CELTIC folk-rockers Runrig play Southampton Guildhall in February as part of their 30th anniversary tour.

The band shot to fame in the mid-70s at a time when heavy metal was at its peak and bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath were carving a new chapter in music. Despite the overwhelming popularity of those thick riffs Runrig's more folky, guitar sound still found a place at the heart of the UK scene, with the Scots going on to build a firm reputation as one of the best live bands around.Tickets for the band's Guildhall gig on February 8 are £20 and can be bought by contacting the box office on 023 8063 2601.

INDIE-ROCK scientists Mercury Rev have announced a gig at the Guildhall in March. The protagonists of experimental indie elegies play there on March 13.

The band released their debut album Yourself is Steam way back in 1991. They reached a peak with 1998's critically acclaimed Deserter's Songs and this year released their seventh studio album The Secret Migration, which was produced alongside David Fridmann. To book tickets contact the box office on 023 8063 2601.

ONE of London's loudest bands, The Ludes, play the Portsmouth Wedgerooms in January as part of a month-long 12-date UK tour.

Since releasing their debut single She Was Just a Girl almost a year ago the band have been busy harnessing their sound with seismic proportions. Live, they've earned themselves a reputation for one of the most energetic and bawdy shows around and could be one of the bands to make real headway in British music this year.

Catch them live at the Wedgerooms on January 26.

NANCI Griffith famously said 'I think we are all born singing Tom Paxton songs' and for the American folk legend's fans it will be the last chance they have to see him performing those rich, warm hymns live as he calls it a day with a tearful farewell tour.

Just like Bob Dylan, Tom became the voice of a generation with his songs about injustice and inhumanity. He is widely regarded by his counterpartsand fans as one of the most important songwriters of his time and performs live at The Anvil in Basingstoke on March 3 as part of his farewell tour. Tickets are £16.50 and can be bought by contacting the box office on 01256 844244.

STOUT, The Alaskan Pipeline, My Mantra, Rival Joustas and Dead!Dead!Dead! headline a chaotic fusion of music tonight at The Joiners as part of the club's New Year celebrations. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £8 in advance.