POP: THE FIVE BEST GIGS

Wheat Thur

These unchallenged purveyors of low-key intensity and beauty breeze in for one show. Their forthcoming Hope and Adams album is already being hailed as one of the year's great guitar moments.

Water Rats, London WC1 (0171-284 0077)

Pretenders Mon & Tue

Recent festival appearances here and in the US confirmed the staying power of Chrissie Hynde's band, as well as the quality of some of their new material. See Preview, p13.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W12 (0171-771 2000)

Los Lobos tonight

Promoting their new album, This Time, the veteran Chicano band promise a thrilling live show that mixes their Chicano influences with rock and soul.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W12 (0171-771 2000)

Beta Band Thur

Although their debut album was disappointing, the Beta Band still have the resources to be one of the most inventive and challenging live acts.

Corn Exchange, Ipswich (01473 215544)

Iggy Pop Thur

Although his new Avenue B album touches on the melancholy, it's unlikely that the ageing popster will be too restrained on stage at this one-off show.

LA2, London WC2 (0171-434 0403)

Kid Rock/The Crocketts Trailer-trash metal hip-hop from Detroit, with support from the rustic Welsh punkers. LA2, London WC2 (0171-434 0403), tonight

Cyclefly/Rico Double bill embraces the best of new Irish and Scottish rock. Varsity Tavern, Wolverhampton (01902 711166) tonight; Joiners, Southampton (01703 225 612) Tue; Garage, London N5 (0171-287 0932) Wed; Arts Centre, Colchester (01206 500900) Thur

Deep Purple The rock monsters team up with the London Symphony Orchestra. Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (0171-589 8212) tonight and tomorrow

Idlewild Young Scots promote single "Discourage". Wulfrun, Wolverhampton (01902 552121) tomorrow; Astoria, London W1 (0171-434 0403) Wed

A The good-time surf punks set out on a nationwide tour. Waterfront, Norwich (01603 508050) Thur