punk rock walking tour london

• SOHO PUNK TOUR

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The Original Soho Punk Rock Tour

Time out says.

British punk may have found its feet in Chelsea, but in the mid '70s it really came to life in central London's clubs and dive bars. Hear the stories of notorious venues, Sex Pistols gigs, lesbian club hangouts and run-ins with the police from Sex Pistol Glen Matlock as you wander through Soho on this two-hour tour. Book ahead, and meet at Tottenham Court Road tube station (Oxford Street entrance) at 5.20pm for a 5.30pm start. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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THE ORIGINAL SOHO PUNK TOUR

A TOUR OF SOHO, THE YOUTH CULTURE PETRI DISH, WHERE BRITISH PUNK EXPLODED ON TO THE WORLDS MUSIC SCENE DURING 1976/77

Select date and time

• Sunday August 11 11:30 AM
• Friday August 16 2:30 PM
• Sunday August 18 11:30 AM
• Friday August 23 2:30 PM
• Sunday August 25 11:30 AM
• More options

Tottenham Court Road Station

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About this event.

British Punk was born in the Kings Road Chelsea but came of age in the clubs and dives of Soho and the surrounding area. Soho was a very different area in the mid seventies so join your guide Aidan McManus as he brings it to life and introduces you to the seminal historic punk characters and sites.

Rehearsal studios, The Clubs, Marquee, Vortex, 100 Club, Roxy, Notre Dame Hall, Strip club gigs, inspirational market stalls and boozers, where was the first Sex Pistols gig? Crash pads, this tour has it all!!

The tour lasts two hours but the walking part takes less than half of it as we stop and I talk about the above places, its not a trek, it goes ahead whatever the weather. Meet outside Tottenham Court Road tube station, Exit 1, opposite The Flying Horse Pub.

Read our reviews at https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d6949350-Reviews-FlipsideLondon_Tours-London_England.html

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London: Sex Pistols and Punk Music Walking Tour

London’s Soho district was the epicenter of the punk rock revolution in the 1970s. The Sex Pistols and their contemporaries forever changed the face of music, art, and fashion here. Now, an expert-led walking tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the landmarks that fueled this cultural explosion. From the band’s rehearsal space to the venues where they performed, the tour peels back the layers of myth and legend, offering a unique glimpse into the gritty, rebellious spirit that defined an era. For those curious to discover the origins of punk, this walking tour promises an unforgettable experience.

• A 2-hour guided tour exploring the birthplace of punk rock in London, with a focus on the Sex Pistols and their cultural impact. • Visitors can discover legendary venues where the Sex Pistols and other iconic punk bands performed, as well as the former location of the band’s rehearsal space. • The tour separates fact from fiction about the Sex Pistols and the punk movement, providing an in-depth understanding of the artistic and musical experimentation that defined Soho. • Guided by an expert in local history, the tour offers a unique glimpse into London’s punk rock legacy and the lasting influence of the genre. • The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues, as it includes navigating uneven pavement, climbing stairs, and extended periods of walking.

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Tour Overview

The Sex Pistols and Punk Music Walking Tour in London offers a 2-hour journey through the birthplace of punk rock, guided by an expert in the local history.

This tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the legendary sites that were central to the punk revolution of the 1970s.

Along the way, the live guide will separate myth from fact, revealing the true story behind the rise of the Sex Pistols and the cultural impact of the punk movement.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about this iconic era, the tour promises to transport you back in time and offer a unique glimpse into London’s punk rock legacy.

Tour Highlights

During the tour, you will see where the iconic Sex Pistols held their first live performance, and walk down the famous Tin Pan Alley, a hub of musical activity in the 1970s punk scene.

On top of that, the guide will separate the myths from the facts surrounding the punk revolution, providing a deeper understanding of this cultural movement.

Key highlights of the tour include:

• Visiting the former location of the Sex Pistols’ rehearsal space on Denmark Street
• Discovering the venues where the Pistols played their early gigs
• Learning about the artistic and musical experimentation that defined Soho during the punk era
• Exploring the cultural impact of the Sex Pistols and their influence on the punk movement
• Separating the truth from the legends surrounding this pivotal moment in music history.

Birthplace of Punk Rock

Soho served as the epicenter of the punk rock revolution in London during the 1970s, where artists and musicians alike engaged in a cultural and artistic experimentation that would ultimately define the genre. This neighborhood, known for its gritty and vibrant atmosphere, was the birthplace of the Sex Pistols and the punk movement that would go on to challenge the status quo.

