Liverpool music gig guide 2017
As 2017 begins and the days start to lengthen, Getintothis’ Craig MacDonald offers an indispensable guide to the best live music Liverpool has to offer over the coming months.
Now that you have consumed all the Baileys and finally finished eating the last of the selection boxes, the New Year heralds the start of another stellar season of gigs in Liverpool to look forward to.
We all know how busy this time of year can be for everyone, so here at Getintothis we have put together a helpful guide to make sure you know who’s playing, when and where over the next few months in Merseyside.
With the North Docks continuing to expand and new developments taking shape in the Baltic, 2017 marks the dawn of a new chapter in Liverpool with plenty of talent to go and check out throughout the city over the next few months – and this is only what’s been announced so far!
Last year our festivals were voted some of the best in the country, with Sound City cementing itself as the best place to find some of the best new talent around, there are bound to be some hidden gems at this year’s event on May 27 and 28, with the docklands bash celebrating its tenth birthday,
Also taking place up North will be the inaugural freak extravaganza, Wrong Festival, with plenty of stellar acts announced so far for April 22.
Further into the year, Liverpool Psych Fest has a lot to live up to following a truly cosmic affair in 2016 and with tickets already on sale for this years event on September 22 and 23, we fully expect the Pzyk colony to be out in full force.
With Positive Vibration Fest hitting the Baltic on June 9 and 10 and the madness of the Threshold to come on March 31 to April 2, there are plenty more highlights to keep an eye out for.
So, get your new clobber ready and get looking at what gigs tickle your fancy this Spring. Don’t forget to keep keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook for future additions and competitions to win tickets to some of these too. If you’re curious to hear what any of the artists sounds like in the guide, then have a scroll though our playlist below.
The Blue Aeroplanes: O2 Academy, January 11
The rejuvenation of Bristol favourites The Blue Aeroplanes is just what the doctor ordered to kick off your New Year in style.
With the art rockers set to head to the Academy early on in January, the wait is nearly over for those who have longed for their return.
PSYBLINGS
Psyblings: Maguires Pizza Bar, January 13
Warrington’s vicious quartet Psyblings will be primed to hit Maguires with everything they have, as they head to town early in January.
They are able to control chaos like few others and this will be an early gem for those who head down to see them in their prime.
Bathymetry
Bathyfest 2017: Buyers Club, January 14
Before they go on a hiatus, Bathymetry headline the latest instalment of Bathyfest which boasts a solid lineup for the Hardman Street bash.
Joining the hosts will be The Floormen, Shrinking Minds, Prowles, Disastronuats and FlightWorks in a night only the strongest will survive.
Beyond Average
Jack The Mic: 24 Kitchen Street, January 19
The setting for the first Jack The Mic night could’t be more apt, with the Baltic home of hip hop and grime that is 24 Kitchen Street, playing host to some of the strongest acts in the local game.
With Beyond Average, The Bluntskins, Tony Broke, Chedeye Knights, Thats Juvey?, Niggy Raw and Kraze all on offer, here’s hoping for many more nights to come.
Dream Wife
Dream Wife: Buyers Club, January 20
One of the year’s most hotly tipped bands following their killer turn at Liverpool Music Week last year, Dream Wife return in January to play the Buyers Club.
With the trio being joined on the night by HAARM and AGP, this is a triple header of new talent worth getting your ass to.
King Creosote
King Creosote: Philharmonic Hall, January 20
Back with his latest masterpiece, King Creosote makes a much anticipated return to our city this month, with a special date up Hope Street.
If you want to see songwriting at its most beautiful, then this is the night for you.
Mark E Smith of The Fall
The Fall: Arts Club, January 21
All-dayers don’t come much better then this with the iconic The Fall being joined by a host of incredible names from far and wide.
Cabbage, Kagoule, Hookworms, Tigerclub, Goat Girl are joined by Ohmns, Strange Collective and Pink Kink for a not-to-miss event in January.
Red Rum Club
Red Rum Club: Zanzibar, January 21
One of the most promising groups to have come out of Liverpool recently head to the much underrated Zanzibar this year, with Red Rum Club playing a headline date at the Seel Street venue.
If you have yet to witness their renowned live displays then we urge you to pay this a visit.
Margo Price: by Angelina Castillo for Third Man Records
Margo Price: Leaf, January 21
The rekindling of our love for all things country is truly in full flow, no more so then with the talents of Margo Price, having released on of our albums of the year last year.
