London gig: Mumford and Sons bring their pop-folk music to the O2, December 11 - 18

They make cracking tunes, which is the only thing that really matters. M&S are not just successful, we should point out.

Playing a headline show at the Electric Ballroom is successful.

Grammy nods, million-selling albums (both 2009’s Sigh No More and this year’s follow up Babel), and playing the White House for Obama, who is a fan, is a little more than this.

They’re playing The O2, as well, which is a level of success reserved for the likes of the Stones and other long-in-the-tooth rock acts.

Yet there’s an aura of mistrust surrounding the Mumfords, who are often subjected to misguided musical snobbery.

Yes, they are posh boys from west London who have adopted a look and style, but this is really no different to any other musical act – genres need their own identifying traits and the Mumfords allegiance to their alt-folk inspirations should be seen as nothing more.

They are also driven not just by a remarkable talent, but by a sure-footed ethical stance that saw them play their own mini touring festival, Gentlemen Of The Road, this summer, in smaller, out of the way UK towns, where they handpicked the line-up and worked with local businesses.

What could be more inspirational – and arguably punk-rock in spirit – than that?

And then their two albums are loaded with top tunes, too, which is why they are among the UK’s biggest musical exports. Enjoy without guilt.

The O2, SE10 0DX
Dec 11 & 18 | Doors at 6.30pm |  £29.50
Tube | North Greenwich 
theo2.co.uk

Photo: Getty