Part 1 featured bands from A to L, taking in Aerosmith to Linkin Park. Now it's time to reveal the second half of our '50 Bands To See This Summer' list.

Manic Street Preachers
Their new album is a well overdue return to form, and will appeal to those who were fans of their career from 'Generation Terrorist' to 'Everything Must Go'. They're one of the UK's best live bands, even if you've never been that taken by the Manics there's every chance you'll be converted to a fan on the strength of their on stage performances. The band are currently on a UK tour and are set to play Rock Ness, Fflam and the V Festival later this summer.
Manics 'Send Away The Tigers' Review

Mastodon
Playing live has been at the very core of Mastodon's rise since their first demo in 2000, which means if they're heading to the UK they're automatically one of the must see metal bands of the summer. Our review of their UK tour earlier this year described the experience as similar to being trapped in a wind tunnel with a madman at the control. Granted outdoors at Download or supporting Metallica at Wembley the intensity may be lost somewhat but brace yourself for something special.
February Tour 2007 Review

McQueen
One of the bands we've watched grow from close quarters, including going on the road with them earlier this year for their debut tour of Germany. McQueen are playing more dates in Europe than the UK this summer but you can catch them at Evolution in Newcastle and the Aerosmith day of Hyde Park Calling (June 24). Since the release of their first album and with the addition of new bassist Gina, the band has moved to a new level, the crowds on the recent Wednesday 13 tour were testament to this.
Wednesday 13 Support From April 2007

Megadeth
Since they last played Download it looked for a time as if it was all over for Megadeth, with rumours of final tours doing the rounds at the end of 2005. However they're back with a new album containing some of their strongest work to date, 'United Abominations' opening track 'Sleep Walker' is one of the metal moments of the year. With Mustaine on top of his game once again Megadeth's return to Donnington and the UK tour which will follow are set to be major rock highlights this June.
Review of Download 2005 Performance

Motley Crue
The ultimate in rock n' roll showmanship is coming to Download this June. Sure their music might be considered as somewhat cheesy, but for a masterclass in pushing yourself to the limit in the name of entertainment, Motley Crue are the band to see. Let's face it, you've read and heard so much about what they do, you've probably seen plenty of clips on TV, so now's your opportunity to see it with your very own eyes...if you can find some spares to take it all in that will be most handy. The band will also play London's Hammersmith Apollo on Monday June 11, and Manchester Apollo the following night.
UK Tour 2005 Review

Muse
At one stage it looked like Muse would be opening the musical history of the new Wembley. Sadly organisers decided against one of the UK's best live bands and went with George Michael instead, but one half of Wham will have to go some to outdo Muse for pure visual theatrics and huge anthemic power. Muse are a band who get better the bigger the stage. They were simply brilliant at the Carling Weekend in 2006 and have been the UK's new stadium heroes in waiting for quite sometime. The dates are June 16-17, if you can get your hands on a ticket this is set to be the open-air show of the summer and is not to be missed. New single 'Map of the Problematique' in all its expansive glory is the tip of a very large iceberg.
Review of Arena Tour in November 2006
Leeds Festival Headliner Review

My Chemical Romance
A controversial inclusion on the list in the eyes of some, however the anti MCR feeling has served only to raise the interest level for those who don't fall onto either side of the love hate divide. As one of the most popular rock acts in the world right now, their appearance as Download headliners makes sense, even if it has outraged a minority. My Chemical Romance have created one of the most visually striking tours of 2007 and in bringing 'The Black Parade' to Donington they're certain to convert those willing to go in with an open mind. They can also be seen at T in the Park and as the main support to Muse at Wembley on June 17.
Black Parade Tour Review From March 2007

Nine Black Alps
For some it's criminal that they are so far down the bill on the Radio 1/NME Stage at the Carling Weekend. They released a mighty debut album & there's no justice in the world if this summer's outings don't propel them right back into alternative music's big league. You can also check them out on these UK dates.
Read CD Reviews

