London - Music
London has seen it all: The Mod scene, the Glam Rock scene, the Punk scene to name but a few. In the '90s with bands like Suede, Blur and more, London became the epicentre for the vibrant Britpop scene.
Legendary British acts from the Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Pink Floyd, Queen, David Bowie, Free, T-Rex, The Who, Elvis Costello, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Billy Bragg, Fleetwood Mac, Police, The Jam and so many more all made their mark in the pubs, clubs and streets of London before taking on the world.
London’s multicultural and diverse energies have created a fascinating mix of music genres. From the funk and soul flavours of acts like Jamiroquai, and Faithless, to the toe-tapping vibes of dance acts like Underworld, Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Lemon Jelly and Groove Armada. Today, London is more of a music melting pot than ever. The street scene has risen from the underground with the adventurous, fresh acts like Kano, Wiley, Estelle thanks to pioneers like The Streets and Dizzee Rascal. Thanks to the prominence of bands like Bloc Party, The Libertines, Razorlight and Babyshambles and with the constant variety of talents from up and coming acts like The Magic Number, Dogs, Patrick Wolf, Hard-Fi, Towers of London and loads more, there's never been so much excitement and diversity in London’s music scene.
Did you know...?
1) The classic Kinks’ track Waterloo Sunset is said to be about the romance between movie stars Julie Christie and Terrence Stamp. Underground: Waterloo.
2) Berwick Street, Soho – Oasis chose the hip street right in the heart of London for the cover of their classic Britpop album What’s the Story? Morning Glory. Underground: Oxford Circus.
3) In the mid '70’s the Sex Pistols lived and rehearsed at 6 Denmark Street, perfecting the sound of punk anthems like Anarchy in the UK and God Save the Queen punk classics to live. Underground: Tottenham Court Road.
4) The album cover of David Bowie’s infamous The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was taken on Heddon Street, W1. Underground: Piccadilly Circus.
5) Jimi Hendrix’s flat: a Blue Plaque marks the former residence of the legendary guitarist, who used to jam in some of the local pubs with fellow musicians. The flat is now part of the Handel House Museum. 25 Brook Street, Mayfair. Underground: Bond Street.
Best places to see the big bands
Carling Brixton Academy
One of the best venues in Britain; anyone who is anyone in the rock scene has played here under the beautiful black velvet starry ceiling. 211 Stockwell Road. Underground: Brixton. >> Find out more
Best places to see the bands of the moment
London Astoria
A bustling, grungy place where there’s a great band or a club night on nearly every night of the week. Also home to the annual NME Brat Awards shows and has a great reputation for monumental shows. 157 Charing Cross Road. Underground: Tottenham Court Road. >> Find out more
Shepherds Bush Empire
A classy, timeless venue with a reputation for shows by acts that don’t tour often. P J Harvey, Radiohead and The White Stripes have all provided defining moments in recent times. Shepherds Bush Green. Underground: Shepherds Bush. >>Find out more
Best places to see the next big things
Barfly
Previously know as The Monarch, this Camden music haven has seen some of the biggest UK rock and indie stars starting out and perfecting the sound of many new talents. 49 Chalk Farm Road. Underground: Camden Town. >> Find out more (www.barflyclub.com)
100 Club
This world-famous venue has an incredible musical heritage. Muddy Waters, the Sex Pistols, the Rolling Stones, Oasis and many more have all graced these walls. 100 Oxford Street. Underground: Oxford Circus. >> Find out more
Hip hangouts
Freud's Cafe Bar
One of those places you can show off to your friends, this basement cocktail bar is hidden to the Covent Garden crowd except for some stairs going down to this small, vibrant cafe/bar. Never fails to impress and you'll want to come back but maybe when it's not so busy. 198 Shaftsbury Avenue. Underground: Covent Garden.
Filthy MacNasty's Whisky Cafe
A real rock 'n’ roll atmosphere and cult drinking hole for people who like their music load and their drinks hard, from book & record launches, cult films & comedy to poetry and open mic, there's always some random to entertain you. 68 Amwell Street. Underground: Angel.
The Lock Tavern
The uber pub/DJ Bar; cousy couches in the winter, an inviting beer garden and roof terrace in the summer, always a cool mix of people and fantastic food especially the Square Pies. 35 Chalk Farm Road. Underground: Chalk Farm or Camden Town.
Best clubs to rock out, move and groove
Death Disco @ Notting Hill Arts Centre
Every Wednesday, it's crowded, crazy and cooler than cool. Alan McGee (the guy who discovered Oasis) DJs the dirtiest rock n' roll around and you get to see hot, new live bands that always impress in this punky, arty haven. >> Find out more (www.deathdisco.co.uk)
Frog @ Mean Fiddler
'Alternative rock'n'roll party' Frog is fast becoming the cool place to be on a Saturday night. Guest bands and DJs abound including recent acts like the Futureheads and Bloc Party, although it's not exactly cheap, NUS card discounts and flyers can soften the blow. Tel: 020 7434 9592, 165 Charing Cross Road, WC2. >> Find out more
Turnmills
Respected as one of the best clubbing experiences in London, Turnmills doesn’t disappoint. Loads of top-class DJs, an incredible sound system and ultra stylish décor; there’s also a great restaurant and even a gym! 63b Clerkenwell Road. Underground: Farringdon. >> Find out more (www.turnmills.co.uk)
Best record shops
Rough Trade
The Mecca of record shops, with branches in Notting Hill and Covent Garden. Both locations offer an eclectic mix to excite and delight but the Covent Garden shop alone is worth checking out for all the band scribbles on the wall. Neal’s Yard, Tube: Covent Garden. >> Find out more
Select a Disc
An irresistible and diverse selection of rock, hip-hop, electronica and jazz; great for hearing new music, and finding bargain classics on CD and record. 34 Berwick Street, Soho. Underground: Piccadilly Circus. >> Find out more (www.selectadisc.co.uk)
Find out more about London.