Best Gigs Of 2018

It's incredibly hard to rank all the great gigs I've been to this year but one definitely stands out as the best: Jenny Lewis wowing the crowds at Koko. If there was any doubt that the world needs Ms Lewis (and really there isn't) then this concert celebrating her entire career from Rilo Kiley to her forthcoming solo release, certainly proved that she still is as essential and exciting as ever.

Another that stands out in my mind is seeing Florence Welch prove she is one of the most incredible live acts in the world, blowing the roof off at the Royal Festival Hall. She's a stadium and festival headlining act for sure so it was an absolute treat to experience her live in a smaller (for her anyway) venue.

I enjoyed so much more intimate acts too from Angel Olsen playing acoustically, Alela Diane proving how elegant and underrated she is and Laura Marling beautifully rocking out a little with her band Lump. But my favourites were easily the sad and moving sounds of Phoebe Bridgers and the wonderfully optimistic Courtney Marie Andrews. I feel lucky to have experienced them both.

It was also incredible to see David Crosby play a solo show in the UK for the first time in decades. His voice is still jaw-droppingly good and it's easy to see why he's such a legend. It was also a joy to see sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer live together for the first time. I really hope they record an album of original material together.

All in all 2018 was another year of brilliant live moments for me and I hope 2019 will be even better!

10. At The Drive-In at Brixton Academy

9. Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer at Cadogan Hall

8. Natalie Prass at Bush Hall

7. Charlotte Gainsbourg at Village Underground

6. David Crosby at Shepherd's Bush Empire

5. Cat Power at the Roundhouse

4. Courtney Marie Andrews at the Union Chapel

3. Florence + The Machine at the Royal Festival Hall

2. Phoebe Bridgers at Islington Assembly Hall

1. Jenny Lewis at Koko