Even though we are already in the second month of the year, there is still plenty of gigs to enjoy at a range of Liverpool’s best venues! I will explore some of the best artist names coming to the city in the next couple of months, as well as a personal recommendation of a song you should listen to by each artist!
It is vital to be engaged in the local music scene – there is something irreplaceable about the sense of community you find at gigs. Whether a small venue with an up-and-coming artist or a full arena-scale concert, live music is a reminder that art is still alive. However, the music industry is not sustainable without people buying tickets and putting down their devices to enjoy the core memories they can make at gigs.
February 2026
Florence and The Machine
This band is playing at the M&S Bank Arena on the 13th – they are an indie-rock group led by iconic singer Florence Welch (any fans of Taylor Swift may recognise the name from her collaboration with Taylor on the song ‘Florida!!!’) known for dramatic songs. At a Florence gig, you can expect a high-energy yet emotive performance, made all the better by Florence’s unique vocal talents!
Song Recommendation : ‘Shake It Out’
James Arthur
Perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day gig – or just for a night out on your own – James Arthur is playing at the O2 Academy on the 14th! He is a British singer-songwriter best known for his emotional pop and soul songs. His shows have lots of sing-along moments, but they also somehow feel intimate no matter what size venue he performs in.
Song Recommendation : ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’
Fisherman’s Friends
This traditional sea-shanty group from Cornwall is gracing the stage at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on the 20th. This group is made up of old friends that first came together in a living room in a fishing village in 1990, and from there they have developed some powerful folk songs that celebrate community and working-class history. Their shows are packed with humour and emotive storytelling, like a good old pub singalong!
Song Recommendation : ‘Cornwall My Home’
The Lilacs
This indie band from Wigan, named after the Lilac Centre (a provider of specialist cancer care) is one of my personal favourites – I am seeing them on the 21st at O2 Academy! This tour is of special significance to the band as it was originally delayed whilst their guitarist Sam Birchall battled testicular cancer. Sam is now cancer-free as of this month and ready to take on The Lilacs’ high-energy setlist. At a Lilacs’ gig, you can expect much dancing and catchy singalong choruses – a true ‘indie night out’ vibe!
Song Recommendation : ‘Vicarage Road’
March 2026
Lily Allen
Lily Allen is a British pop artist known for catchy songs with sharp and often satirical lyrics – she will be taking the stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on the 3rd. Although this gig is currently sold out, it is one to get your name on the waiting list for – it’s not a gig you want to miss! Allen’s songs tackle relationships, politics and much more with humour and honesty, tinged with a slightly rebellious energy. A Lily Allen concert is not complete without lots of crowd interaction and banter, accompanied of course by big singalongs to her most famous hits.
Song Recommendation : ‘Not Fair’
Bleed From Within
This Scottish band will be at the O2 Academy on the 6th, bringing with them some hardcore metal songs. Their music style mixes fast drum beats with powerful guitar riffs and lyrics about surviving and pushing on through struggle. From start to finish they put on an incredibly high energy performance that draws in fans of crowd participation and mosh pits. If you like genres that are a bit on the heavier side, this is the kind of show that will leave you exhausted and with aching joints in the best way – it’s all worth it for the sense of community you get from live music!
Song Recommendation : ‘The End of All We Know’
Northern Soul Orchestrated
On the 13th, this live celebration of classic northern soul tunes from the 1960s will put on a fantastic show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall! This full orchestral reimagining of some of the best soul hits of the decade blends upbeat energy with dramatic music arrangements that give familiar songs a fresh twist whilst paying homage to the original artists. When there is soul music, it is almost impossible not to dance and clap along – this ensemble brings a joyful atmosphere from their first note to the last! This show is for any fans of soul music who want to experience nostalgia for the music pf the late 1900s.
Song Recommendation : ‘The Night’ (originally performed by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons)
Happy Mondays
Alongside the likes of Joy Division and Oasis, this band has become synonymous with the music scene in Manchester. However, they will be bringing their most popular hits to Liverpool on the 21st. Happy Mondays’ unique music style blends many genres including indie rock, funk and psychedelia – this combination creates a concert with a party vibe that is perfect to dance to. Their gigs are typically more about the chaos than musical and technical perfection, but this is all part of the fun!
Song Recommendation : ‘Step On’
Gorillaz
Gorillaz, a virtual band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, mixes many music genres including hip-hop and electronic. They are demonstrating their diverse music catalogue at the M&S Bank Arena on the 29th. Gorillaz is known for their collaboration with many other big-name artists, some of whom have appeared on stage before as guest performers either virtually or in-person! A Gorillaz concert is certain to be a visually striking show with songs spanning from laid-back to crowd-hyping, accompanied by some incredible on-screen animations!
Song Recommendation : ‘Feel Good Inc’