Venues such as the 100 Club and Roxy hosted the early performances of these iconic bands, solidifying Soho’s place in punk rock history and its lasting influence on the music industry.

Soho’s Artistic Experimentation

Soho’s artistic-cultural landscape in the 1970s buzzed with a spirit of experimentation, as musicians, artists, and visionaries converged to challenge the artistic status quo and redefine the boundaries of creativity. The area was a melting pot of influences, where subversive ideas and unconventional expressions thrived.

This vibrant atmosphere nurtured the emergence of the punk rock movement, as the Sex Pistols and their contemporaries sought to disrupt the mainstream and give voice to the disillusioned youth. Soho’s venues and studios became the epicenter of this cultural revolution, hosting groundbreaking performances and fostering collaborations that left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.

Key aspects of this creative ferment included:

• Interdisciplinary collaborations between musicians, artists, and designers
• The proliferation of independent record labels and underground publications
• Experimentation with new musical styles and unconventional stage performances
• The reclamation of public spaces for alternative cultural expressions
• A spirit of defiance and anti-hotel sentiment

Tin Pan Alley Rehearsal Space

The tour includes a visit to the former location of the Sex Pistols’ rehearsal space on Denmark Street, also known as Tin Pan Alley, where the legendary punk band honed their craft in the mid-1970s.

This historic street was a hub for music publishers and composers, earning it the nickname ‘Tin Pan Alley.’ It was here that the Sex Pistols, led by the iconic Johnny Rotten, practiced their rebellious anthems that would spark the punk revolution.

Stepping into this hallowed space, visitors can almost feel the raw energy and raw talent that propelled the Sex Pistols to infamy. The tour provides a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of these punk pioneers and gain a deeper appreciation for the origins of the genre.

Venues of the Pistols

During the tour, visitors also get to visit the venues where the Sex Pistols performed their legendary shows, including the site of their very first gig.

The tour takes attendees to several iconic locations, such as:

• The 100 Club, where the Pistols played one of their earliest and most notorious shows in 1976
• The Screen on the Green, where the band caused a riot during a performance in 1977

The Nashville Room, which hosted the Pistols’ final live show before their infamous breakup.

The Pied Bull, a pub where the band members were known to hang out and socialize.

The Marquee Club, a legendary music venue that witnessed the Pistols’ raw energy and rebellious spirit.

Expert Guide and Cancellation

An expert local guide leads the Sex Pistols and Punk Music Walking Tour, providing fascinating insights and separating myth from fact about the punk revolution.

They’ll guide you through Soho’s hotbed of musical experimentation, sharing stories about the influential band and the cultural upheaval they sparked in the 1970s.

The tour includes stops at the former locations of the Sex Pistols’ rehearsal space and gig venues, bringing the bygone era to life.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can reserve your spot and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Whether you’re a punk enthusiast or simply curious about this seminal moment in music history, this walking tour offers an immersive and enlightening exploration of London’s punk legacy.

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Meeting Point and Mobility

Where does the tour meet? Participants gather outside Exit 1 of Tottenham Court Road Underground Station and should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments. The walking tour covers a significant distance through the bustling streets of Soho. Participants can expect:

• Navigating uneven pavement and cobblestone streets
• Climbing stairs to access certain locations
• Spending extended periods on their feet
• Possible crowded conditions in narrow alleyways
• Inability to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices

Guests with concerns about accessibility are encouraged to reach out prior to booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.

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The London: Sex Pistols and Punk Music Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of punk rock in Soho.

Led by an expert guide, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the legendary sites that shaped the iconic Sex Pistols and the punk movement.

From the band’s rehearsal space to the iconic venues where they performed, this tour provides a fascinating glimpse into London’s enduring punk rock legacy.

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Punk rock swept the world in the mid-1970s with hot spots in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Brisbane. Some of the most notable punk bands of the era cut their teeth on the music scene in London — rocking and rioting their way through the streets of Soho for the better part of a decade. Anarchy took center stage and with it came a daring display of facial piercings, mohawks, leather jackets, and studded belts. The punk rock crusade rattled every quiet street and brought a nation of misfit children to their feet. Nowadays, many of the old haunts and venues have been upgraded and repackaged, but the underlying heartbeat of the movement can still be heard if you know where to listen for it.

