Soho, the heart of the British capital. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history that awaits you beyond every wall. From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, 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 and big artists were born on live music stages, rooftops or recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques throughout the district tell of London's rich music history.
Join us on our Soho subTOURs. Either as single walks or combined in a triple subTOUR. Explore the inner heart of London and its abundance of Rock music tales.
This part 1 reveals places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Always a great choice for a guided tour to learn about the local music history is joining the guys from
London Rock Tours, Swinging 60s, or
Flipside London Tours. They will take you to the most important spots beyond the obvious ones and tell you legendary stories from the past. Partly also specializing in Soho and the Punk Rock movement.
For a deeper look into the history of the Punk movement in London and Soho, also watch London's burning, a German documentary with Die Toten Hosen lead singer Campino.
We recommend doing this single subTOUR or the Soho triple in the afternoon as some of the recommended spots such as bars are opening after noon.
Madame Tussaud (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Start of our subTOUR is at one of the most quirky places in the British capital: Madame Tussauds is home of the world-famous wax figure collection. Inside: more than 250 lifelike wax figures of musicians, artists, sportsmen, politicians, members of the Royal family and many more. Definitely one of the top tourist attractions in London.
Apple Boutique (Google Streetview)
Follow nearby Baker Street southwards. On the corner to Paddington Street, stop for unveiling some Rock 'n' Roll history beyond these walls.
This is the place of the former Apple Boutique, a retail shop in the 60s and one of the first business ventures by The Beatles' fledgling Apple Corps.
A blue plaque in honour of this place can be discovered here.
John Lennon's Home (Google Streetview)
Some steps to the West lies 34 Montagu Square. The ground floor flat was once leased by The Beatles member Ringo Starr during the mid-60s. Many other famous artists have lived here including Jimi Hendrix.
For three months, John Lennon and Yoko Ono rented the flat and photographed themselves naked in there. These quite controversial pictures were used on the cover of their album Unfinished Music Volume One, better known as Two Virgins album.
In 2010, a blue plaque has been unveiled here.
Rolling Stones Phone Boxes (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Stay southbound towards the northeastern corner of Hyde Park. Just nearby imposing Marble Arch you find five rather unimpressive red coloured phone boxes. But the music history that lies behind these boxes is not unimpressive at all.
There is an iconic image of The Rolling Stones that has been taken in front of these iconic London telephone boxes in June 1963. The photographs were taken for their single Come On.
Why not re-enact the picture with yourself and friends?
HMV Oxford Street (Google Streetview)
Marble Arch is directly connected to shopping mecca Oxford Street. Follow your path to the East. 363 Oxford Street is the former site of one of the world's most famous music stores. This is the location of the original HMV store, opened back in 1921.
It also played a significant role in the career of The Beatles: a demo tape of the band was cut in the store's attached recording studio which finally led to The Beatles' long-term recording contract with label EMI.
A blue plaque was unveiled in 2000 attached to the HMV store.
Bee Gees Quarters (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Some steps away at 67 Brook Street, in the heart of the exclusive Mayfair district, you can discover another plaque. This one concerning The Bee Gees.
The green plaque pays tribute to the fact that the band spent a considerable amount of time at this address between the years 1968 and 1980.
Jimi Hendrix Home (Google Streetview)
Next stop is 23 Brook Street, where famous guitarist and songwriter Jimi Hendrix lived from 1968 until 1969. A blue plaque outside the building tells of this special place.
Another blue plaque honours this site of the former Regent Street Polytechnic.
Today, this is the University of Westminster. The place where Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright met for the first time in the 60s during their architecture studies from 1962 to 1965. The meeting led to a legendary music formation: Pink Floyd.
Brian Epstein Offices (Google Streetview)
Final destination of this subTOUR is another blue plaque that can be discovered at 5-6 Argyll Street. This is the location where The Beatles manager Brian Epstein had his offices during the years 1964 to 1967.
Shopping tip: nearby Liberty is probably one of the most iconic shopping places around the globe. Even if you are not into shopping, you definitely must have a look at the ancient building from the outside. This is also the starting point for the second part of this Soho subTOUR.
Camden Town. Where music history has been written. Where the 90s Britpop of Blur, Pulp, and Oasis is rooted. Where the Punk movement started in the 70s. Explore the life and death of Amy Winehouse, legendary singer and songwriter.
This vibrant area has more record stores, street art, and live music venues than you can shake a stick at.
Discover the unique atmosphere of independence and revolution in these streets and stalls.
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 #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