With a date set for Leaf this weekend, we would strongly urge you to head down if you want to know what we all know already.
Rival Sons (photo credit: Artist Facebook page)
Rival Sons: O2 Academy, January 25
American hard rockers Rival Sons head to Liverpool this month, as they gear up to support the legendary Black Sabbath.
Bringing their first dates to our shores in just over two years, the quartet will be fresh from releasing their latest album Hollow Bones and will be ready to shake the Academy to its foundations.
Declan McKenna
Declan McKenna: Studio 2, January 26
In what is swiftly becoming his second home, Declan McKenna makes a third appearance at Studio 2 with a date pencilled in on his UK tour this January.
The young upstart has long been tipped to shine, having conquered Glastonbury and other festivals throughout the land and afar.
The Orielles
The Orielles: HUS, January 26
New year and a new venue, what better way to welcome in the live shenanigans for 2017 then with a walk up to HUS later this month.
Our friends at Bido Lito! are certainly celebrating with The Orielles and The Mysterines both set to play at this one.
Fiesta Bombarda
Fiesta Bombarda: Anglican Cathedral, January 27-28
If there is one way to light up a dull January, it’s Fiesta Bombarda, who take over the vast surroundings of the Anglican Cathedral this month.
With Romare, Ibibio Sound Machine, Beardyman, Renegade Brass Band and Jeramiah Ferrari already announced, this is your new year’s wake up call.
C Duncan
C Duncan: O2 Academy, January 28
Fresh from releasing his beautiful sophomore record, C Duncan returns to Liverpool this year with a date at the O2 Academy this January.
Following his debut receiving a plethora of praise, the weight of expectation has well and truly been met by the Scottish composer.
The Bluecoat today – image courtesy of the Bluecoat Facebook page
Beyond The Beaten Track: The Bluecoat, January 28
Following several successful Above The Beaten Track festivals, this month will see a celebration of all its work with Beyond The Beaten Track set to take place at The Bluecoat.
With workshops, talks and panels during the day, with the night bringing a special free gig featuring various Above The Beaten Track alumin to ensure this closing party is one to live long in the memory.
Exmagician
Exmagician: Studio 2, January 30
Wrapping up January’s live proceedings in style, Exmagician make their Liverpool debut in Studio 2 this month with the hotly tipped duo causing quite a stir.
Filled with psych textures and enough hooks to burrow into your cranium, this is an early year delight for anyone who knows what’s good for them.
Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club: Liverpool Guild of Students, February 2
One of 2017 most anticipated gigs comes in February, with the long awaited return of Two Door Cinema Club up at Mountford Hall.
Armed with their most pop-friendly album to date in the form of Game Show, they are joined by Sundara Karma for this much sought after date.
Matthew and the Atlas
Matthew and The Atlas: Studio 2, February 4
Chances are that by the time your reading this, Matthew and The Atlas may have long sold out this date, such is the hype around Matthew Hegarty and his group.
The alt folk band are firmly establishing themselves as favourites in a bustling scene, they continue to fly high among lovers of modern day folk.
Enzo Siragusa
mUmU 9th Birthday: Great Baltic Warehouse, February 4
For those clubbers who have raved and misbehaved a little too much this yule, you better get ready for mUmU as the techno heads unleash a whopper of a line up to celebrate nine years.
With Cassy, Enzo Siragusa, Gary Beck joining Lee Rands, Nastia, Jon Rundell and much more at the Baltic bash.
Buyers Club
Boxed In: Buyers Club, February 7
Indie-dance maestros Boxed In head up to the Buyers Club this February, as they tour their latest offering Melt.
Awash with synth goodness and plenty of earworms to grip you into their sounds, this will be a night to ponder and dance all at once.
Hidden Charms
Hidden Charms: The Magnet, February 8
London’s wavy desert rockers Hidden Charms make the swift return to our shores as the four piece take to the depths of The Magnet next month.
If you like your rock to have a blues soaked sound, dipped with silky cool, then these lot are your cup of tea.
Howie Payne
Howie Payne: Buyers Club, February 9
Having released a real treat for his fans last year with a set of unheard demos, The Stands man Howie Payne gears up to hit the Buyers Club later this year.
One of the most underrated songwriters to have come form our parts, those who get a chance to see this will be in for a special night.
