POP / Gig Guide

MEAT LOAF

Back into hell indeed. Mr Aday's FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) file is currently topped by 'What is 'that'?', as in I would do anything for love . . . The answer, he recently revealed, is 'screwin' around'. Luckily, the rest of his act is less of a let-down. Hysterical juke-box rock.

Fri Aberdeen Exhibition Centre; Sat Glasgow SECC; Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 24 Mar Wembley Arena

SOUL ASYLUM

One of those rootsy American rock bands (ie, heavy metal) that have, after eight or nine albums (who's counting?), snuck to prominence over there on the coat- tails of grunge. Strictly for American dreamers.

Sat Glasgow Barrowlands; Sun Leeds T&C; Mon Manchester Academy; Tue Wolverhampton Civic Hall; Wed London Brixton Academy

INSPIRAL CARPETS

Carpets' credibility boosted by their association with Mark E Smith; a new album by the Charlatans; and the Stone Roses' iminent offering . . . is this the Revival of Baggy? Plus York guitar quartet Shed 7.

Tonight Manchester Academy; Fri London Astoria; Sat Glasgow GMU

SAINT ETIENNE

Prepare with Tiger Bay (Heavenly), the new disc of pleasure pop - electronic beats, dreamy vocals. Must see.

Fri Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall; Sat Southampton Uni; Sun Cambridge Junction; Tue Norwich Waterfront; Wed Cardiff Uni

DARYL HALL

Excellent blue-eyed soul, the stuff to hold hands to.

Fri, Sat London Kentish Town Forum

THE WONDER STUFF

Good-time indie rock, these days fully mainstream.

Tonight Leicester Granby Hall; Fri, Sat W'ton Civic Hall; Mon N'castle City Hall; Tue Carlisle Sands Centre

GLENN TILBROOK

See Diary

Tonight Sheffield Uni; Fri Stoke Wheatsheaf; Sun Leicester The Charlotte; Mon Northampton Roadmender; Tue Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms; Wed Brighton Concorde

PHANTOM BLUE

All-chick glam metal act from - where else? - Los Angeles. Very much the preserve of teenage Kerrrang] readers, but there's nothing Courtney Love's band Hole can do that they can't. Check the new slick venue too, erstwhile home of Wogan's teleprompter.

Wed London Shepherd's Bush Empire

RANDY CRAWFORD

'One day I'll fly away' - her.

Tue London Hammersmith Apollo

SEEFEEL & AUTECHRE

Double dose of electronic doodlers. On an abstract tip.

Wed London Astoria

SHANE MacGOWAN & THE POPES

There's this. Or you could celebrate St Patrick's day by standing round a cashpoint with the Brew Crew.

Tonight London Clapham Grand

COUNTRY, FOLK, JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC

MORPHINE

Moody jazz-rock band, a trio with dark but coherent thoughts and a strange three-string bass. You have to be there. If not, check Cure For Pain (Rykodisc).

Wed London Powerhaus

CAJUN DANCE WORKSHOP

Enjoy the bayou beat. Learn their two-step and the wacky waltz.

Tonight Derby Swamp Club

JOHN DENVER

Comfy country pop.

Tonight Sheffield City Hall; Fri Blackpool Opera House; Sat Birmingham NEC; Sun Northampton Derngate; Tue London RAH

SHREWSBURY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Fri Bruce Adams & Bobby Wellins, Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes; Sat Roy Pott's Five and a Penny, Alan Skidmore, the Tony Richards Trio, and Brenda Scott; Sun Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes, Alan Skidmore, Brenda Scott, and the Tony Richards Trio.

Fri, Sat, Sun festival hotline 0743 350761