Highlights: Johnny Cash Roadshow, Eliza and The Bear and more

“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” Even after a long, hard look at this crowd, it’s hard to tell the tribute from the real thing. Well, apart from the obvious fact that the real thing isn’t with us any more.

That aside, Supreme Queen bear an impressive likeness to the Bohemian Rhapsody stars, and have been doing their hitting since 1995 - so they know what they are doing. They are also one of the few touring bands brave enough to hit the road this early in the year – and for that we salute them. 

Country
Johnny Cash Roadshow
New Theatre Oxford
January 19
atgtickets.co.uk

There’s more tribute shenanigans down at the New Theatre this month, with the ultimate homage to the Man in Black. Clive John is impressive as Johnny, and the show also features a full live band, brass section and even a tribute to the Carter Sisters.

Expect Ring of Fire, San Quentin and all the rest.

Indie-folk
Daughter
O2 Academy Oxford
January 16
ticketweb.co.uk

Darlings of 4AD records, return with second album Not To Disappear – the follow-up to their acclaimed debut If You Leave. Expect a dreamy, quiet storm from Elena Tonra and her band.

Blues
Rebecca Ferguson
New Theatre Oxford
January 22
atgtickets.co.uk

She may have made her name as a runner-up on the X Factor, but Rebecca Ferguson has since established a reputation on her own impressive credentials. Now the smoky-voiced diva is back with third album Lady Sings the Blues – a reinterpretation of Billie Holiday’s classic songs, recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, where the legendary blues singer herself recorded.

The singer’s vocal abilities have already been compared to Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield.

Indie-pop
Eliza and The Bear
The Bullingdon
January 30
wegottickets.co.uk

There may be no Eliza – and certainly no bear, but this all-lad five-piece do have a great line in breezy indie-pop. The band, will release their debut album via Capitol Records in April, but have already unveiled their new single It Gets Cold, to a fantastic reaction; BBC Radio 1 making it track of the day.