Lorde dazzles in her first show of the Melodrama tour

The xx’s flowing melodies, succinct beats and incredible tightness in live performances make them one of the best British acts of current times, writes Will Bain

Alan Carr takes on trip advisor, northern delicacies, and nostalgic cultural references at Manchester’s Apollo

Synkro’s excellent debut album showcases a more mature sound

Indulging Les Claypool’s obsession for everything Wonka, Primus perform a 3-hour set including a full rendition of the Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory soundtrack

John Cooper Clarke – you either love him, or you have probably never heard of him

Rise Against sound unique and fresh

Lauryn Hill’s live set proved to be frustrating and fascinating in equal measure

Cage The Elephant certainly put on a good show

The Dancing days are far from over as Plant brings it on home at the Apollo

Wiz Khalifa delights a packed out Apollo

Finally armed with new material to play, the Irish noise-mongers are as uncompromising as ever

O2 Apollo Manchester Saturday 10th November 2012 34/10

The thrash metal legends bore the Apollo into submission

Wakefield’s finest speak to music editor Joe Goggins about touring, recording and the essence of punk.

Twenty-five years on from his first Mancunian outing, Slash hasn’t forgotten his rock n’ roll roots