The best gigs in Beijing this May

The best live music in Beijing this month

Beijing's music scene frequently attracts some of the best names in music, both locally and from abroad, and May is no different. Don't miss the chance to rock out with a bunch of brilliant artists, right in your own backyard.

Jake Bugg

Tango. May 4. 280RMB

Nottingham-born troubadour Jake Bugg, who burst to international fame as a teenager with his 2012 eponymous debut album, will be in Beijing plugging latest effort Hearts That Strain this week. An exclusive solo acoustic tour, expect intimate renditions of some of his biggest hits.

Marty Baller

West. May 5. 120RMB; 80RMB (presale)

Although yet to gain his 'A$AP' prefix and thus full membership of the A$AP Mob, trap rapper Marty Baller has worked with many of the crew, and is the protégé of and official hype man for leading light A$AP Ferg.

Joshua Radin

Omni Space. May 6. 180RMB; 150RMB (presale)

American singer-songwriter Joshua Radin creates dreamy, folk-tinged ballads. Having amassed over 75 film and television song credits on shows such as Scrubs, One Tree Hill and Brothers & Sisters, notable fans include Ellen Degeneres and Zach Braff.

Fall Out Boy

Cadillac Arena (formerly Beijing LeSports Center). May 7. 380-1,280RMB

Emo-pop act Fall Out Boy – who first found fame in the early 2000s with 'Sugar, We're Goin Down' – make their Beijing debut at Cadillac Arena this May. The Chicago outfit are here in support of latest album Mania, which sees them combining catchy riffs, lyrical wordplay and pop hooks.

The Cribs

Yugong Yishan. May 13. 220RMB; 190RMB (presale)

Rowdy indie-rock veterans The Cribs crash into Beijing this month with a gig at Yugong Yishan – their first in the city. The NME darlings became known for some pretty riotous live shows and stage antics when they burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s, and have shown no signs of slowing up with their latest album, 24-7 Rock Star S**t.

Rhodes

Yue Space. May 14. 160RMB; 120RMB (presale)

Since the release of his first single in 2013, British singer-songwriter Rhodes has amassed countless fans with his haunting vocals and ethereal guitar work. Even before the release of his debut album, Rhodes was on the road, supporting the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Sam Smith, Hozier, London Grammar and more. Fans of Jeff Buckley and Antony and the Johnsons, look no further.

Mark Guiliana

Blue Note. May 18-19. 380RMB

One of the most influential drummers of his generation, Mark Guiliana leads a vanguard of drummers creating a new vernacular, merging acoustic drums with electronic beats. Along with leading his own groups, Guiliana has also appeared on David Bowie's Grammy Award-winning final album and collaborated with Donny McCaslin, Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron and John Scofield.

Metz

Yue Space. May 25. 140RMB; 120RMB (presale)

Fueled by a desire to return to everything that’s good about loud, ecstatic live music, Canadian punk rock band Metz creates music that's a frantic nod to bands like Nation of Ulysses, Shellac, The Pixies, The Jesus Lizard and Public Image Ltd at their most vicious.

For more gigs in Beijing this May, hit 'Read more'.

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