Cabbage
Cabbage: EBGBs, February 10
If there is one group that is living up to the hype, then Cabbage are it and if you don’t believe us then may we recommend you haul your ass to EBGBs this February.
With The Shimmer Band and April also on offer, be sure to have some sturdy footwear on for this one. It’s going to be packed.
Menace Beach
Menace Beach: The Magnet, February 10
Just a mere matter of weeks after the release of their album, indie rockers Menace Beach make the way to Liverpool as they hit The Magnet.
Following the phenomenal debut offering, fans will be eager to hear what the group have been up to, with the wait nearly over.
Aviator
Aviator: Scandinavian Church, February 11
Continuing to flourish, Peter Wilkinson brings his Aviator project to the beautiful innards of Scandinavian Church next month, as he gears up to the release of his new album later this year.
With the majestic sounds of Nick Ellis plus DJ Luke Garcia Doherty also taking part, this has winner written all over it.
Julian Cope
Julian Cope: Arts Club, February 11
A New Year welcomes a new tour from the former Teardrop Explodes frontman Julian Cope, who heads to the Arts Club this February.
The adopted scouser is bound to bring plenty of heads to the Seel Street venue, with his latest offerings plus some of his classics getting an airing.
The Sherlocks (Credit artist facebook)
The Sherlocks: O2 Academy, February 11
With an ever growing fan base, The Sherlocks set out on their biggest UK tour to date next year, with a stop pencilled in at Liverpool.
Even without an album to their name, they are still selling out venues across the land and we wouldn’t hold our breath if this wasn’t either.
Sundara Karma
Sundara Karma: O2 Academy, February 12
Making the step up to the Academy, Sundara Karma make a swift return to Liverpool as they gear up for the release of their debut album.
With critics finally catching up to what fans have long known about, the hype surrounding them is more than justified.
Estrons
Estrons: Studio 2, February 15
If you like your music with a bit of venom to it, then rockers Estrons are just the tickets for you this year, with a date down Parr Street lined up.
The Welsh upstarts are being tipped by many in the know to make a big splash this year, so expect them not to be playing these size venues for long.
Tom Grennan
Tom Grennan: The Shipping Forecast, February 15
Having first come to people’s attention by helping Chas and Status climb the charts and fill stadiums, London singer Tom Grennan is all set to make this year his own.
With a gruff, raw vocal that cracks through the icy winter, his date at The Shipping Forecast shouldn’t be overlooked.
Karl Blau
Karl Blau: Leaf, February 17
American troubadour supremo Karl Blau, finally makes his long awaited Liverpool bow this year, with the songwriter set to appear at Leaf next month.
The Anacortes man has been heralded by critics and fans alike for his take on blues soaked indie and we expect this to be in many people’s calendars.
MiC Lowry
MiC Lowry: O2 Academy, February 18
If there was one group that 2016 was kind to, it has to be MiC Lowry, with the GIT Award nominees seemingly not able to put a foot wrong.
Having helped Justin Bieber wow stadiums around the globe, they are set to return home this year for what is likely to be a sell out date.
Elevant
Elevant: EBGBs, February 18
Fresh from their travels to the big smoke and recording fresh tunes, Elevant are geared up to take this year firmly by the horns.
With Coquin Migale and Gravves also joining the bill, this is going to be a heavy one.
Wild Nothing
Wild Nothing: Leaf, February 23
Before playing the Echo Arena as support for Kings of Leon later this month, Wild Nothing head to Bold Street to make a stop at Leaf on their UK tour.
With this date possibly being the last time we see his crafts in the flesh for some time, we would strongly advise you to get down to this one.
Mammal Hands
Mammal Hands: Capstone Theatre, February 24
One of the most promising groups to hit the jazz scene in recent years, Mammal Hands make a welcome appearance at the much overlooked Capstone Theatre next month.
Fresh from releasing their sophomore album Floa last year, the trio offer a dynamic twist to the traditional jazz formula.
Tonstartssbandht
Tonstartssbandht: The Shipping Forecast, February 24
With their Liverpool debut a matter of weeks away, the anticipation for Tonstartssbandht arrival builds by the day.
Playing their own brand of “boogie rock”, they have grown quite the fan base and their date at the Shipping Forecast will no doubt be a full house.
Kings Of Leon
Kings Of Leon: Echo Arena, February 25
The Followill gang roll into town next month, as the quartet hit the Echo Arena in support of their new album Walls.
