The National
It's been a quiet year for the brooding Brooklyn quintet, who haven't played in the UK since last summer's festivals. At this one-off theatre show they might preview the odd track from a new album not due until 2010.Monday 10, Festival Hall, SE1 (0871 663 2500; www.southbankcentre.co.uk).

Laura Marling
The teenage Reading folk singer (below) plays a special show featuring friends including Mumford And Sons, Andrew Bird, Johnny Flynn and Peggy Sue. Tuesday 11, Festival Hall, SE1 (0871 663 2500; www.southbankcentre.co.uk).

Pearl Jam
The grunge giants are back with their ninth album, Backspacer, next month, and will preview new tracks before a full-blown rock show at the O2 Arena on Tue 18 Aug. Tuesday 11, Shepherd's Bush Empire, W12 (0844 477 2000; www.o2shepherdsbush empire.co.uk).

7 Worlds Collide
A rare outing for some of the supergroup put together by Neil Finn of Crowded House to record an imminent charity album for Oxfam. He'll be joined here by Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway of Radiohead, and Glenn Kotche and John Stirratt of Wilco. Tuesday 11, Dingwalls, NW1 (020 7267 1577; www.dingwalls.com).

Natalie Imbruglia
This tiny gig is the Aussie glamour girl's first performance in London for four years. It will be the first glimpse of what should be a big comeback. Her new album, due in October, features some production by Brian Eno and co-writes with Chris Martin. Wednesday 12, Luminaire, NW6 (020 7372 8668; www.theluminaire.co.uk).