Camden, London. Birthplace of Britpop. But not only Blur, Pulp, and Oasis all have roots in Camden. Also acts such as Madness, Blondie, Amy Winehouse, Elvis Costello, VanMorrison, and The Ramones are rooted here. Camden is also where the Punk movement started and where superstar Prince once owned a boutique in the 1990s.
Still today, this vibrant district boasts with independent record stores and unique live music venues. And lots of legendary music history stories.
Discover the market with its stalls full of vintage clothing, lovely antiques, tiny cafés, and numerous more cool shops. Stroll along Regent's Canal, enjoy a drink on a rooftop terrace, or a snack from one of the colourful dining booths selling food from all over the world. Shop your new favourite vinyl and explore the story behind the life of legendary singer Amy Winehouse.
For a deeper look into the history of the Punk movement in London and Camden, watch London's burning, a German documentary with Die Toten Hosen lead singer Campino.
Always a great choice for a guided tour to learn about the local music history is joining the guys from
London Rock Tours or Swinging 60s. They will take you to the most important spots beyond the obvious ones and tell you legendary stories from the past.
We recommend doing this subTOUR in the afternoon as some of the recommended spots such as bars are opening after noon.
Amy Winehouse House in Camden (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Let's start this subTOUR in a lovely Camden neighborhood. Surrounded by beautiful houses next to a lush park, is 30 Camden Square. This place marks the spot where legendary British singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse lived for many years before dying in here back in 2011.
Afterwards, take a stroll in southwestern direction passing some characteristic Camden roads.
Venue tip: take a short detour to KOKO. This venue's walls could tell loads of music stories. Why not check out the event calendar to see if there is an interesting concert that evening?
All Ages Records (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Head to one of the numerous record stores in Camden Town. This one is all about Punk and Hardcore. All Ages Records stocks CDs and vinyls from your favourite bands as well as DVDs, T-shirts, fanzines, books, patches & badges, gig tickets, and much more.
Take your time browsing the shelfs and buying your next favourite piece of music before continuing the subTOUR.
Black Heart (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Just some steps away is your best option for a break in proper music surroundings. The Black Heart is a bit hidden, but definitely worth looking for. Once entering this black coloured bar, enjoy a drink while listening to Rock and Metal tunes. Have a look upstairs, there's an intimate live music venue. Perhaps you need to come back in the evening?
Venue tips: other options to see live music are just around the corner. The Underworld Camden, The Jazz Café, or Electric Ballroom are some more legendary institutions in town to experience a great music night.
Out on the Floor records (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Time for some more record shopping. Situated in the heart of vibrant Camden Town is Out on the Floor Records. They offer a great vinyl collection and unique music memorabilia. Not only a broad range of 70s and 60s tunes, but also Soul, Rock, and Heavy Metal. They also run an own Reggae label.
MTV Studios (Google Streetview)
If you are interested in a pice of modern music history, stroll to this location, the very home to the MTV headquarters. This is where a huge array of British, American, and world music artists have been welcomed during the past decades.
Bar tip: The Dev is your place if you are a Rock and Metal enthusiast. Sip a beer and dive into the world of your favourite music genre before heading toward the next spot on your list.
Camden Lock Vinyl (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Still energy and money left for some more vinyl stuff? Camden Lock Vinyl is an independent record store that buys and sells vinyl at an honest price. It's located in the very heart of Camden Town. The offer ranges from Punk to Rock and Metal to older items. It's tiny, but it's worth a visit!
Bar tip: The Hawley Arms is another option to have a break from sightseeing. Focussing on Indie music and always a great choice for some good times.
Amy Winehouse Statue (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
It's Amy Winehouse, part two. Inmidst of Camden's numerous vintage clothing stores, independent shops, and cafés, you find a life-size tribute to the iconic British singer and songwriter. Amy had become strongly associated with Camden Town until her death in 2011. The statue depicts Winehouse with her hand on her hip, wearing high heels, and with her signature beehive hairstyle. Take a picture of the both of you.
If you are a true Winehouse fan, also do not miss another great walk marking Amy-related street art in Camden.
Café tip: for those of you fond of a hot tea or some great sweet or spicy snacks, head to Pamban. This is where you will get all the delicious things you need.
