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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Timothy Walker

Edinburgh Festival Fringe music round-up – the best ones to watch including Rage Against the Machine and Herbie Hancock

After being severely impacted by the pandemic for the past two years, the Fringe has returned to the city with a full programme. There is a very diverse programme of music this year – from pop to folk to classical and all things in between.

It all adds up to a very special festival this time round. There is something for everyone, whatever your musical taste.

This year's festival runs until Monday, August 29, meaning over three weeks of musical treats for the people of Edinburgh. There are even some free shows.

Read more: All the new Edinburgh police measures being introduced for the Festival Fringe

At Leith Theatre, there is an incredible line-up ranging from the body-shaking electronica of Niteworks to Princess Nokia’s boundary-pushing rap. There is music from around the world, with Romanian folk legends Taraf de Caliu’s and Arooj Aftab’s Sufi songs.

Techno fans will flock to see the legendary Jeff Mills, and there is the cult indie rock of Arab Strap. Over at the Edinburgh Playhouse, jazz legend Herbie Hancock makes a special appearance to perform highlights from his extensive back catalogue.

It is hard to describe the wealth of talent of offer. So here is just a flavour of the live music on offer at the Fringe:

  • 100% Soul! With the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir – All the timeless, soul and Motown classics you know and love, cherry-picked for this uplifting, blisteringly live soul revue.
  • The Absolute Jam – The Absolute Jam possess the same uncanny sound and vibrancy of The Jam while playing a full range of songs from the band's back catalogue.
  • Birdee – Indie-pop’s brightest newcomer BIRDEE channels and blends her own lineage of Chinese, Greek and Russian origins to craft her own sound and stories.
  • Curmudgeon – An Edinburgh-based trio who play (mostly) Scots songs and tune sets and are popular Fringe regulars at the AMC.
  • Intercontinental – Glasgow's Brian Molley Quartet collaborate with world-renowned Indian percussionist Krishna Kishor in a highly original, innovative and exhilarating musical fusion.
  • Lindisfarne – The legendary 70s folk-rock pioneers return with a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founding member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar.
  • Rage Against the Machine – Connect Festival presents iconic rock band Rage Against the Machine who will play their first Scottish headline show in 14 years.
  • Songs without Words – Two of Scotland's foremost acoustic guitarists, Simon Kempston and Paul Tasker combine their unique talents to premiere their original instrumental works at the Fringe.
  • South London Jazz Orchestra – Possibly the biggest, and certainly the most fun, big jazz band returns to the Fringe.
  • The Fleetwood Mac Story – A nostalgic celebration of the 120 million album-selling supergroup.

To search the full repertoire of music, visit the Fringe website. You can also buy tickets here.

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