Previews: Music

GIG
Mark E Smith / The Fall, Hackney Empire

Mark E Smith and The Fall have evolved into a very British cult phenomenon.

The champion of anti political correctness, neither left nor right, Smith is imbued with an obsession for words.

This self taught working class boy has followed in a great working class tradition of developing his own radical mind. Smith longs for an English culture which has passed.

Inspired by black rap music and the lost poets combined with pre ’30s Berlin Cabaret he has always denied that he is a rock musician or in a “band�.

Instead his rantings are enhanced by clever musical repetitions by three or four talented followers that put tone and drama to his recital.

In this he and The Fall are on their own and he remains the brightest of those who came out of Punk, while also the most angst-driven.

Hackney Empire, Oct31-Nov 1, £20, 020 8985 2424, www.hackneyempire.co.uk, Rail: Hackney.

GIG
Bryan Adams, The O2 arena

(Everything I Do) I Do For You. There. It’s said, it’s out there, it’s out the way.

The blockbuster hit from the 1991 album Waking Up The Neighbours secured the Canadian-born Bryan Adams a Grammy, a worldwide No.1 of never-ending proportions and a huge millstone that he has struggled to move beyond in the public arena.

However, in his native Canada and among rock aficionados his distinctive vocals and blue-collar songwriting skills, Adams has found a niche that has lasted for more 20 years.

He released his 11th album, 11, in March and supported the oeuvre with an 11-day, 11-stop tour.

This time around he’s added more dates and locations to bring his brand of gravel-throated rock to a wider audience.

The O2 arena, Nov 5, 6.30pm, £37.50, 0844 856 0202, www.theo2.co.uk, Jubilee: North Greenwich

GIG
Okean Elzy, Ingigo2

Legendary Okean Elzy have been voted the most popular rock-group in the Ukraine and Russia for their drive, strong unusual vocals and their own style, influenced by both British and American rock and Ukranian urban romance.

Whether or not being the greatest rock band in the Ukraine is the foundation of a mega-career or a curious footnote in an anthology of faint praise remains to be seen but there’s little doubting the adulation the band receive at home.

This Halloween one-nighter is followed by the Rhythms Party aimed at shaking the ghouls.

It will include urban, jazz and funky house music with DJ Zyk and a live percussion / drum show by professional drummers and rock musicians.

Oct 31, 7pm, £20-£70, 0844 844 0002, www.theindigo2.co.uk, Jubilee: North Greenwich

SHOW
Invaders of Mars, Royal Observatory, Greenwich

Matter’s vibe is infectious.

Now Indigo2 has caught the club night spirit and hosts a “Halloween rock and rave� with such wild chaotic abandon that the actual calender is discarded.

Despite the passing of the evil night, Infected Mushroom still sense they can still rent the veil asunder once more with a range of pscyhedelic rock, hard dance, techno and psy breaks.

The previous Infecting The UK events have set the precedent for innovative line-ups and groundbreaking production bringing the most up-for-it crowds to their portal.

Infecting The UK 004 celebrates the launch of new single The Legend Of The Black Shawarma and the boys will also be showcasing material from their forthcoming album.

This is the very first time psy trance has been played at the Indigo2.

Nov 1, 10pm, £25, 0844 844 0002, www.theindigo2.co.uk, Jubilee: North Greenwich