It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2025? Over the next 2 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2025.

• Read on for the nominees for the monsta for the Best Gig of 2025 Previous winners 2024 Welly The MOTH Club Review Tickets, 2023: Cian Ducrot; 2022 Divine Comedy; 2021 Daði Freyr and HYYTS; 2020: Lucy Spraggan; 2019: Divine Comedy; 2018: Suede; 2017: Bananarama; 2016: Shura; 2015: Suede

1. The Divine Comedy, Barbican Centre Review and Tickets

2. Everything But The Girl, MOTH Club Review and Tickets

3. Gene, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith Review and Tickets

4. Pulp, The 02 Review and Tickets

5. Self Esteem, Duke Of York’s Theatre, Review and Tickets

6. Suede, Clore Ballroom Review and Tickets

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below, on social media or email us at neildurham3@gmail.com. Winner revealed on this site on 25/12/25
• Vote for best  podcast, best venue, best gig, best song, best album, best TV, best film, best tv/film actor, best tv/film actress, best new play, best revival, best performance of a song, best new musical, best theatre actor, best theatre actress, best theatre supporting actor and best theatre supporting actress
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook