan Adams is one of the best-selling artists of all time. No wonder then that he has three separate shows this month, taking place in the magnificent Royal Albert Hall. Expect all the big hits such as ‘Summer of 69‘ and ‘(Everything I Do) I Do For You’ alongside tracks off his latest album, ‘So Happy It Hurts’. Lucky him!

May 9, 10 & 11: Lianne La Havas

With three albums under her belt, a nomination for the BBC’s ‘Sound of 2012’ and guest appearances with Rudimental (and Prince!), Lianne La Havas isn’t exactly short of talent. Well, duh. After a while off touring due to – let’s just not even go there – she’s back with a bang this month, playing three consecutive nights at Camden’s newly-reopened and refurbished KOKO. Sign us up!

May 11: Anne-Marie

Another pop princess who hasn’t exactly done badly since she first started out, Essex-born Anne-Marie returns to the London gigs scene this month with a tour at Wembley’s SSE Arena. Expect her to whittle out all her hits from her two top five albums, including ‘Don’t Play’, ‘Kiss My (Uh-Oh)’, ‘Friends’ and ‘2002’.

May 12: Chase & Status

In celebration of their latest LP ‘What Came Before’ – which comes out in June – dance music legends Chase & Status return to the London stage for a night of Electronic music and Drum & Bass in Camden’s famous KOKO. Hits which are likely to be played include ‘End Credits’, ‘Lost & Not Found’, ‘Time’, and ‘Blind Faith’ with the aforementioned Liam Bailey.

May 12, 13 & 14: Little Mix

Little Mixers listen up! This is the last time you’ll be able to see the trio of Jade, Perrie and Leigh-Anne perform. We repeat – the last time! Watch them go out with a bang and get down to all the hits from their six albums – including ‘Black Magic’, ‘DNA’, ‘Woman Like Me’ and ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ – at the behemoth that is the O2 Arena. Two shows have sold out, but there are still two tickets available for the 12th, and a global livestream on the 14th.

May 14: Sister Sledge

“We’re lost in music… caught in a trap… no turning back!” Well, don’t blame us if you do get lost in the music with this lot. Get down to all the Sister Sledge hits – including ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’, ‘Lost in Music’ and um, hello, ‘We Are Family’ – when they play Indigo at the O2. A sledgendary addition to this best gigs in London roundup we say!

May 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20: Bonobo

Fresh off the release of his seventh album ‘Fragments’, Simon Green (AKA Bonobo) promises to bring the magic when he plays a run of four nights at the spectacular Royal Albert Hall this May. The venue itself is spellbinding enough, but tie this in with the blissful electronic tracks off his latest release – including collaborations with Jordan Rakei, Jamila Woods and session musician Miguel Atwood-Ferguson – and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed night to remember.

May 17: James Blake

English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer James Blake has made waves since he first smashed onto the scene with the release of his self-titled debut. Since then he’s won a Grammy, a Mercury Prize and has worked with Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar and only bloody Beyonce herself. Not bad for a man from Enfield. His latest album, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’, bounded to number four in the charts and he’s playing Ally Pally on May 17 in order to tour it.

May 18, 19 & 20: Alt-J

This Indie Rock band first came to our attention back in 2012 with the release of their debut album ‘An Awesome Wave’, which one a Mercury Prize and spawned the hit singles ‘Breezeblocks’ and ‘Tessellate’. Since then, Alt-J have released two more LPs, and the band released their fourth in February called ‘The Dream’, which featured the singles ‘U&Me’, ‘Get Better’ and ‘Hard Drive Gold’. They’re playing the O2 Academy Brixton over the course of three nights.

May 19: Charli XCX

Another worthy addition to this best gigs in London roundup, Pop princess Charli XCX has helped create some of the biggest pop singles of the 2010s and 2020s. Writing songs since the age of just fourteen, she’s released five albums, the latter of which (‘Crash’) raced to number one in the UK, Australian and Irish Album Charts. She’s bringing her poptastic tour to Ally Pally on May 19. ‘I Love It’!

May 19: Honey Dijon

Acclaimed American DJ, producer, and electronic musician, Honey Dijon spins cross-genre sets and utter dancefloor bangers wherever she plays – from illustrious clubs like Berghain in Berlin to festivals all around the world. She’s back with a bang in Camden’s KOKO this month and any Disco, Techno and House fans should definitely apply!

May 19: MØ

Karen Marie Aagaard Ørsted Andersen – better known as MØ – is a Danish singer and songwriter who has three albums, two EPs and numerous collaborations with artists including Major Lazer, Charli XCX and Diplo. Her latest album, ‘Motordome’, received critical acclaim and she’s touring it in Heaven, one of our beloved capital’s best LGBTQ+ clubs.

