YOU CAN'T live in Newport without being nostalgic for a classic Newport Centre gig.

It could be the 1995 occasion of the Stone Roses visit, when Ian Brown foolishly donned a Cardiff City shirt that had been thrown on stage and sparked a brawl in the crowd, or 1986, when Morrissey was hospitalised after being pulled off the stage - or last year's St David's Day Feeder gig, where they paid tribute to tragic drummer Jon Lee in his home city.

And though the venue has a lot more competition than it used to, it's still attracted a host of big names in a challenging line-up for 2004. First on the list is Van Morrison, the bad-tempered legend of Celtic soul who plays where he likes and when he likes.

The creator of the classic Astral Weeks is in Newport on Friday, May 14, and tickets are £27.50.

Next up are the Charlatans, one of the bands on the Madchester scene, and who despite tragedies of their own, are still going strong. Tim Burgess and the boys are out on the road to promote their new album, Up At The Lake, which is released next month and boasts a tougher-than-usual sound.

The Charlatans come to Newport on June 11 and tickets are £19.50. The golden sounds of The Stranglers hit the city on June 18 - but without their erstwhile lead singer, Hugh Cornwell, who's no longer with the band. They're promoting their new album, Norfolk Coast. Tickets costs £15.50 or £16.50 on the door.

In July there's an appearance from a current top ten band - Marillion. The prog-rockers are back in the charts due either to an Internet campaign or a generation of Kayleighs coming of age, but they're still crafting labyrinthine slabs of rock with a message. They play Newport Centre on July 8 and tickets are £18.

And in November rock god Lemmy brings Motorhead around to relive metal classics like Ace of Spades, Iron Horse and On Parole. The band, legendary for their ear-splitting live gigs, play on November 21 and tickets are £19.50.

To book tickets for any of the above call Newport Centre on 01633 662662.