From the genre-defining albums of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to the stadium-filling anthems of Queen, to the wave of British punk heralded in by The Clash and The Sex Pistols, to the sounds of more modern songsmiths such as Coldplay, and Adele, London has seen the genesis of some of the world’s greatest musicians. No matter where you’re staying in London, odds are you’re only steps away from a landmark of Brit rock history. From Camden in the north to Battersea in the south, to the clubs of Soho and beyond, London is the ideal destination for fans of music.
The perfect first port of call on any muso’s trip to London town must be a pilgrimage to Abbey Road Studios. Though indisputably the spiritual home of The Beatles, Abbey Road has been the birthplace of albums for hundreds of artists from Burt Bacharach to Blur, Oasis to Iron Maiden. More recently, rumours have been circulating that Adele has chosen these hallowed studios to record the latest James Bond theme tune. Of course, London’s most famous zebra crossing at Abbey Road presents an obligatory photo op. Bonus points if you cross it barefoot al la Paul McCartney!
While Abbey Road might be the most famous street in musical history, central London’s Carnaby Street came into its own as a rock’n’roll fashion hotspot for mods, hippies and dandies alike in the Swinging Sixties. Today you can still take a wander down the most famous of fashion streets, where you might pop into Fred Perry for a brand popular with music enthusiasts from mods to skinheads, or check out Oasis front man Liam Gallagher’s flagship foray into the world of fashion at Pretty Green. Though the clothing at Pretty Green may cost a pretty penny, fans of Oasis can get their Gallagher brother fix for free by getting a snap outside Noel Gallagher’s former abode, the whimsically named Supernova Heights in Steeles Road, NW3, or by recreating the famous (What’s the Story) Morning Glory album cover on Berwick Street.
If recreating album covers is your aim, London offers no shortage of opportunities. David Bowie fans might recognize 23 Heddon Street from the cover of the Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. Likewise, southwest London’s iconic Battersea Power Station is perhaps most recognisable as the cover of Pink Floyd’s album Animals. The Clash shot the cover of their debut album outside Rehearsal Rehearsals in Camden Market. The building has since become the Proud Gallery and fans still flock to the former location of the ramp to stand in the footsteps of their punk idols.
Camden may have seen the beginnings of The Clash, but elsewhere London has also sadly seen the demise of great talent as well. Jimi Hendrix overdosed at the age of 27 at 22 Lansdowne Crescent in Notting Hill in West London after playing his last gig at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club in Soho. Nevertheless, the recently refurbished club is still very much alive and still hosts some of London’s top jazz and fusion acts today.
However, Camden’s Roundhouse arguably remains London’s most legendary music venue, known for pushing musical boundaries since 1966. The Roundhouse has the honour of being the only UK venue to have the Doors grace its stage, and it also famously played host to the deafening sounds of Led Zeppelin in the 1970s. Now a grade II listed building, it remains the venue of choice for the BBC Electric Proms and iTunes festival, seeing acts as diverse as Bob Dylan and One Direction take the stage. Immerse yourself in the rock’n’roll heritage of the Roundhouse and catch a gig at this most celebrated of venues. The clue is in the name and the building’s round design ensures a reasonably good view of the stage from almost any angle. For extra rock cred, enjoy a pre-gig pint at the nearby Hawley Arms, Amy Winehouse’s local pub where the late singer was known for impromptu bartending shifts.
Ready for more rock? Visit the British Music Experience at the O2 arena for a comprehensive overview of London’s musical heritage.
Looking for a hotel in London? Consider a stay at the Crowne Plaza London City hotel for a central, great value accommodation option.
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