The best gigs

Flaming Lips | 12 May 2000

A special event to celebrate 10 years of the City Slang label, with the Oklahoma weird boys supported by Built to Spill and the up-and-coming Wheat. Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (020-7960 4242)

Bottle Rockets | 9 May 2000

Hailing from Festus, Missouri, the Bottle Rockets 'party like itÿs 1972' with their down-home, loud and humorous take on good-time rock. Borderline, London W1 (020-7734 2095)

Common | 10 - 11 May 2000

One of hip-hopÿs most profound lyricists brings his brand of consciousness to the UK for two nights only, to promote his acclaimed Like Water for Chocolate album. Jazz Caf?, London NW1 (020-7344 0044)

The Clint Boon Experience! | 12 May 2000

The great Northern showman is back with his space opera pop that somehow never fails to land huge grins on the faces of all in attendance. LA2, London W1 (020-7434 0403)

Ricky Martin | 12 May 2000

The first of two nights for the bilingual superstar, keen to up his profile after the initial burst of glory following the success of 'Livin La Vida Loca'. Earls Court, London SW5 (020-7373 8141)