Rob Garratt

Exiled vocalist who released his first album, Maqam Al-Iraq, in 25 years this month does not know who will follow him

Could the much-maligned music genre be making a comeback?

There was a feel of cabaret to this suited, booted – and distinctly hit-filled – revue. Part of Adams’s groping for respectability may explain the bewitching decision to downplay many of his greatest singles – from shame? boredom? – adrift among this epic, 30-song set, writes Rob Garratt.

Hidden Figures is engaging, entertaining and enlightening – but the screenplay's fast and loose approach to historical fact risks blunting some of the movie's eye-opening, emotional force.

Making a sonic sweep from North Africa to the Gulf – taking in indie, folk, hip-hop and electronica – this compilation offers a fascinating snapshot of the Middle East's burgeoning indie music scene.

The UAE has a thriving alternative music scene but artists are still not receiving the attention they deserve. We meet some of the musicians on the fringe to find out why.

Since achieving global fame in 2000, Coldplay have elicited devotion and derision in equal measure. The question, then, is whether the British four-piece are one of the best bands of their generation – or the most overrated? Our writers state their cases.

The King of Pop lives on in the bars and clubs of Dubai through the performances of impersonator Mudassar Jackson. We meet the man who has spent two decades moonwalking across the stages of the UAE.

As the live music season roars back into gear, we round up the biggest Eid weekend concerts and season-launching club nights.

The live music scene might be on hold, but we're bringing you all the action from one of Europe's hottest summer festivals, Barcelona's Primavera Sound, with a live stream on our website.

Meet the UAE-raised artisan making DIY guitars from discarded cigar boxes, oil cans, jewellery cases, kitchen pots, boardgames and more.

For Rob Garratt, the chance to watch Portuguese director Miguel Gomes’s three-part, 381-minute Arabian Nights opus back-to-back at the Dubai International Film Festival was a challenge. A test of endurance, engagement – and simply staying awake.

Preparing to see Bon Jovi for a fifth time in 15 years, Rob Garratt ponders the continued appeal of the stadium rock behemoths.