Gil Heron Plays Live In London

April 20th and 24th.

The revolution will not be televised, the revolution will be live – so said US music maverick Gil Scott Heron in 1971. Well, his latest musical revolution will be live in London.

Heron has constantly adapted his musical style and his latest album was put together off the back of a term in New York’s Rikers Island jail.

Having amassed a reputation for his mixture of rap and poetry, the latest album I’m New Here marks the comeback of a man who was written off by many as he battled heroin addiction and time in prison.

‘The black Bob Dylan’ has returned with a record to grab the attention, with his cover of Robert Johnson track Me and the Devil marked by Radio One’s Zane Lowe as the “hottest record in the world”.

Heron’s new work has funk and hip-hop influences woven through the expansive production, producing a layered album which is likely to intrigue fans during the live tour.

As a cultural figure, poet and author, Heron has been a heroic and tragic figure – and now the 60 year old has produced his own Lazarus moment and returned for one last hurrah.

The gigs take place at the Royal Festival Hall and are priced at £25 each, with limited concessions. Doors open at 19:30 BST.

Directions from the Generator to the Royal Festival Hall