POP: THE FIVE BEST GIGS

1

The Who Wed 22 & Thur 23

Two nights of raging rock'n'roll from one of Britain's finest ever bands, whose recent US shows proved that they can still whack it live. Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W2 (07-77 2000)

2

Black Sabbath Tue 2 & Wed 22

"Paranoid", "War Pigs", "Sweet Leaf" and other big riffs get their final airing at these last-ever gigs from the original Sabbath line-up. NEC, Birmingham (02-780 433)

3

Ian Dury & the Blockheads

Sat 8, Sun 9 & Mon 20

Three gigs from the jovial old punk and his fine band in support of their recent Very Best of compilation. Corn Exchange, Cambridge (0223 457555) Sat 8 Dec; Fairfield, Croydon (08-68 082) Sun 9 Dec; Warwick AC, Coventry (0203 523734) Mon 20 Dec

4

System of a Down Mon 20

The explosive and eclectic Armenian-American metal band do this warm-up gig for their support slot at Sabbath's "Last Supper" (see above).

Astoria, London W (07-434-0403)

5

Super Furry Animals Mon 20

Following an acclaimed tour this autumn, this one-off seasonal show should be a party event, embracing everything from blissed-out rock to chemical beats.

CIA, Cardiff (0222 224488)