Pop: THE FIVE BEST GIGS

1

Chemical Brothers Tue, Thur & Fri

Forget the dodgy vocals on their recent records; live, the Chemical Brothers know just when to lay down the beats.

See Pop Preview, page 2. Aston Villa LC, Birmingham (02-328 5377) Tue; Brixton Academy, London SW9 (07-77 2000) Thur, Fri

2

Basement Jaxx Wed

The Brixton duo kickstart their jubilant dance sounds for the last show of this current tour, with lots of guest DJs including Soul II Soul's Jazzie B.

Forum, London NW5 (07-344 0044) Wed

3

The Mavericks Wed

Enlivened by the Havana Horns, this gig promoting the new Greatest Hits album promises to be a seriously good serving of rock'n'country gumbo.

Hammersmith Palais, London W6 (08-74 8626) Wed

4

Motorhead Fri

One of the most prodigious metal outfits of all time, Lemmy's guys are a treat live, and these nights at the Astoria (they also play on 4 Dec) are their only UK shows this year. Astoria, London W (07-434 0403) Fri

5

Nine Inch Nails Mon & Wed

Trent Reznor brings the industrial beats of NIN's current double album, The Fragile, to the capital for two over-subscribed shows. Brixton Academy, London SW9 (07-77 2000) Mon & Wed

FIVE ARENA TOURS

The Cranberries Ms O'Riordan's voice can grate but The Cranberries can still make pleasant music. Wembley Arena (08-902 0902) tomorrow; NEC, Birmingham (02-780 433) Mon

Eurythmics Dave and Annie present their less-than-convincing new material, plus all the hits.

Wembley Arena (08-902 0902) Fri

B*Witched The best of the pop acts aimed at the pre-teen market bring their lively show on the road. Wembley Arena (08-902 0902) Tue & Wed

Boyzone Ronan Keating and his fellow warblers unveil an evening of maudlin ballads. NEC, Birmingham (02-780 433) today & tomorrow

Steps This has been sold out for ages. But why? Wembley Arena (08- 902 0902) today