An ill-conceived Queen medley was unspeakably naff, but frankly who cares?
Celine Dion
Comedy
It could be as irritating as nails down a blackboard yet it works as warped surrealism
Dina Martina
Theatre
I soon found myself as overwhelmed by David Calder’s King Lear as any interpretation I have seen in 25 years
King Lear
Why oh why didn't I take up the offer of leaving in the interval?
Kate is a good singer, very expressive, although not a great dancer
This was a masterclass in funk, soul and R&B
London,
09.05.08
Bon Iver's debut could turn out to be the best album of 2008 and Sparks begin an epic stint at the Islington Academy.
09.05.08
Sam Sparro, a Los Angeles-based Australian, led his lively band on an electrofunk romp that never flagged at his Proud Galleries show.
08.05.08
With Nick Cave in fiery, confrontational mood, his powerful gig was all about the storm, not the calm, says David Smyth.
07.05.08
Def Leppard's new songs were well-received at their Islington Academy show but the old hits cannot be beaten.
02.05.08
When a 20-year-old is murdered just for looking different, surely we must broaden the definition of 'hate crime,' says David Smyth.
18.04.08
David Smyth defends Jay-Z as the Glastonbury headliner, considers why being a movie A-lister is a hindrance to a music career and discovers what's new...
more
15.04.08
Björk has never seemed quite human but at her Hammersmith Apollo gig it appeared the Icelandic musician really could do magic.
11.04.08
After losing the backing of his record company, Tom McRae is organising his own roadshow to help other musicians, Madonna launches her 11th album and...
more
11.04.08
Portishead's first London show in many years showed what they have become: a formidable, uncompromising sextet who can be fearsomely loud and...
more
09.04.08
Get Cape. Wear cape. Fly's Sam Duckworth performed at Shepherd's Bush Empire with a galvanising, jelly-legged energy that gave even his tamest songs a...
more
04.04.08
A ‘sound-tasting’ event at Abbey Road proves to be an ear-opening experience for David Smyth. Also, find out what Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher have...
more
28.03.08
Not afraid to speak his mind as far as politics is concerned, Kris Kristofferson shows support for Barack Obama.
20.03.08
The Feeling's hyperactive nature rubbed off on the audience at Shepherds Bush Empire. Frontman Dan Gillespie Sells even managed to get his grannie to...
more
19.03.08
Hair drenched with water and tiptoeing amongst microphone stands, Swedish singer Ida Maria, gives the gig of her life. She is one to watch.
14.03.08
With little to choose between the line-ups, it's the added extras that will count at this year's festivals. David Smyth guides you through the best...
more
14.03.08
DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist produced a two-hour rollercoaster ride through all of music using eight turntables, two loop effect pedals and hundreds of...
more
11.03.08
Las Vegas pretty boys Panic at the Disco have undergone the classic teenage about-face and realised the music of their parents was the greatest.
07.03.08
David Smyth talks to London rapper Taio Cruz about making it big in America and reveals what Billy Bragg is doing behind bars.
05.03.08
Goldfrapp's daydreamy skip through the world of folk makes for a beautiful but subdued sound that translated extremely well to a live show.
29.02.08
David Smyth looks at a French-British exchange of music live acts and reveals all that's new on the net.
118.com - Directory Enquiry Service for UK Businesses