Britain's most successful punk rock band drop into the Roundhouse as part of an extensive UK tour. Fans feared the worse when The Stranglers' frontman Hugh Cornwall quit back in 1990 - but the progressive punk outlaws refused to lie down. Having re-signed to EMI in 2004, the veteran four-piece are enjoying a renaissance halcyon era with whippersnapper 48-year-old Baz Wayne taking over singing duties for the last three studio albums alongside original members Jet Black, JJ Burnel and Dave Greenfield. Having garnered a total of 24 Top 40 hits over four decades - including classics such as Golden Brown, No More Heroes, Always the Sun, Skin Deep and Peaches - The Stranglers have withstood the test of time, and are taking to the stage on the back of the critically acclaimed album, Giants. Support comes from the reformed alternative rock band, The Godfathers.
Ladies in red will no doubt flock to the Royal Albert Hall as pop maestro Chris de Burgh promotes his latest album, Home - an acoustic selection of his favourite songs from previous albums. The leather blouson-clad balladeer, who has sold 45 million records, will also treat the audience to some of his greatest hits as well as songs from his 2011 album Footsteps 2, which includes his interpretations of ABBA, Mike & The Mechanics and Roy Orbison.
Flame-haired soul singer Mick Hucknall swings by the Apollo to conclude a mini UK Tour showcasing his new solo album 'American Soul', which features the former Simply Red frontman's own take on classic songs that have inspired him throughout his heavily documented life. With the curtain falling on Simply Red at their triumphant sell-out Farewell Tour in 2010, American Soul marks a new beginning for the smooth Mancunian, who begins a new chapter in his life as a solo performer. Renowned for his sweet mature vocals, love-torn lyrics and curly copper-red locks, Hucknall interprets classics from the American soul genre, including I Only Have Eyes For You, I'd Rather Go Bling and That's How Strong My Love Is. Lock up your daughters (or mothers).
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton returns to his favourite London venue to celebrate his 50th year as a professional musician. Over the last half-century Clapton has established himself as one of the most influential guitarists of all time - and he's the only three-time inductee to the Rock of Roll Hall of Fame. "This is like walking into my front room," old Slowhand Clapton joked ahead of a previous Royal Albert Hall residency in 2011. Supported by his impressive long-time touring partners - Doyle Bramhall II (guitar), Steve Jordan (drums), Chris Stainton (piano and keyboards), and Willie Weeks (bass) - Clapton will focus on a back catalogue from The Yailbirds and Cream as well as his popular solo material, including some of his recent blues and honky-tonk offerings. There's no reason to cry about this journeyman.
One of Britain's biggest exports returns to the prestigious venue for six special nights to promote his latest album Privateering ("a warm, authentic and durable record" - The Telegraph). The former Dire Straits frontman is hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has sold in excess of 120 million albums. At these eagerly anticipated Royal Albert Hall concerts Mark Knopfler's full eight-piece band will choose material from his eight solo albums, as well as the major Dire Straits hits including Money For Nothing, Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet and Walk of Life. Since leaving Dire Straights, Knopfler has matured into a master of low-key country blues, eclipsing even Bob Dylan with his thoughtful musicianship and genuine soul when the pair toured together in 2011. This should be quite special.
Fresh from the success of last year's Revolver tour, legendary genre-bending musician Elvis Costello returns to the Royal Albert Hall with his band The Imposters for a fresh whirl of his gigantic vaudevillian Spectacular Spinning Songbook. Part of the prolific Costello's new 13 Revolvers tour, the concept is deliciously simple: after each performed number, the band members or members of the audience spin a wheel packed with different songs from throughout Costello's career; whichever song comes up next, The Imposters perform. Who knows, fortune may deliver hits such as Oliver's Army, Shipbuilding or Watching The Detectives? Listen out also for Costello's fabled covers of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and The Rolling Stones. "Inspiring and invigorating," says The Los Angeles Times.
Returning for its 21st year with 10 nights of concerts, the Hampton Court Palace Festival is one for the older generation. Playing for two nights of the festival, British icon Sir Cliff Richard headlines the event which takes place in the open-air court of King Henry VIII's Palace. The line-up also boasts the likes of Russell Watson, the UK's bestselling classical artist; blues rock duo Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart, who will make their festival debut this year; and the internationally acclaimed Bjorn Again, bringing a night of ABBA to the event. Jools Holland, now a veteran of this annual festival, will also return to perform with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Guests can bring their own hampers with champers or take advantage of the pre-ordered picnic options on offer. Drinks and more basic meal options are also available from stalls, while those who want to go the whole hog can opt for the hospitality package in the Hampton Court State Apartments which includes VIP seating, a champagne reception with canapés, and a dinner with fine wines.
The Boss dons his famous double denim combo and heads to Wembley for a night of heartland rock with his E Street Band. Following unforgettable performances in Hyde Park in 2009 and 2012, bandana-boasting Bruce will play material from his latest chart-topping five-star album, Wrecking Ball, as well as pound out some of his iconic hits, which include Born in the USA, Dancing in the Dark and Born to Run. Let's hope the promoters don't pull the plug on Springsteen like they did last summer, during The Boss's pre-Olympic jam with Paul McCartney.
Marking 35 years since the release of their classic album 'Rumours', Fleetwood Mac will be playing at London's O2 Arena for three nights this September. This much anticipated tour will see original members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie be joined by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, who both joined in 1975. The band hasn't toured since the sell-out 'Unleashed' back in 2009 and this will be a rare chance for fans of the veteran group to enjoy live renditions of their classic blues influenced rock. Audiences can expect to enjoy both old favourites and new work from the quartet.