The Modern Music Pilgrimage — UK
I’m not saying that you’re not a *real* fan if you don’t know about these musical heritage sights, but…
The Guide below has all the UK’s places of historic musical importance in the UK, collated as much as I can think of so far. Make sure to tick them off when you’re in town! Let me know if I’ve missed any off by getting in touch on @pearlshare.
Meanwhile, here are the top six of those (as chosen by myself) right here. Read on for a bit of nostalgia, a bit of education and a bit of rock and roll.
1. Salford Lads Club
This low-key recreational club and social space, despite it’s pre-war aesthetic, is still incredibly active in offering activities and for the local community of Salford. Established in 1903 as a purpose built club for boys (now open to everyone) this amazing club is often considered to be the finest example of a pre First World War club surviving and operating today. However, that’s not why it’s on my list— what’s the musical connection? Well, this venue is hugely famous in popular culture for their connection to impeccable band The Smiths, who used an image of the front of the club for album The Queen Is Dead and also featured the building in videos for the songs ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’ and ‘Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before’. Pay a visit and recreate Morrissey’s movements — but don’t expect to be the only one getting your picture outside the iconic sign.
2. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
Host to Oasis, Radiohead, The Killers, The Verve, Pulp, My Chemical Romance, Biffy Clyro and Manic Street Preachers plus hundreds more. Jesus, what a list. This iconic Glasgow performance venue is known for always putting on a good show, and spotting fresh talent. Other cult favourites who have graced the stage include Coldplay, Radiohead, Oasis and The Verve. Despite having been on the scene for decades, this popular live music venue and bar remains famous for their promotion of up-and-coming acts and community spirit. Long may King Tut and his Wah Wah Hut stand.
3. Glastonbury Festival
One of the best known music festivals in the world — and with good reason. Year after year Glastonbury puts out the highest quality acts to perform during their five day festival, whether huge names or local groups. If you’ve ever claimed to love music, then this is the festival you should consider your own. The most common misconception about Glastonbury is that it’s all about the iconic Pyramid Stage, where you get your Gaga’s and your Radiohead’s. However, for me personally, it’s the perfect place to discover those new bands that you don’t get to hear every day — each new tent brings a new schedule and a new rota of hungry musicians who deserve your listening ear.
4. 430 Kings Road (Sex boutique)
The birthplace of punk! There’s no sign that Malcolm McLaren’s S&M-inspired punk clothing store — Sex — ever existed here now, but the basic shop front still stands and it is still incredible to visit anyway. Sex was a boutique run by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood at 430 King’s Road, London between 1974 and 1976 that specialised in clothing that defined the look of the punk movement. Notable former employees include Glen Matlock, Chrissie Hynde and Sid Vicious. Today it is a pawn shop — so, a little less revolutionary, but you might pick up some nice knick-knacks.
5. 23 Brook Street
It took a lot of volunteering and hard work to get this address back on the musical map. Famous today as the flat celebrated musician Jimi Hendrix lived in during his time in London, after substantial fundraising and support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Hendrix’s bedroom has been restored to how it was in 1968–69 along with additional exhibition and interactive space for visitors. However, for a long time this amazing flat was simply used as office space. Why? Because it was pretentiously overshadowed by his neighbour: British Baroque composer Handel and his fully restored house, which is also open to the public. Thank you for all your hard work to get this musical legend an appropriate memorial!
6. That Zebra Crossing. You know.
A musical sight so famous even dogs know about it. The famous Abbey Road Studios are where the fab four from Liverpool recorded some of their final greatest hits — however it’s the zebra crossing nearby that tends to capture most people’s attention. Although one of the simplest covers stylistically, a walk across a road turned into one of their best album covers; that of the appropriately named ‘Abbey Road’. Put your best double denim or white pant suit on, let your hair grow long and pay this crossing a visit. You’ll feel like a superstar in no time.
