Pop: The Five Best Gigs

1

The Orb Thur

"Dr" Alex Paterson and friends celebrate their 0th anniversary with

booming sound and special effects.

Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (07-0589 822) Thur

2

Billy Bragg Tue

A warm-up for a November tour which promotes Mermaid Avenue, his album of Woody Guthrie songs.

Forum, London NW5 (07-344 0044) Tue

3

Ian Dury & The Blockheads Sun, Tue

The new-wave veterans continue to show the rest how it's done as they near the end of their tour.

Forum, London NW5 (07-344 0044) Sun; Guildhall, Portsmouth (0703 555366) Tue

4

Bernard Butler Sat, Sun

Butler's first full UK tour sees him bringing along Arnold and Mojave 3 for superb value for money.

UEA, Norwich (0603 50540) Sat; Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton (0902 766) Sun

5

Motorhead Sat, Sun

More mayhem from Lemmy and the crew as they return to the Academy where they recorded a killer live album.

Brixton Academy, London SW9 (07-77 2000) Sat; UEA, Norwich (0603 50540) Sun

THE REST OF THE BEST

U Roy The dub legend plays with an all-star band as part of the Camden Mix festivities.

Jazz Cafe, London NW (07-344 0044) Mon

Grandaddy Ingenious twisted Cali pop. See Single of the Week (right).

Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (0705 863 9) Mon; LA2, London WC2 (07- 434 0403) Tue; Varsity, Wolverhampton (0902 766) Wed

Quickspace Great guitar work from the purveyors of the recent and great Precious Falling album.

Dingwalls, London NW (07-267 577) Mon

The Egg Brilliant "all-live" fusion of trance-funk and jazz beats.

Underworld, London NW (07-482 932) Tue

Hazeldine Alternative country from Arizona, promoting Digging You Up, their fine new album.

Borderline, London W (07-734 2095) Tonight