Music

If you thought getting involved in Britain’s music scene was limited to dodging trucks while posing on the Abbey Road zebra crossing, think again. From upstairs at the Barfly in North London via the wall of sound at Fabric to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, you can be there, down the front, bass rumbling in your stomach.

A musical tour of Britain is like a Who’s Who of the history of rock and pop. As you’d expect, London’s seen it all and you can easily fill many days checking out old haunts (try Richmond’s Old Bull & Bush pub where the Stones played their first gig for starters), watching your own ‘Waterloo Sunset’ in memory of the Kinks and then delving deep into the current scene with the huge choice of live acts performing every night of the week. Time Out and NME have listings.

Regional cities are rightly proud of their musical connections. For any fan of the Fab Four, Liverpool is a first stop – the city offers everything from a Magical Mystery Tour to the famous heritage of the Cavern Club. From there it’s a quick hop to Manchester, which rivals London in its contribution to modern musical history. Follow in the footsteps of Joy Division and the Happy Mondays, Oasis and The Stone Roses, and feel the spirit of the Hacienda, home of the ‘Madchester’ scene of the 1990s, in Manchester’s explosive dance music scene.

A look at the musical map of Britain takes us to some unusual places. Massive Attack made their pact with the devil in Bristol, but a seaside town nearby had its name nicked by trip-hop legends Portishead. And the Specials classic ‘Ghost Town’ was inspired by a quiet night in their home city of Coventry. You wouldn’t think it, but the refined atmosphere of Oxford has produced bands like Radiohead and Supergrass. A gig at the Zodiac is essential for any music fan.

Wales and Scotland have also given rise to huge acts. Tom Jones is loved throughout Wales (‘Delilah’ is played at all major sporting events and has joined the list of great Welsh singalongs), while the Stereophonics and the Manic Street Preachers songs crackle with lyrics inspired by Welsh working-class life.

North of the border, Glasgow’s contribution alone should banish thoughts that all Scottish music involves bagpipes, kilts and reels. Simple Minds, Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian and current squeezes Franz Ferdinand were all raised in the city. Down the road, Edinburgh has produced rocking favourites Idlewild and perhaps the ultimate Scottish act, The Proclaimers. Songs with names like ‘Sunshine on Leith’ and ‘The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues’ tell you how they feel about Scotland – if you can understand what they’re saying.

It doesn’t really matter where you are or what you choose to go and hear, tapping into the musical soul of Britain is one of the most direct ways to get closer to Britain’s culture and its people. Get out there – you won’t regret it.

If you’re in Britain in the summer, you have to try to get to a festival where you can see the great and new of British and overseas acts in one joyous, bouncing moshpit after another. Camping out at festivals is a rite of passage for all music fans (especially if it rains).  To find out more, including information about the legendary Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festival and T in the Park, check out the Britain's Music Festivals 2005.

Great British Albums

Whether you're strutting your stuff on the street or taking in the scenery from the passenger seat, these fantastic long-players will provide an unforgettable soundtrack to your visit:

London Calling – The Clash
2004 marked the 25th anniversary of this definative album which sounds as fresh and relevant as anything in today's music scene.

The Queen Is Dead – The Smiths 
Long live the Mozza.  The influence of The Smiths tranformed Manchester's musical landscape forever as well as leaving a longing impression on teenagers around the world.

Blue Lines – Massive Attack
Bristol's  dark princes of dance revolutionised the scene with this gem. Walk down any high street in Britain and press play and it'll all make sense.

Screamadelica – Primal Scream
Now regarded as a milestone record of the 90's, you still can't keep still when you hear this dancey classic from the pride of Glasgow.

OK Computer – Radiohead
The album that shot Oxford's finest to world attention. A journey from begining to end and great to listen to loud! 

Alternatively...

There’s much, much more in the way of accessible music and events than we’ve covered here. Here are a few suggestions:

Who said classical music wasn’t open to all? The Proms are two months of outstanding, varied performances held at London’s Royal Albert Hall starting in July. Standing admission is usually less than £5 and you can queue up on the night for tickets. The Last Night, broadcast onto a big screen in parks around the country, is a British institution.

The Northern Irish folk music tradition lives on and impromptu performances often start up in pubs in many towns and villages – visitors’ most profound memories are often of craic shared with locals over a glass of Caffreys or Bushmills. Or visit the Cheltenham Folk festival, held in February.

Most Welsh male voice choirs are happy to have visitors sit in on rehearsals – the Wales Tourist Board publishes a booklet listing rehearsal nights for village choirs. Call ahead and take the opportunity to hear the rising swell of subtle harmony, fervent rush of powerful voices and soaring crescendos praising God and country.