Critic's choice: Top five gigs

 

Prince ends his run of gigs at the O2 Arena tonight

Look here too

• Flynn an inspired choice
• Shining on the guitar

Prince
O2 Arena, SE10

After two months, here's night number 21 of Prince's 21 nights in London. It seems you're now in the minority if you haven't seen him at some point during his marathon stint, and London agrees that it was a trip worth making. Even if he doesn't do all the hits you might like, his magnificent band generates an irresistable groove for well over two hours, usually including a sneaky extra encore after many have gone home. He will be missed. (0871 984 0002). Tonight, 6pm.

Peace One Day
Royal Albert Hall, SW7

The annual UN-approved Peace Day is marked this year by a star-packed concert. Guests in the Albert Hall include Corinne Bailey Rae, James Morrison, Kate Nash, Marc Almond and Yusuf Islam. Annie Lennox will also make a rare live appearance, no doubt performing her new political anthem, Sing. (020 7589 8212). Tonight, 7pm.

Lord Large
Jazz Cafe, NW1

Stephen “Lord” Large used to be in indie band Electric Soft Parade, but now impressively recreates Sixties soul and funk with the help of musical partner Andrew J Jones and guest vocalists including Glen Tilbrook of Squeeze, Clem Curtis of the Foundations and Ashley Slater of Freakpower. (020 7916 6060). Tonight, 7pm.

The Holloways
Astoria, WC2

The bouncy London quartet, kicking around since 2004, finally scored a proper hit this summer with the sunny indie pop of Generator. Now they're playing decent-sized gigs and reissuing their debut album next month in the hope that this time it takes off. (020 8963 0940). Saturday, 22 Sept, 6pm.

The Hilltop Hoods
Shepherds Bush Empire, W12

This Australian hip hop trio are unknown over here but have released five albums in their homeland, and built up enough of a following to perform to a large number of their overseas compatriots here. (0844 477 2000) Saturday, 22 Sept, 7pm.

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