I went to twelve (I think) gigs this year; these were the best (in chronological order).
Four Tet at Alexandra Palace (May)
Just a stunning gig. The combination of spatial audio and the gorgeous lights was mesmerising, and he’s an absolute master at taking you through a set with no lulls or weird transitions. You can listen to a version of it here.
U2 (and Lady Gaga) at the Sphere (October)
This is the most incredible venue in the world. From the very first second of the gig, where the “bricks” on the screen start crumbling and the wall starts to “open up”, my jaw was on the floor, and that lasted till the end. I had really high hopes for the venue, but it completely outdid them. Videos like this do it some justice, but not much; you truly have to visit in person. It’s the biggest spectacle you’ll ever see; a screen that overwhelms and envelops you, paired with near-perfect sound, leading to an indescribable experience. I cannot wait to go back.
All that, though, is about the venue — as that’s why I went. I’m not a U2 fan, but they were pretty good! I thought their set took good advantage of the space, though there were too many lulls where the screen wasn’t being used enough. And they’re good performers, Bono especially. Lady Gaga appearing for some duets was a particular highlight, though.
Rihab Azar at Shoreditch House (November)
This was a very short, 20 minute set from an artist I was totally unfamiliar with, but it was totally transportive. The oud is such a wonderful, underrated instrument, and Azar plays it beautifully.
Other things I saw this year: JamieXX at Printworks (very good, very eclectic); Rival Consoles at the Barbican (like being bathed in noise); Beyoncé at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (good spectacle but underdelivered); Jon Hopkins at BBC Proms (pretty great, and his new composition Athos is very good, though some of the other arrangements were a bit too dramatic); Max Richter at BBC Proms (lovely); Repercussion at Warehouse Project (Moderat were amazing, Jon Hopkins was fine, Bicep were underwhelming); RY X at St Paul’s Cathedral (cool to have electronic music in a venue like this, though the acoustics don’t really work for it); Four Tet at Finsbury Park (good, but last year’s was better); Max Cooper at EartH (good, and great visuals, but his Roundhouse gig last year was better).
Essayant 