May 20: Annie Mac

One of our country’s favourite DJs and BBC Radio One broadcasters, Annie Mac has announced ‘Before Midnight’, a new club night designed for ‘Cinderellas’ – AKA those people who want to be in bed before the wee hours. She’ll be spinning all of her favourite tunes in the beautiful Islington Assembly Hall, and the night runs from 7pm until midnight.

May 21: Crazy P

Next on this list of best gigs in London is a real party starter. Fusing ‘slinky underground Disco, deep Electronic throbs and shimmering Pop moments’, Crazy P are legends of London’s dance music scene, and they’re taking over the former strip club Metropolis for a night of high-energy entertainment. We’ll see you on the dancefloor.

May 22: Pet Shop Boys

A solid addition to this best gigs in London roundup, the mighty Pet Shop Boys are back big style for May 2022. The duo are winners of three Brit Awards and have had 22 top ten singles during their 41 years in the music industry. And with 14 albums under their belt, they’re sure to put on a good show when they bring their ‘Dreamland’ tour to the O2 on Sunday May 22.

May 22: MARINA

Previously known as Marina and the Diamonds, Marina Lambrini Diamandis – now simply known as MARINA – was back with a bang in 2021 with the release of her album ‘Ancient Dreams in an Ancient Land’. Her fifth LP – three of her others have reached the top ten in the UK Albums Chart – it gained unanimously great reviews across the board with many critics praising its social-political commentary and trademark theatrics. Expect plenty of glam, glitter and fab vocals at her O2 Academy Brixton gig – you can join the waiting list here.

May 23 & 25: Michael Kiwanuka

English singer-songwriter and record producer Michael Kiwanuka is something of a powerhouse, with three top ten albums to his name – including one which reached the top spot – a hit single off the TV smash hit ‘Big Little Lies’, Brit and Grammy award nominations and even a bloody Mercury Prize. Phew! He’s just released new single ‘Beautiful Life’ and is playing two sold-out shows at both the O2 Academy Brixton and Ally Pally. You can buy and sell your tickets here.

May 24: Kate Nash

Back in 2007, Kate Nash had a massive smash hit with ‘Foundations’ and a number one album with ‘Made of Bricks’. Since then, she’s released three more LPs, has acted in the Netflix smash series ‘Glow’ and has worked on her fifth album, ‘Nine Sweet Symphonies’ – which is released this month. In celebration, she’s playing the famous Electric Brixton in *um* Brixton.

May 27: Rudimental

Now these fellas need no introduction. Hailing from East London, the four-piece band Rudimental rose to prominence in 2012 when their hit single ‘Feel The Love’ with John Newman reached number one on the charts. The following year their first album did the same, and they’ve just gone from strength to strength ever since. Their follow-up followed suit, and they’ve gone on to add two more to their collection. They’re playing the O2 Academy Brixton with support act Bru-C on May 27.

May 28 & 29: Jessie Ware

The fantastic Jessie Ware pulled out all the stops during lockdown by bringing out ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’ – a Disco-inspired dance record brimming with sultry beats and pure Pop perfection. The title track is a complete banger, but most of the songs on here are complete earworms – ‘Please’, ‘Mirage (Don’t Stop),’ ‘Save A Kiss’ and ‘The Kill’ are all worthy of a mention and would get even the most hardened of pop-deniers moving their feet. After the tail-end of her tour was postponed due to COVID-19, she finally brings it to the O2 Academy Brixton at the tail end of the month. Get ready to get your groove on.

May 29: Ashanti, Trey Songz & Mario

“Always there when you call, always on time, gave you my call…” The penultimate entry on this May edition of the best gigs in London is a must for noughties R&B fans. As well as ‘Foolish’, ‘What’s Luv’ and ‘Always On Time’ by Ashanti, you’re likely to hear ‘Let Me Love You’ by Mario and ‘Simply Amazing’ by Trey Songz. What more could you ask for? They’re playing Wembley’s SSE Arena on May 29.

May 31: Action Bronson, Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist

Rounding off this list of the best gigs in London is a pretty bloody good one. American rapper Action Bronson joins forces with the ‘Hip-Hop prodigy’ Earl Sweatshirt – who also featured in the much-loved collective Odd Future. Joining them is The Alchemist – one of Hip-Hop’s leading producers, in what surely promises to be a night to remember. They’re hitting the O2 Academy Brixton on the last day of the month. Expect new music and a lively atmosphere – strap yourself in!