iTunes have announced 10 days of gigs starting next Thursday as part of their iTunes Live series. All the gigs will be available to download from iTunes after the 10 day festival is over. Last year’s festival was a bit later in the year, but were a significant success - dare I say it, but this years gigs aren’t anywhere near as impressive - I mean, come on, Nizlopi headlining? Tony Christie? Really?

The gigs will take place from February 21 to March 2 at AIR Studios, Lyndhurst Hall, London. The artists will play acousticcally for what is sure to be some very special evenings. Tickets cannot be bought, and are only available from the iTunes Live website as part of a ballot..

Thursday 21st February - Jose Gonzalez, Charlene Soraia, Julian Velard and Stephanie Dosen
Friday 22nd February - Nizlopi, Soweto Kinch
Saturday 23rd February - Alphabeat, Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong
Sunday 24th February - Billy Bragg, KT Tunstall, Foy Vance, Leo Abrahams
Monday 25th February - Daniel Merriweather, Estelle, Tawiah
Tuesday 26th February - Charlie Winston, Natalie Clein, Tom Baxter
Wednesday 27th February - Laura Marling, Mystery Jets
Thursday 28th February - Jason Mraz, Ron Sexsmith
Friday 29th February - TBC
Saturday 1st March - Roisin Murphy, Tony Christie
Sunday 2nd March - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Spiritualized

Photo of Roisin Murphy is taken from her myspace.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have announced three UK dates and a date in Dublin for early May. The band, whose new album “DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!!” is released on March 3rd, and sees the band embark on a full European tour for two months after the release of the album.

Tickets reportedly go on sale this Friday 1st February at 9am.

Saturday 3rd May - Dublin Castle
Sunday 4th May - Glasgow Academy
Monday 5th May - Birmingham Academy
Wednesday 7th May - London Hammersmith Apollo