First Call, Last Call

First Call

STIFF LITTLE FINGER'S definitive lyrical tales about 1970s Belfast were so evocative that their fans left in droves when they moved from punk politics to pop pastures. They disbanded in the mid-1980s, but in a career path similar to that taken by Madness, their reunion gigs have been more popular than their original outings. And it appears that their sell-out shows are now not just seeing the return of die-hard fans but the appearance of new, younger ones.

The Forum, London NW5 (0181-963 0940) 12 Mar

Last Call

IT SEEMS to many that Alan Davies (right) has much to be happy about. There's an acclaimed television show and a lucrative line in advertising. Women describe him as attractive, but approachable while men seem to appreciate his disarming easy going character. Fast ticket sales for his stand-up show suggest Davies may survive the over-exposure which has been the downfall of many other stand-up comedians, if only for the fact his show is so good-hearted and appealing that it almost defies criticism.

The Civic Hall, North Street, Wolverhampton WV1 (01902-552121) 4 Feb