With their latest work seeing the group win back praise from many of their followers, you can expect tickets to this one to be like gold dust.
Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation
Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation: Central Library, February 25
Stockholm’s finest Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation make a much welcomed return to our fair city this year, with an equally special venue hosting them.
Having blown minds at Psych Fest, the group are going to welcome some crowd to this one we suspect.
Lady Leshurr
Lady Leshurr: O2 Academy, February 28
British rap queen Lady Leshurr returns to Liverpool this year, following an impressive outing down at the docks for 1Xtra Live last year.
In what is a rescheduled date from last year, there will be a few people counting down the days to this one.
Laurel – image from artists Facebook
Laurel: Studio 2, February 28
Making her long way up north, Southampton chamber pop pixie Laurel heads to Parr Street at the end of February awash with praise.
Having released a trio of EPs already, the buzz surrounding the young prodigy is mounting so don’t miss out on this one.
Robert Vincent
Robert Vincent: Epstein Theatre, March 2
Celebrating the release of his album I’ll Make The Most Of My Sins, the man dubbed the Scouse Springsteen heads to the Epstein with a full band backing him up.
If you have never experienced the talents of Robert Vincent, then do yourself a favour and get your ticket for this.
Peter Hook
Peter Hook and The Light: O2 Academy, March 3
In a true twist on the double header formula, Peter Hook will play both versions of Substance by formative bands Joy Division and New Order at the Academy in March.
The gig comes not too long after the release of the former New Order man’s latest book by the same name, with many of his fans set for his arrival.
Bill Laurance -image from artists Facebook
Bill Laurance: O2 Academy, March 5
Having played with the likes of David Crosby, Salif Keita, Laura Mvula and Morcheeba, Grammy Award winner Bill Laurance heads to Liverpool in Spring as part of his UK tour.
With his jazz workings winning him praise from peers and critics alike, this has must-see written all over it.
The Amazons
The Amazons: Buyers Club, March 6
If there is one group to keep an eye on in 2017, it’s The Amazons, who head up to the Buyers Club in March for a whopper of a date.
With big hype and the tunes to easily back it up, this lot won’t be playing this size venue for too long.
Tinariwen
Tinariwen: Invisible Wind Factory, March 7
Malian musical legends come to the Northern Docklands this year, with Tinariwen making a much welcomed return to our shores.
In what is one of only two UK dates for the group on their European tour, be sure to act fast if you want to see these legends.
Man & The Echo
Man and The Echo: Buyers Club, March 8
Warrington upstarts Man and The Echo head to the Buyers Club this Spring with many folk tipping them to take this year by storm.
Having been heralded as one of the great northern songwriters of our times, Gareth Roberts and his bandmates should be on your radar.
The Wailers.
The Wailers: O2 Academy, March 11
With Liverpool and reggae now firmly brother and sister, it is little wonder that The Wailers think of our city as a second home.
As the legendary group make their swift return to our city, it’s safe to say this is a must for all fans of goodness vibes.
Invisible Wind Factory
Gentleman’s Dub Club: Invisible Wind Factory, March 11
Who would think one of the pioneering groups of the bustling British bass scene would come from Yorkshire?
Well Gentleman’s Dub Club are just that, and if you’re lucky enough to catch them at the Invisible Wind Factory then you are in for a real treat.
Ten Fé
Ten Fé: Buyers Club, March 15
Whispers are stirring about London duo Ten Fé, with plenty of folks firmly keeping an eye on the pair as they continue their upward trajectory.
With their debut long player out the month before, they will hit the Buyers Club with all their might in March.
Blossoms
Blossoms: Liverpool Olympia, March 17
Arguably the biggest band in the country right now, Blossoms make a triumphant return to our city to play their biggest show to date.
Having released one of the biggest albums of last year, they are not about to slow down any time soon.
All Time Low
All Time Low: Mountford Hall, March 18
Having not been round these ways for five years, it’s only fitting that rockers All Time Low play a whopper of a date this year.
With the Baltimore pop punk outfit more than capable of selling out arena-size venues, this will almost certainly be a full house.
Jack Savoretti
Jack Savoretti: Philharmonic Hall, March 21
Armed with his latest album, Jack Savoretti heads to Hope Street this Spring as part of his biggest UK tour to date.
With the Anglo-Italian finally making good on the potential he has, this year looks set to be a big one for the songwriter.