Porcupine Tree
Rock's best kept secret! They are now getting some of the mainstream attention they deserve. Nine albums down the line their appearance at Download is the perfect opportunity for anyone curious to check out something a bit different and to get a masterclass on how to balance fragility with raw power.
April 2007 Tour Review

Prince
Unquestionably one of the world's greatest musical talents, this guy has been churning out the classics for over two decades, while continuing to intrigue and confuse at every opportunity. His only European shows this year are twenty-one dates in London, made up of a number of already sold out dates at the 02 Arena plus some yet to be announced smaller shows. He says he's to take time out to travel and learn the Bible after this residency of gigs, a run of shows where he is reportedly going to be playing the hits for the last time. This really will be a once in a lifetime chance to see a true genius at the top of his game.

Reuben
This really could be their year. The difficult third album is on the way, they've toured Europe with Billy Talent, they're playing with Aerosmith at Hyde Park Calling (June 24), doing Guilfest and Download and then another headline tour in September.
March 2007 Tour Review

Scorpions
OK stop laughing! Granted we laughed when one of the old timers in the ranks put this name forward, however he justified it by saying they return to the UK this summer for the Rock and Blues bike fest with old guitarist Uli John Roth as special guest, which it is hoped will herald the performance of some really old material. Too many people think Scorpions begin and end with 'Wind of Change' and forget, or don't even know, that in the early 70s they produced some of the best classic rock/metal of the day which is why they were in the position to have that massive worldwide hit in the first place. Not only is Uli John Roth guesting but Michael Schenker is set to be there too, which should have classic rock purists drooling. You can also catch the Scorpions on July 29 at Manchester Apollo and London Hammersmith Apollo on July 30.
On The Road With Judas Priest in 2005

Shy Child
New York twosome Shy Child have been touring the UK as support to the Klaxons which should give a clue as to what you might expect from them at 02 Wireless, Glastonbury, Evolution in Newcastle and Bestival. This double act create music that at times is menacing, occasionally tribal but always full of dance energy of the highest order.
Camden Crawl 2007 Review

SixNationState
Set to appear at The Summer Breeze Festival and Guilfest, they put the energy back into indie with a great stage show and some classy hooks. Definitely a band on their way up!
April Tour 2007 Review

Smashing Pumpkins
So the Pumpkins return is on! OK so there's only two original members but the songs will sound just as great as they always did. New single 'Tarantula' is everything fans of early Pumpkins could hope for, and if the set list for their comeback gig in Paris is anything to go by, the headline set at Reading and Leeds is already a contender for gig of the year.

Sonic Youth
They're playing 'Day Dream Nation' as part of the 'Don't Look Back Series' at the Roundhouse in Camden at the end of August (30-31 and Sept 1), as well as a date in Glasgow the previous week (ABC August 22).

Testament
Unbelievably still going, Testament have gone down the reunion route putting together the band that saw them gain their greatest success. Will it last longer than Anthrax's reunion? Catch them while you can for a set of brilliant thrash metal as they headline Bloodstock Festival.
Get More on Bloodstock

Frank Turner
Hardly had the dust settled on the Million Dead split than we started to tell you that Frank Turner's solo material was bloody good. Months of touring and finally getting a full album out is paying off, the reaction he got at Camden Crawl was especially nice to see, so too was reading another website tipping him as one of the brand new acts to look out for at the recent Great Escape in Brighton. He's off on the road again, this time with Biffy Clyro.
And the summer will include an appearance on the Carling Stage at Reading and Leeds, plus Secret Garden, Truckfest, Middlesborough Music Live, 2000 Trees and more, get dates on his official website.
Camden Crawl Review (solo show)
Review of First Full Band Tour From January 2007

The Twang
It's like the early nineties never went away, The Twang have all the swagger of the Happy Mondays in their prime, and the music isn't far from that either. They're currently on a UK tour and are set to play the Carling Weekend and 02 Wireless Festival. With their debut album due out in early June, could the band tipped by many to be big in 2007 be on the verge of delivering? Get full tour dates
here.
Twang Supporting James in April 2007

