Gig Guide: August 2024
Jam-Packed August: London’s Unmissable Gigs Await.
Gigs. You love em. We love em. And there’s a metric shit-ton of them in our treasured capital this month. So grab your earplugs and start practicing your appreciative nodding, because here is the comprehensive list of the best gigs in London this August.
The Big Ticket: All Points East - 16-25 August, from £75
The London day festival. What better way to spend a summer night than queuing for hours, nursing a 7 quid 330ml can of fancy lager whilst desperately trying to avoid bumping into colleagues who “don’t really do live music but I guess if everyone else is going…”.
As usual with All Points East, the line up does all the heavy lifting. If you can get far enough to the front to compensate for the curfewed sound system and can actually hear the music instead of the intellectual musings of coked up finance bros endlessly searching for ‘the beat’, there’s an enjoyable day to be had.
LCD Soundsystem bring along Pixies, Floating Points and Jockstrap for the highlight of the run, whilst The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie co-headline a Pitchfork reader's wet dream with support from The Decemberists, Phoenix, Gossip and Sleater-Kinney. With Loyle Carner’s biggest ever headline show also part of proceedings, there’s enough to gloss over the flaws of a London park show and bring a satisfying close to the summer. Just be sure to find the one hidden bar that serves draught rather than the teeny tiny cans.
The Highlight Of The Month: Shacklewell Arms 20th Anniversary shows - All Month, Free-£25
The Jewel of Dalston, also known as The Shacklewell Arms, is turning 20, and to celebrate they have curated a month chock-a-block with old friends and the stars of tomorrow.
Highlights include sets from Osees, Shame, Model/Actriz and PVA, whilst showcases from Flashback Records and Friends Serene offer the chance to see some of London’s best up and coming bands (Pushpin and C-Turtle should not be missed). Weekend gigs are also followed by club nights where you can fritter the night away with your new best friends and talk about how Charli xcx really is the artist of her generation, all from the comfort of one of London’s finest smoking areas.
Up and Comers
Man/Woman/Chainsaw and their charming brand of ‘orchestral chaos’ have been carving out a reputation for wonderfully endearing live shows over the past year. With debut EP Eazy Peazy due out later this year via Fat Possum Records, catch them at The George Tavern on August 15 and enjoy a band whose ceiling seems limitless.
If you prefer your punk with a healthy dose of groove, DIY dance-punk trio Test Plan celebrate the launch of their latest single ‘ It’s Not Enough’ with a party at Paper Dress Vintage on August 24. Fresh off appearances at Paris’ Supersonic Block Party and endorsement from The Best Teeth In The Game, these fellas know how to put on a night to remember.
Freebies
Looking to liven up the mid-week pint with some free music?
Industry Standard bring their brand of Wonky-Tonk Swamp Pop™️ to Moth Club on August 14, with Body Horror providing suitably bombastic support, whilst Portsmouth based label Strong Island Recordings offer up a fabulous showcase at The Seabright Arms with sets from The Ringards and Ugly Ozo.
Pining for a gentler evening? Daisy and the Deadheads headline a sweet as honey bill at The Finsbury on August 3, with Moon Balloon and Kipper Gilespie providing the perfect accompaniment to an evening of high percent cider and sunshine.
The “F*ck It Why Not” Gig : Korn at Gunnersbury Park, 11 August - £67
A sunny summer Sunday night. 40,000 nu metal heads. Korn. Denzel Curry. Wargasm. Name me a more perfect first date.
All together now: “Boom-da-da-mmm-dum-na-ee-ma Da-boom-da-da-mmm-dum-na-ee-ma Da-boom-da-da-mmm-dum-na-ee-ma Da-boom-da-da-mmm-dum-na-ee-ma, GO!”