Venue tip: The Camden Assembly is a legendary institution to explore live music. Why not tonight?
Roundhouse Camden (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
As music is synonymous with Camden, UK's first Music Walk Of Fame has been established between the live music venues of Roundhouse and Koko. It is literally setting in stone the names of those that have blazed a trail through the world of music. Check out who has been immortalised here.
Venue tip: Roundhouse is probably one of the most important live venues in Camden history.
Weather allowing, take your time strolling to Primrose Hill, a green park just west of Camden Town. What connects this place to Britpop? Wonderwall is a 1995 hit song by the English Rock band Oasis.
The sleeve cover picture for the hit single was shot here.
Enjoy the view upon the city and listen to your favourite London tunes.
Venue tip: before heading back to the city, check out The Dublin Castle and its event listing.
When in London don't miss this place marking music history like no other: Abbey Road. Iconic and legendary recording studio from where world-famous tapes changed the history of music. Also a synonym for The Beatles and their album Abbey Road. With its cover featuring the band members walking across the zebra crossing in front of the studio. Is there a better place to take a souvenir picture of your London trip?
Also explore the spot that marks another great Rock band and one of its hit singles: Coldplay's Violet Hill.
Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park - names that are directly connected with noble housing, elegant restaurants, and leisure time in green surroundings. Take a bike to explore these streets. From famous shopping temple Harrods to live venue Royal Albert Hall and royal Kensington Palace - this is London at its best.
Nevertheless, this area also provides places telling Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the obvious:
visit the Sticky Fingers restaurant owned by former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman for a deep dive into the world of music memorabilia. Then learn about Elton John and the life and death of legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury.
Chelsea, Belgravia and around: the best from the best on bike. Start at London Eye with its spectacular views upon the city.
Afterwards, scratch Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street as well as Big Ben & Houses of Parliament from your bucket list. Iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Café is next.
When in Chelsea, discover Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the walls of rather unimpressive buildings. Learn about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Both inextricably linked to London.
Want to explore a true Punk place? Legendary World's End is telling music tales from the 60s until today.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #1 reveals iconic music places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #2 reveals the famous album cover from Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory? On your way, take your time to discover the countless record shops in the district. It's time for some vinyl shopping!
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #3 reveals famous album covers from The Beatles and David Bowie. Discover a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. Also explore live music venues where Rock history has been written. Finally, check out the location of a legendary Fab Four rooftop performance.
Islington. Probably not on top of your London bucket list. But full of music history that just cannot be ignored.
Discover places that are inextricably linked to British superstars Pink Floyd. In Islington, the Punk movement with legendary The Sex Pistols and The Clash evolved in the 70s.
Finally, also learn about a men's prison and its famous inhabitants, when around here.
Shoreditch and Spitalfield. Immerse into this trendy district loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks at one of the street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or street art. Browse the shelfs of numerous record stores. Dive into the busy atmosphere of Brick Lane. And come back in the evening for a live performance in one of the music venues.
Definite highlight of the walk is Columbia Road Flower Market with its lush and colourful scenery.
On the way, explore the location of a music video everybody knows.
Notting Hill. Known from all those love story movies. An idyllic and colourful place and characteristic part of today's London. Enjoy its lush greens, combined with small streets, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Famous Portobello Market is just around the corner. For all the lovers of vintage clothing, old furniture, and lots more antiques.
Don't forget to discover the musical importance of this area. Discover Samarkand Hotel, the place where legendary American artist Jimi Hendrix spent the last hours of his short life.
Global success made in London
A leading figure in music
Founders of Punk Rock
Lemmy’s legendary Heavy Metal
Once performing at Woodstock
Legendary Heavy Metal with Eddie
Key player in British Punk Rock
London Pop Rock superstars
Legendary Freddie Mercury
Britpop at its best
The one and only Rock stars
Formed in 1965 in London
British Rock with Sting
With origins in Blues music
Named from Shepherd’s Bush
Indie Rock since 1998
Indie from Southern London
From London to worldwide success
From the 60s until today
Alternative Rock from outsiders for outsiders
One of the Britpop giants
Just legendary
Part of Genesis or as solo artist
An 80s icon
Iconic Camden artist
Pop Rock meets Wave and Gothic
Legends from the 60s
Mark Knopfler and his fellows
Britpop meets Psychedelic