Velvet Revolver
It seems to have taken forever for the new Velvet Revolver album to see the light of day, but this summer it's finally here. When not getting distracted by slanging matches with Axl Rose, the Revolver rock machine will be back out on the road and are hitting the UK for Download, an Irish support with The Who and these UK headline shows.
Velvet Revolver's Last Visit to Download in 2005

White Stripes
Always a massive draw whenever they take to the stage, the introduction of the Raconteurs into the equation during 2006 has only served to heighten the level of intrigue even further. Back with a new album this summer, they're heading our way for the 02 Wireless Festival in London and Leeds this June.
Their Last UK Tour in 2005

The Whip
One of the long lasting memories from April's Camden Crawl, this electro act has elements of New Order, Kraftwerk, Daft Punk and Kasabian in their sound, and kick ass as much as all four of those. They made such an impression at the Crawl that one of our reviewers made sure he saw them twice! You've plenty of chances to experience them for yourself as their busy summer schedule features Rock Ness, Glastonbury, Deat-Herder, Glade, Secret Garden, Bloom Festival, Summer Sundae Weekender, Creamfields and LodeStar.
Camden Crawl 2007 Review

The Who
They really need no introduction or explanation so we'll simply tell you they're headlining the Sunday night at Glastonbury, Merseyside's Knowsley Hall the previous night and hitting stadiums, cricket grounds and arenas across the UK this summer. Get the dates here.

Y'r Impossible
Y'r Impossible describe themselves as a four-piece post-punk new-wave pop outfit from sunny Preston and that pretty much hits the nail on the head. Still unsigned, but for how long? They're playing Darwen Music Live as well as dates across the summer, get more on their Myspace, they're really one to be catching early in their career.
Review of In The City 2006 Show

Zico Chain
They're taking a step up this year at Download as they're opening the Main Stage having played one of the smaller ones in 2006. Their debut full length LP is due soon with the band also heading to Guilfest in July for an appearance in the Rock Sound Cave.
May Tour 2007 Review

Writer suggestions

Tara Couper (South Coast/London Live Reviewer)
Priestess
This Canadian metal band have been touring with Mastodon and will support Megadeth on their post Download UK tour. Given that if you're anyone in the metal world you're heading to Download this June, Priestess won't be missing that rock party either.

Emma Gould (Welsh Live Reviewer)
Sparta
Sparta return to the UK this August for the Carling Weekend. In case you didn't know this most of At The Drive In, minus those who wanted to become the Mars Volta form the band, and if At The Drive In were to your taste then make sure you go see Sparta.

Andy Latham (North of England Live Reviewer)
Richard Thompson

Founding member of Fairport Convention, probably the most respected UK folk artist of his generation & widely accepted as a guitar genius, catch him at Guilfest this year and just marvel at his effortless fretwork.

Andy Reilly (Scottish Live Reviewer)
Aereogramme
Given that they're calling it a day after Connect, the fact that this is your last chance to catch them live is reason enough. One of Scottish alternative music's cult bands, you can also see them at these other gigs.

Jo Vallance (Online Editor)
Jesse Malin
New Yorker Jesse Malin has been causing a stir with famous friends rushing to collaborate on his new release, 'Glitter In The Gutter', including the legendary Bruce Springsteen. Malin is as much as a phoenomenon live, something other musicians have clearly picked up on, there's nothing quite like a singer who can really capture each member of the audience's heart and woo them with good old gritty rock n'roll. Malin makes fairytales from everyday situations and sings them right to the fans as if his life depends on every word. Although it's hard to be intimate at festivals, Malin's the one to do it, watch this one at V Festival or miss a treat.

Simon Webb (Deputy Editor)
Reverend and the Makers
In 'Heavyweight Champion of the World' they already have one of the alternative anthems of the summer, and they've been exciting many around the UK in May with their live shows. Set to appear on the Carling Stage at Reading and Leeds, this is a retro style indie act you should really be checking out this year, if only so you know what others are talking about when you hear them rave about them.

Pete Worral (R13's God of Metal)
Paradise Lost
With a gothic treasure trove of a back catalogue and a stunning new album, Paradise Lost are a band to catch live. They are on a resurgence and currently on top of their game, you'd be mad to miss them.