XamVolo
Ditto Live: Camp and Furnace, March 24
The end of March see some of the area’s best talent head to Camp and Furnace for Ditto Music‘s inaugural gathering Ditto Live.
With XamVolo, Lilium, The Wicked Whispers, Little Triggers, The Sneaky Nixons as well as The Shipbuilders, The Mono LP’s, Oya Paya and loads more in store, this a is must-see event.
Circa Waves
Circa Waves: Mountford Hall, March 24
Having cemented themselves into the country’s hearts with their tremendous debut album, Circa Waves head home with their sophomore offering set to rocket up the charts.
With the GIT Award nominees all set for their homecoming, expect a full house to herald the return of t-shirt weather.
Thundercat in Gothenburg Studios at Stay Out West
Thundercat: Invisible Wind Factory, March 24
If there is one show that’s a must for hip hop heads this year, it has to be Thundercat down at the North docks this March.
The man behind some of the greatest modern jazz fusion melodies of recent times will make his debut bow to what is bound to be a sell out.
Moonlandingz
The Moonlandingz: Invisible Wind Factory, March 25
Fresh from bending minds and melting the Baltic’s face last year at Psych Fest, a marriage made in psych heaven takes place at the Invisible Wind Factory when The Moonlandingz come to town.
Simply put, you will not see a show like this, no matter what you think. Believe us!
Scott Matthews
Scott Matthews: Leaf, March 31
Wolverhampton singer-songwriter Scott Matthews makes a much welcome return to our neck of the woods this year, with a date at Leaf this Spring.
Having been under the radar of late, his latest offerings have seen this talented musician return to a rich vein of form.
Mallory Knox
Mallory Knox: O2 Academy, April 1
Armed with their new album fresh in their fans’ ears, Mallory Knox have all the ingredients to take this year by storm.
With a date pencilled in the Academy for the start of April, this is the perfect way to waken you out of your winter hibernation.
The Who
The Who: Echo Arena, April 3
In what is a rescheduled date down at the docks, The Who will play the legendary Tommy in its entirety as well as many more of their iconic hits for a special night down the Echo.
If you’re a Pinball Wizard, then clearly this is a not-to-be-missed night for you.
Hot 8 Brass Band
Hot 8 Brass Band: Invisible Wind Factory, April 7
In what is quickly becoming the go-to place for modern day brass, the Invisible Wind Factory welcomes Hot 8 Brass Band through its doors in April.
If you are wondering where the funk has been in 2017, it’s waiting for you here.
Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller
Paul Weller: Mountford Hall, April 9
If you’re reading this for the first time, then chances are that the return of the Modfather to our city is well and truly sold out already.
His love affair with our city is long and stronger then ever, with last year’s Jam events proving a roaring success.
Dan Owen
Dan Owen: Studio 2, April 11
His electrifying live performances have seen Cambridge songwriter Dan Owen continue to grow his fan base, with this year set to continue the trend.
Before he takes to the roads of Europe this summer, we are lucky to see him make an appearance down Parr Street on his homeland tour.
Palace
Palace: Buyers Club, April 11
One of the most promising groups to have come from the capital in recent memory, Palace are all set to take this year by the scruff of the neck.
If want to know what all the fuss is about, then may we suggest a trip to the Buyers Club this Spring.
The Dead 60s
The Dead 60s: O2 Academy, April 14
Following a near decade long break, The Dead 60s roll back the years to bring their much loved sound to the Academy this April.
At their peak they were all set to take the nation by storm, hopefully this is the second start to help them reach their potential.
24k Magic
Bruno Mars: Echo Arena, April 15
One of the biggest names in music today, Bruno Mars makes a highly sought after return to Liverpool with this concert long having sold out.
An enigma of sorts, but undoubtedly one of today’s true pop stars, he will definitely be magic on this night.
Bryde – photo from artists Facebook
Bryde: Studio 2, April 26
If there is a hidden gem that should be in all your calendars this year, it’s got to be Bryde at Studio 2 this April.
The former Paper Aeroplanes singer is simply stunning with her fragile vocals and magnetising guitar instantly hooking anyone lucky enough to hear her.
Los Campesinos!
Los Campesinos!: Arts Club, April 27
After what seems like an eternity, Welsh DIY icons Los Campesinos! finally make their long awaited return to the live fold this year.
With a new album also on the way, should be a top night for anyone who heads to the Arts Club.
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