The best live music in Beijing this April

The best gigs in Beijing this April

Beijing's music scene frequently attracts some of the best names in music, both locally and from abroad, and April is no different. This month however, we're also particularly spoiled for choice with the arrival of not one, not two, but three music festivals. Don't miss the chance to rock out at either Sound of the Xity, Yugong Yishan Festival or China's first-ever Grammy Festival this April.

Daniel Powter

Tango. Apr 11. 480RMB; 300RMB (presale); 880RMB (VIP)

Daniel Powter, the Canadian who stormed the charts in 2005 with his hit single 'Bad Day' (from his 2005 self-titled release), arrives in Beijing debuting new music since 2012's Turn on the Lights.

Sound of the Xity 2018

Various locations. Apr 11-14. Ticket prices vary

While Modernsky Lab may have closed its doors last year, the label behind the venue is still very much alive and kicking. And what better way to prove it than to organise a gig or two, or even an entire four-day festival? This year's Sound of the Xity features performances from London indie rock band Yuck, Manchester four-piece The Slow Readers Club and a whole array of local young guns. Venues include DDC, School Bar, Yugong Yishan, Tango and Yue Space.

To purchase tickets to see Yuck, scan the QR code below.

Thrash China Festival

Mao Livehouse Wukesong. Apr 13. 400RMB; 320RMB (presale); 480RMB (VIP)

German black metal pioneers Destruction headline this rip-roaring night of thrash metal alongside local metal gods Choleraic, Lost Temple and Ancestor.

Nathan East

Blue Note. Apr 13-14. 420RMB

One of the most prolific songwriters and recorded musicians in the industry, Nathan East has been churning out hit songs with artists as legendary as Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand and Stevie Wonder for the last forty years. His genre-crossing groove has earned him both recognition – a Congressional Record for his contributions to the worldwide music community, for one – and the boundary-busting respect of his peers, illustrated by his recent appearances on hit records as diverse as Andrea Bocelli's Passione and Daft Punk's Random Access Memories.

The Hormones

Yugong Yishan. Apr 14. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale)

The Chengdu rockers are back for their first tour in two years, performing their new album Beckon. Previously influenced by dark indie legends such as Joy Division, Beckon sees The Hormones widening their musical horizons with Patti Smith and Björk as influences and brass instruments featuring on the record.

Will Pan

Cadillac Arena (formerly Beijing LeSports Arena). Apr 21. 380-1,280RMB

American-Taiwanese singer, songwriter, rapper and actor Will Pan first burst onto the music scene with his 2002 album Gecko Stroll. Since then, he's been a former presenter on Channel V, released an additional 10 studio albums and won the award for Best Actor at the 46th Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan's equivalent of the Emmys.

Yugong Yishan Festival

New Great Wall Valley. Apr 21-22. 560RMB (one-day pass)

After a few months away, Yugong Yishan marks its return with a massive two-day festival at New Great Wall Valley in Yanqing. Set to perform are German punk-rock legends Die Toten Hosen, Chinese post-punk favourites Re-TROS, German indie rockers The Notwist, English trip-hop trio Morcheeba and loads, loads more.

Grammy Festival Beijing

Changyang Music Theme Park. Apr 30. 880RMB; 550RMB (presale); 50RMB (return bus ticket)

In case you somehow missed the news, Beijing's set to host China's first-ever Grammy Festival. Taking place at Changyang Music Theme Park on April 30, this music bonanza features a blockbuster lineup, including Pharrell Williams, Carly Rae Jepsen (pictured), Macy Gray, OneRepublic, James Bay, Daya and Phoenix.

For more live music this April, hit 'Read more'.

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