Nine brilliant gigs in Liverpool this autumn

Liverpool and music go together like scouse and beetroot (or pickled red cabbage).

The official world capital of pop, and a UNESCO City of Music to boot, melody runs through Liverpool’s veins like the Mersey.

So it’s no surprise that some of the biggest, best and most beloved bands and artists have either come from the city, made it their home or make sure they include it on any nationwide or worldwide tour.

This autumn, along with the rising talent and bright new acts playing on stages and in venues across the city, there are also a host of legendary names and established stars set to entertain music lovers.

At the absolute top of their game, they have more than 400 years of experience between them, and a back catalogue that most acts could only dream of.

Here are nine must-see gigs taking place in Liverpool between September and Christmas.

Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve

Liverpool Olympia – September 11

Former SFX student, music grandmaster songwriter supreme Elvis Costello returns to Liverpool in the company of keyboard player and composer Steve Nieve as part of a 15-date tour of the UK and Ireland.

It’s 20 years since the pair, whose collaboration goes back to 1977 when a teenage Nieve joined The Attractions, made their last full-length appearance together in the UK.

They are set to play from a songbook that’s described as ’50 years long – and twice as deep’.

(photo of Elvis Costello by Mark Seliger)

Book HERE

The Real Thing

Philharmonic Hall – October 4

Liverpool soul favourites The Real Thing are back with original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith touring with A Brand New Day, their first new album of original material in 44 years.

Formed in 1972, the band scored a number one hit in ’76 with their song You To Me Are Everything, followed by their groundbreaking Children of the Ghetto, and with other chart successes including Can’t Get By Without You and Can You Feel The Force.

They also had a hit movie Everything which played nationally in cinemas and was also aired on TV. This was followed by their Greatest Hits Album which made the official National Album Charts and reached number two in the Amazon download charts.

Book HERE

Squeeze

M&S Bank Arena – October 19

The story of how Squeeze was born has become a legendary one in the annals of popular music.

In 1973, a broke teenage Chris Difford filched 50p from his mum’s purse to pay for an advert in a local sweetshop appealing for a guitarist to join his band (which he had yet to start) and fellow teen Glenn Tilbrook was the only one to answer.

Squeeze sprang to life in spring 1974, and the rest is history.

With a half-century distinguished by some of the smartest and sweetest guitar-pop made during the rock and roll era, Squeeze will be performing an impressive list of hits and rare gems from their extensive back catalogue including their massive hits Cool for Cats and Up the Junction.

Support comes from Badly Drawn Boy, and the band will also be collecting food donations at the arena for the Trussell Trust.

Book HERE

The Pretenders

Philharmonic Hall – October 30

Following a series of sold out shows last year, The Pretenders are back on the road with a headline theatre tour to support their latest album Relentless. Their highest-charting record in over 20 years, the album’s "persistently brilliant songwriting” (MOJO) has been met by high critical praise, with The Telegraph calling Relentless “one of the most thrilling things you’ll hear all year”.

Chrissie Hynde and co launched the album last headlining Brighton’s The Great Escape Festival, treating fans to unreleased new songs and scatterings of hits.

Their surprise performance at Glastonbury in 2023, featuring special guests Johnny Marr and Dave Grohl, was received as a highlight of the entire festival weekend. Having performed at London’s BST Hyde Park and BBC Radio 2 In The Park, the band also recently accompanied Guns N’ Roses for huge outdoor shows across the United States. 

Book HERE

Bob Dylan

M&S Bank Arena – November 3

Legendary troubadour Bob Dylan brings his Rough and Rowdy Ways world tour to the arena this November.

Nobody else so revolutionised the way we think about singing, songwriting, music as protest and the very definition of folk music, all in their first decade as a performer. That Dylan did all this while remaining elusive, chameleonic and defiant sets him apart from almost anyone else to ever sing into a microphone.

Rough and Rowdy Ways, his first original material since 2012 and his 39th studio album, was released in the middle of the Covid pandemic in the summer of 2020.

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult, and concertgoers should be warned that this is a phone free show where everyone attending will be required to put their mobile into a locked and secure pouch for the duration of the show.

Book HERE

Suzi Quatro

Liverpool Philharmonic – November 18

Suzi Quatro is back to celebrate the 60th year of her reign as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Born in Michigan, Quatro was in many successful bands, but got her real career break when super-producer Mickie Most saw her perform live.

The 21-year-old flew to Britain in 1971 and went on to quickly create the monster hit Can The Can with songwriters Chinn and Chapman.

Two and a half million copies were snapped by an entranced public, and the song went to number one in Australia, Germany and Switzerland as well as the UK where it was followed by 48 Crash and Devil Gate Drive which both landed in the top 3.

Having now sold more than 55 million records – she featured in the UK charts for 101 weeks between 1973 and 1980 – Quatro has never lost the knack for great rock and roll.

Book HERE

Midge Ure

Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena – December 7

The Catalogue: The Hits Tour which comes to the arena ahead of Christmas celebrates the remarkable 50-year career of Midge Ure, from his beginnings in Slik to monumental achievements with Ultravox and pivotal roles in Band Aid and Live Aid.

As a recipient of prestigious Ivor Novello, Grammy, and BASCAP awards, Ure’s contributions to the music industry are unparalleled.

This intimate concert at our Auditorium will showcase the vast catalogue of his work, from well-loved hits to rare fan favourites. It’s billed as a unique opportunity to witness the musical genius and versatility of Ure live, reflecting his passion for live performances.

Book HERE

Lightning Seeds

Liverpool Olympia – December 7

The Lighting Seeds bring their Tomorrow’s Here Today greatest hits tour home to Liverpool in December, supporting their album of the same name which is due for release this autumn.

The new album celebrates 35 years of music-making and includes all their biggest songs including their first hit Pure, Life of Riley, Lucky You, Change, You Showed Me and, of course, Three Lions.

Join Ian Broudie and co through what’s bound to be a great singalong trip through a brilliant back catalogue.

Book HERE

Ian Prowse and Amsterdam

02 Academy – December 7

Ian Prowse played two sold out shows at the Phil’s Music Room this summer (including one to celebrate his 60th birthday).

And next year there’s a special tour planned with his band Amsterdam to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his hit Does This Train Stop on Merseyside? (although the tour doesn’t. Stop of Merseyside)

In the middle of all this activity, Prowse and Amsterdam are set to play a pre-Christmas gig at Liverpool’s 02 Academy.

Support comes from The Blow Monkeys.

Book HERE