Music feature: The best gigs coming up in 2010

Wednesday 13th January 2010

Steve Harnell looks ahead to what's on the horizon for Bristol's gig-goers in 2010

Live music fans in this neck of the woods had it pretty good in 2009 with an embarrassment of riches to enjoy from the mesmerising Grace Jones through to a triumphant show from Roni Size backed by a 30-piece orchestra and a hits-packed performance from Elton John.

At this early stage, we’ve got a long wait before the first genuine copper-bottomed rock legend rides into town. That’ll be guitarist Jeff Beck who plays Colston Hall on October 24.

One of the most revered axe heroes of all time, the former Yardbird is one of the few musicians who can hold his own in such lofty company as the likes of Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. Even Jimi Hendrix gazed on in awe at Beck’s virtuosity in the Sixties.

During a solo career which has now spanned more than 40 years, Beck has explored blues rock, heavy metal and jazz fusion playing alongside the aforementioned Jimmy Page as well as Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Ronnie Wood and David Bowie to name just a few.

But if there’s a theme emerging for this year in the city it’s that 2010 looks set to be dominated by major league pop acts.

And it’s the Colston Hall which is leading the way with a clutch of big name stars. First up on their debut headlining nationwide tour on February 18 will be Britain’s favourite new boy band, JLS.

Oritsé, JB, Aston, and Marvin are the most successful group of all time to enter The X Factor and their Bristol gig sold out in a flash.

There’s more to come in March, too. After a tough 2009 following the tragic death of his Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately, Ronan Keating will be playing two nights at the Colston Hall on March 2-3. He’ll be delivering a greatest hits set plus selections from his No.1 album Songs For My Mother – a collection of covers which takes in the likes of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Elvis.

Beirut-born Mika brings his flamboyant pop to the Colston Hall on Thursday, March 4, hoping to build on the success of his two albums to date, Life In Cartoon Motion and The Boy Who Knew Too Much. Five days later, if he can squeeze it in between simultaneous “exclusive” interviews in the tabloids, Peter Andre will be in town for a sold-out show at Colston Hall.

You never know, Mysterious Girl may even make an appearance in the setlist. If you’re particularly unlucky he’ll play it twice.

In previous visits to the Colston Hall, prodigious singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has appeared on stage crucified as a Christ-like figure and dressed as Liza Minnelli in her Cabaret film role.

Quite what he’ll do to top that is anyone’s guess. Check out the extravagant Canadian on April 23.

Among this year’s heritage acts are Sixties prog rockers Jethro Tull who are hitting the road for another of their comprehensive nationwide tours which reaches us in March.

Also limbering up for Bristol is reformed new romantics Ultravox, singer-songwriters Don McLean and Chris Rea as well as Steve Harley who brings his latest incarnation of Cockney Rebel to the city in the summer.

One of the world’s most successful touring acts, Jethro Tull have released more than 30 albums and racked up sales in excess of 50 million since forming in 1967.

Frontman Ian Anderson and long-time member Martin Barre are still at the helm.

Ultravox reformed in 2009 for a hugely successful tour with their classic line-up of Midge Ure, Warren Cann, Chris Cross and Billy Currie.

The shows were the first time that the quartet had played together since Live Aid in 1985. As an added bonus for this latest show, the band are promising to delve into their back catalogue to plunder songs not played last time out.

American Pie legend Don McLean comes to the Colston Hall on Tuesday, May 4, as part of a whistle-stop six-date tour.

After talk of a retirement in 2007, Chris Rea’s obviously had a rethink. A new studio album is planned for later this year while his last Best Of collection was his highest charting album for 15 years.

Steve Harley scored countless hits in the Seventies with tracks including Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), Mr Soft and Judy Teen.

He’s still making new records, too, and his hotly-anticipated new solo album Stranger Comes To Town – his first for five years – is due out in April. He’ll play Bristol on June 1. Another band reaping the benefits of reuniting are Mancunian indie legends James. Tim Booth and Co will be back at the Colston Hall on April 15.

Indie fans should also clear spaces in their diaries for Idlewild’s show at the Thekla on March 3, Laura Marling’s Colston Hall gig on April 21 and the increasingly impressive Biffy Clyro at the same venue on May 5.

For my money, the surprise of the year could come in the shape of Specials founder and ska legend Jerry Dammers who brings his Spatial AKA Orchestra to the Colston Hall on April 7. Still frozen out of the recent reunion, Dammers will no doubt feel he’ll have a point to prove. The prospect of an 18-piece orchestra getting stuck into Ghost Town et al is giving me goosebumps already.