The lowdown on the best live music in London this week...

THE RACONTEURS
Where: Hammersmith Apollo
When: Wednesday, May 14
Tickets: £22.50
www.theraconteurs.com
When The Raconteurs announced news of their debut album in early 2006 they described themselves as 'a new band made up of old friends.' The four-piece, including Jack White, had known one another for more than a decade but by the time they completed work on their debut – Broken Boy Soldiers – they had still never played a show as The Raconteurs. Now on their second album – Consolers of the Lonely – they are established as one of the great live acts. A rare treat to watch, this is one of the few UK dates on their international tour.

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS
Where: The Forum
When: Monday, May 12
Tickets: Free
www.dirtyprettythingsband.com
Former member of The Libertines, Carl Barat, set up Dirty Pretty Things following his musical split with Pete Doherty. Successful in its own right, the band has gone on to achieve great things and will release a second album soon. Barat and co. will play The Forum as part of The Red Stripe Music Award event.

WILLIE NELSON
Where: Hammersmith Apollo
When: Tuesday, May 13
Tickets: £35-£40
www.willienelson.com
With an abundance of awards, including several Grammys, Willie Nelson is one of the most well-renowned country musicians. Now aged 75 it seems the singer has no intention of retiring and is currently on a world tour. This is his only London date so catch him while you can.

BACKSTREET BOYS
Where: O2 Arena
When: Wednesday, May 14
Tickets: £25-£32.50
www.backstreetboys.com
Take That, Spice Girls, Boyzone…the resurgence of artists that peaked in the 90s has become a successful trend. Backstreet Boys is the latest group to jump on the band-wagon and if only for nostalgic reasons this show is likely to be entertaining.

JESSE MALIN
Where: ULU
When: Thursday, May 15
Tickets: £13
www.jessemalin.com
New York's Jesse Malin has been commended for his songwriting skills. After releasing two critically acclaimed albums – The Fine Art of Self Destruction and The Heat – and establishing himself as a successful musician, he is now on his third record – Glitter in the Gutter. It's always more pleasurable to watch someone perform when they understand their music so Jesse is already ahead of the game.