Hands in the air! Best gigs to book

From massive shows with huge stars to intimate performances with the next big thing, EL} Hunt picks out the capital’s top gigs this year book now to see Tate McRae, Lynks and Kae Tempest

FEBRUARY

PinkPantheress

This Somerset singer and producer scored a huge hit last year with her Ice Spice collab Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2. Ahead of opening for Olivia Rodrigo, she’s bringing her debut Heaven Knows to a sold-out Ally Pally: cross your fingers and join the waiting list. • Alexandra Palace, tonight

Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde and Co have been making a habit of playing more tight-knit shows over the last few years, with a surprise set on Glastonbury’s Park Stage, and a 600-cap date at Lafayette. This cosy pair of dates should be special. • London Palladium, February 28-29

MARCH Fever Ray

Once best known as half of influential Swedish duo The Knife, Karin Dreijer has since struck out alone with solo project Fever Ray. Last year’s Radical Romantics is a vibrant, experimental exploration of love and queer identity. • Eventim Apollo, March 2

Laufey

Fresh from her first Grammy win, the jazz-influenced Icelandic artist plays her biggest headline show yet. • Roundhouse, March 13

Tricky

When debut album Maxinquaye came out in 1995, it helped to spearhead the emergence of trip-hop, a psychy, glitching fusion of electronica and hip-hop. Now, the cult classic is getting a special anniversary airing. • Roundhouse, March 14

Young Fathers

The experimental Scottish trio and Mercury Prize winners play the Royal Albert Hall for a fundraiser hosted by the Teenage Cancer Trust. • Royal Albert Hall, March 22

The Smile