Metal veterans Iron Maiden play Earls Court, The Pipettes get their own Christmas show and it's the last chance to catch oddball Jamie T play a tiny venue for a while...

Iron Maiden
Earls Court, SW5
While not exactly in vogue, the metal veterans have been enjoying a new wave of popularity, first by touring last year with the focus on their earliest music, and now thanks to well-received fourteenth album A Matter of Life and Death. (0870 903 9033). Tonight, Sat 23 Dec, 7pm.

The Pipettes
Roundhouse, NW1
This Fifties-style girl group have been suprising audiences with their polka dot preening and synchronized dance moves for over a year, and now they get their own Christmas show. Expect plenty of hand-jiving and the odd festive cover version. (0870 389 1846). Sat 23 Dec, 7pm.

John Legend
Brixton Academy, SW9
R&B singer and pianist John Stephens returned with a classy second album this year, Once Again, and has continued to grow in popularity thanks to a slick, classic sound and a bulging contacts book that includes the likes of Alicia Keys, Kanye West and Janet Jackson. (0870 771 2000). Tonight, 7pm.

Riders on the Storm
Roundhouse, NW1
They're not allowed to call themselves the 21st Century Doors any more, but rest assured this is still far closer to the real Doors experience than the average pub covers band. Original members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger will be present, with the Cult's Ian Astbury stepping into Jim Morrison's unhygienic shoes. (0870 389 1846) Sat 30, Sun 31 Dec, 7pm.

Jamie T
12 Bar Club, WC2
This is the last time the oddball Wimbledon singer-songwriter will play a tiny venue for a while. The arrival of his winning debut album in January should ensure substantial audiences for his alcohol-fuelled tall stories throughout 2007. (08700 600 100). Wed 27 Dec, 7.30pm.