It’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2019? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 14 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2019.

• Read on for nominees for the monsta for Gig Of The Year. 2018 winner: Suede, Eventim Apollo

1. Alphabeat at Oslo, Hackney Review Alphabeat tickets

2. Divine Comedy at Eventim Apollo Review Divine Comedy tickets

3. Eurythmics Songbook at Meltdown, Southbank Centre Review David A. Stewart tickets

4. Grace Jones at ONBlackheath Review ONBlackheath tickets

5. Shakespears Sister at Palladium Review Shakespears Sister tickets

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below or email us at neildurham3@gmail.com. Want to know why we like this shortlist? Click on the tags to read our reviews. Winner revealed 30/12/19.
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook