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It's possible to rock till you drop on a nightly basis in London, from huge household names through to new as yet unsigned bands via lifelike tribute bands and world music

There are scores of pubs, bars and clubs throughout the capital presenting live music and it is often possible just to turn up on the night to enjoy the sounds However, for many of the big name gigs it would be necessary to book tickets in advance, often months ahead

12 Bar Club
22-23 Denmark Place, off Denmark Street, WC2
Tel: +44 (0)20 7916 6989
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
A small venue situated in the heart of London's music area, 'Tin Pan Alley', which hosts live music each night of the week The music is varied and features bands from all over the UK and abroad There are two bars inside the club and food is served

100 Club
100 Oxford Street, W1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7636 0933
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
The 100 Club has been putting on music since 1942 and is important in musical history as the first ever punk gig was said to have been staged here as well as classic 1960s gigs by groups such as The Rolling Stones and The Kinks It is still at the forefront of the London music scene with a broad range of concerts of musical styles including rock, jazz, swing and blues

Africa Centre
38 King Street, WC2
Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 1973
Tube: Covent Garden
A chance to see top African bands perform live The Centre also has a bookshop, restaurant and a shop selling African goods

Astoria
157 Charing Cross Road, WC2
Tel: +44 (0)20 7434 9562
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Part of the huge Mean Fiddler orgnisation, this large venue hosts GAY - London's biggest gay and lesbian party - which continuously attracts huge pop acts usually only seen in an arena setting Recent artists have included Kylie Minogue and Geri Halliwell When not used for GAY, the Astoria is home to many big name gigs across a broad musical spectrum

Barfly Camden
49 Chalk Farm Road, NW1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7691 4246
Tube: Camden Town
A small live music pub which frequently gets extremely busy so arrive early Many now famous bands were given their big break here

Borderline
Orange Yard, Manette Street, W1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 2095
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Although this is a small venue it is often used by household name bands when they want to play small intimate gigs - everyone from REM to Spinal Tap! It is also a great place to see high quality new bands from all musical backgrounds including country, rock and metal Borderline was recently voted Timeout Venue and Promoter of the Year 2001

Brixton Academy
211 Stockwell Road, SW9
Tel: +44 (0)20 7771 2000
Tube/Rail: Brixton
One of the best venues to see bands in London and indeed it has been voted the UK's Best Venue by readers of NME for the past seven years The sloping floor in the stalls ensures you get a good view of the stage from wherever you are standing There are several bars within the venue

Bull & Gate
389 Kentish Town Road, NW5
Tel: +44 (0)20 7485 5358
Tube/Rail: Kentish Town
Popular north London pub which frequently hosts three bands a night events

Dingwalls
Middle Yard, Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road, NW1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7267 1577
Tube: Camden Town/Chalk Farm
Now better known as a comedy venue when Jongleurs take over on a Friday and Saturday night, it is still a good place to catch live bands during the week

Dublin Castle
94 Parkway, NW1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7485 1773
Tube: Camden Town
A small intimate pub venue which regularly presents live music, mainly from indie bands The bar has a late licence until midnight

Earl's Court Exhibition Centre
Warwick Road, SW5
Tel: +44 (0)870 903 9033
Tube: Earl's Court
A gigantic arena where big popular gigs from all musical backgrounds are performed Also used for other functions such as exhibitions and sporting events

Forum
9-17 Highgate Road, NW5
Tel: +44 (0)20 7344 0044
Tube/Rail: Kentish Town
Another Mean Fiddler venue which boasts good acoustics and views There are a range of gigs played here and Saturday nights are now devoted to Schools Out 4 Ever, a fun retro club night

The Garage/Upstairs at the Garage
20-22 Highbury Corner, N5
Tel: +44 (0)20 7607 1818
Tube/Rail: Highbury & Islington
A premier venue in the Mean Fiddler empire which is excellent for catching well-known UK and US indie rock bands The much smaller Upstairs at the Garage is a good place for lesser known bands at the cutting edge of today's music

Halfmoon Putney
93 Lower Richmond Road, SW15
Tel: +44 (0)20 8780 9383
The Halfmoon has been hosting many live great name acts, such as The Rolling Stones, U2 and Elvis Costello, for nearly fifty years There is live music six nights a week and free jazz on Sunday lunchtimes The main bar is clad with photos and merchandise (including some signed items) from all the acts that have played here since the 60's

Hammersmith Irish Centre
Blacks Road, W6
Tel: +44 (0)20 8563 8232
Tube: Hammersmith
An excellent place to enjoy many live Irish music events from fun ceilidhs to gigs by famous Irish bands such as The Popes

London Arena
Limeharbour, Isle of Dogs, E14
Tel: +44 (0)20 7538 1212
DLR: Crossharbour & London Arena
A huge cavernous concert hall that has many big name gigs but is also used for other events such as exhibitions and sport

Shepherd's Bush Empire
Shepherd's Bush Road, W12
Tel: +44 (0)20 7771 2000
Tube: Shepherd's Bush
This former BBC Television theatre is a favourite venue with many popular artists of varying styles There is plenty of standing room in the stalls and two seated balcony areas

Union Chapel
Compton Terrace, N1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7226 1686
Tube/Rail: Highbury & Islington
This Grade II Listed building has recently been awarded Venue of the Year in the Timeout Live Awards 2002 There are regular gigs by famous artists from different musical backgrounds in this unusual setting

University of London Union
Manning Hall, Malet Street, WC1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7344 4444
Tube: Goodge Street/Russell Square
A students union with beer prices to reflect this The union presents performances by a number of newly emerging and famous bands as well as a series of club nights The entertainment is open to non-students

Wembley Arena Pavilion
Empire Way, Wembley, Middlesex
Tel: +44 (0)870 060 0870
Tube: Wembley Park
A giant venue with stadium-like seating and masses of standing room Tends to attract the hugely famous household names from many musical backgrounds