A Music Lovers Guide to October in Liverpool

In a month that is kicked off with the brilliantly bonkers, Dizzie Rascal, and continues with the likes of Shane Filan, The Pretenders and The Horrors, it’s hard to whittle our selection down to just 10 of what we consider to be the gigs of October.

Although the main event is clearly Halloween, with the city offering a frightening feast of festivities, October has more to offer for music lovers than just the ghoulish gigs. Liverpool Music Week starts at the end of the month, with an offering of music that can make you wonder where to begin; that is where we come in.

Tom Grennan, Leaf, Bold Street – 4^th October

For those not quite in the depths of the up and coming, this name won’t mean much to you right now, however it will in the not so distant future. Following in the footsteps of artist such as Jack Garrett, Ed Sheeran and no doubt, one day, Noel Gallagher, Tom Grennan is one of the county’s brightest young stars, showing the potential to become an British icon. Get down to Leaf this week to see what all the fuss is about whilst you can still see him in these intimate settings.

Tickets available here.

‘I Love The 90s’ Featuring Vanilla Ice, Salt n Pepa, Coolio & More, Echo Arena – 6^th October

We suggest that you stop, collaborate and listen to this one. After selling out across the US, ‘I Love The 90’s’ comes to the UK and is inviting you to reminisce about the trend setting decade as it brings some of the most iconic names in Hip-Hop and R&B such as Vanilla Ice, Salt n Pepa and Coolio, as well as Colour Me Badd, Tone Loc and Young MC. This is one of the biggest touring parties of the year coming to the biggest music cities of the UK. Get your Fresh Prince shirts on, as well as your dancing shoes, and jump back in time at the Echo Arena this autumn.

More info and ticket bookings here.

Cream 25^th Birthday, O2 Academy Liverpool – 14^th October

Are you a scouser? Do you, or have you, lived in Liverpool? Do you like music? Are you breathing? If you answer yes to any of the following then you have to get down to Cream’s 25^th Birthday party this month. The iconic export of the area celebrates a quarter of a century at the O2 Academy with the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Tilt, Seb Fontaine and many more DJs wowing the crowds with a few little surprises and a light show to rival Spielberg’s Close Encounters. This is a must for this month, although keep an eye for other Cream birthday celebrations…

Little Mix, Echo Arena – 16^th October

These X-Factor graduates are becoming regulars to the area having recently played the likes of Wirral Live and coming to the area 3 times before the year is out. Later in the season the female 4-piece come to the Echo twice as part of their Glory Days tour, but once this month before that show begins. There will be plenty of opportunities to see the biggest girl band of the moment this winter, so why not get in there early and see the explosive show before all 3 of them sell out.

Book your tickets here.

Michael Kiwanuka, The Philharmonic Hall – 21^st October

This is not Michael Kiwanuka’s first time in the city, having taken to the Arts Club in the past. We caught him then and were blown away at what was like going back in time to watching one of the greats such as Otis Reading or Ben E. King in their prime. We’re prepared for the same thing to happen again, but this time in the sumptuous setting of our fabulous Phil, adding to the class of the event as well as being treated to the hits off his new album, Love & Hate. 

Head to the Phil website for ticket bookings.

Mike Skinner DJ Set, 24 Kitchen Street – 24^th October

Mike Skinner is a cult hero of sorts, otherwise known as The Streets. On board now? Yes, we thought you might be. As 24 Kitchen Street is threatened with closure, they’re doing a damn fine job of showing us why they are one of the best venues in the city for live music and, especially, DJ sets. Whether behind the decks or on the mic, Skinner is undeniably talented, virtuosic and loved across the country. It’s rare that you can catch him in such close proximity, so make the most of this opportunity whilst you can!

Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers, Echo Arena – 26^th October

Thanks to Liverpool Music Week, Chic are playing their first Liverpool date since 1979 and are going to accompanied by guitar legend, Nile Rodgers. The 26^th is the opening night of a week of musical treats, more of which can be seen on this list and others tip over into November. But what a way to start, at the cities biggest venue with two living legends coming together to deliver classics such as Good Times and Dance, Dance, Dance.

Book your tickets for an unmissable night at our Echo Arena here.

Mount Kimbie, The Invisible Wind Factory – 27^th October

From the get go LMW dominates the local music scene, as one might expect. This is one for the slightly more hipster, more niche, although still maintaining the festivals quality into the second evening’s festivities. Mount Kimbie are an electronic duo that have made quite the name for themselves on the underground scene creating sounds that are trendier than the latest pair of Vans trainers and a live show as quirky as the last time you bleached your hair. The pair come to the Invisible Wind Factory to continue what is sure to be one of the best LMW’s to date.

Yousef Presents Circus Halloween, Camp and Furnace – 28^th October

It wouldn’t be right for us not to include something scary this month as Halloween is upon us. There are more frightening frenzies of music going on at the end of the month than you can shake a stick at, and we can’t include them all, so we chose local musical innovators, Yousef to provide you with the thrills and chills of the season with their circus themed festival at Camp and Furnace. With an array of live performances and DJs spread across three separate warehouse spaces, this is the cherry on top of the clown-faced pumpkin…

Head to Skiddle for tickets.

Dan Croll, The Arts Club – 29^th October

Finishing off this months gig guide is another LMW event that furthers the quality of the occasion whilst including a precious, local artist of ours – Mr. Dan Croll. Having toured the world supporting the likes of Mumford & Sons and been featured on FIFA, as well as an almost uncountable adverts, Dan Croll has somehow outdone himself with his latest, most mature album. He now brings his retro, yet relevant live sound and image back to the city at the Arts Club. This is a special one considering the anniversary of Liverpool Music Week and is definitely not one to miss.

Tickets available here.

We never have shortage of things to write about here at The Guide Liverpool when it comes to live music in the city. Whether a festival, a tour or something a little different, there is always something going on in the city. This months big hitters are clearly Liverpool Music Week and Halloween, but there’s so much more on offer, showing just how diverse our music scene is.

If you have a gig you’re excited about, or one that you’re putting on, getting in touch at alex@theguideliverpool.com and head to our music pages for even more gig news.