London’s 2020 rock and pop scene looks to be a fat, mixed bag of hot newbies and golden oldies. Judith Schrut tells us more.
Following the hoopla of last weekend’s BRIT awards, London’s 2020 rock and pop scene is really heating up, and looks to be a fat, mixed bag of hot newbies and golden oldies. Award-winning superstar youngsters Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, Stormzy and Lewis Capaldi are just a few of those who’ll be doing the rounds of the capital’s music venues this year. Look out too for a highly-anticipated one night gig starring the unique, soulful voice of Brittany Howard, ex-Alabama Shakes.
Cher, another unique and eternally soulful voice who enjoyed sellout crowds and rave reviews for her London gigs a few months ago, was recently asked, “Don’t you think you’re too old to be running round the stage like that and singing rock’n roll?” “I don’t know,” she replied, “you’d better check with Mick Jagger…I’m 73, what’s YOUR granny doing tonight?” To be clear, Mick, 77, is now fully recovered from last year’s heart surgery and set for an extensive tour of North America with his fellow Rolling Stones.
Cher’s taking a break from the UK in 2020, but her sister queen of pop, Madonna, a mere 61, was in sensational form during her London Palladium dates last week. Lulu, 71, and Van Morrison, 74, will soon be performing on the same stage. Legendary rocksters the Eagles, are planning to shake up Wembley Stadium, as are the Who’s Pete Townshend, 74, and Roger Daltry, 76, belting out their first new album in 13 years. Meanwhile, rap icon Snoop Dog, ageless crooner Barry Manilow, rock gods Queen and Nick “Peaky Blinders” Cave will be working adoring crowds down at the o2 Arena. So will Elton John, 73, as part of his three-year, 300 date “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” final tour. Motown’s high priestess, Diana Ross, 76, will be popping in to the o2 after her Glastonbury headlining gig. Doo-wop double act, the Temptations and the Four Tops will also be making an appearance there. Their incredible senior members, Otis Williams and Abdul Fakir, are 79 and 85, respectively. Last but not least, come highly anticipated visits from national treasures Sir Tom Jones and Sir Cliff Richard, rockin’ out in celebration of their 80th birthdays.
For much, much more on London’s rock’n’pop gigs, fests and venues, large and small, have a look at Time Out, Visit London and Festicket.com.