Tin Pan Alley

Taking a walking tour of punk rock London is relatively easy to accomplish without the assistance of a guide. You’ll need a reliable map and a good sense of direction as you make your way to each location, but everything is simple to pinpoint once you know where to go. Start by taking a stroll down Tin Pan Alley, one of the focal points of the punk phenomenon. Tin Pan Alley is technically a nickname for Denmark Street in London, but you’ll know you’ve made it when the street becomes inundated wth signs for various music shops and clubs.

Pop into any of the shops to pick up your favorite punk record before heading to No.Tom Guitars . You’ll find yourself in the middle of this once raucous music scene, and the selection of vintage and classic guitars will make you want to embrace your inner Joe Strummer. Once you’ve gotten your fill, head around back to No. 6 Denmark Street and step into the past. In 1975, Sex Pistols’ manager Malcolm McLaren rented the space to serve as part-studio, part-home base for the band. Some of the Sex Pistols’ earliest demos were recorded in the No. 6 Denmark Street studio, including the tracks “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “Pretty Vacant”. And if that wasn’t cool enough, the iconic album cover for Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” was designed in this same space.

The area surrounding No. 6 Denmark Street is easily recognizable thanks to the graffiti depicting Johnny Rotten, Malcolm McLaren, and Sid Vicious’ girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Be sure to devote an entire afternoon to the Tin Pan Alley portion of the tour to really soak in all the sights and sounds of this infamous area.

The 100 Club

The 100 Club , located at 100 Oxford Street in London, became host to the first international punk rock festival in September 1976. The festival propelled numerous bands into the mainstream by drawing attention to the anarchic sounds of the movement. The lineup for that 1976 festival included the likes of Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Buzzcocks, The Damned, and The Stranglers. While many of these bands are household names today,  they were merely blips on the radar before The 100 Club propelled them into stardom.

The club has been in operation since 1942 and still hosts music gigs to this day. Over the years, they’ve served as a pit stop for a number of bands on their road to fame, including Black Flag. The Rolling Stones played an impromptu concert at the 100 Club in 1982 and returned several times throughout the 80s. Effectively becoming the nucleus of London’s punk rock hub, the venue is considered one of the most important in the city, and thus requires a visit on any trip to London. The interior looks much the same as it did in the 1970s, so when you walk through the front door, you’ll get the full effect of what life was like back then.  

Another popular music venue, Roundhouse , was similarly important to the development of punk in London. The Clash played their fifth show ever here, and the venue went on to see performances from acts like Patti Smith, The Ramones, the Sex Pistols, The Damned, and The Jam. Prior to the surge of punk bands in the area, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, and other significant musicians passed through these hallowed halls. Located on Chalk Farm Road in Camden Town, you can easily take the Tube to access this location. Though Roundhouse underwent restoration in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the venue is still a key contributor to London’s music industry and holds onto the secrets of punk’s past.

430 King’s Road

Vivienne Westwood, one of the most famous fashion designers in the world, made a name for herself by bringing punk rock designs to the forefront of the fashion industry. During the 1970s, Westwood and Malcolm McLaren opened a boutique on 430 King’s Road in London called SEX. The pair specialized in punk clothing and provided outfits of armor to rambunctious rockers. McLaren’s Sex Pistols, as well as Siouxsie Sioux, were frequent buyers of Westwood’s original designs. The shop became synonymous with punk and its garb adorned a generation of Londoners.

While SEX has undergone several changes over the decades, Westwood still operates the shop located at 430 King’s Road. Known nowadays as World’s End , the store was designed by Westwood and McLaren, among others, to be reminiscent of the Old Curiosity Shop immortalized by Charles Dickens. Be sure to swing by on your way through London to browse the selection of available items and bag yourself a truly unique souvenir.

Honorable Mentions

To conclude your punk rock tour of London, you’ll want to visit these important locations. Hope and Anchor , a pub in Islington, hosted gigs by the Ramones, Joy Division, the Pogues, and even the Police. While you’re in the neighborhood of Islington, swing by Screen on the Green where The Clash, Buzzcocks, and the Sex Pistols all played in 1976. The Marquee in Soho (the area of London that became the center of the punk movement) provided the backdrop for several Sex Pistols videos.

Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols, along with Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd, once shared an apartment over at Chelsea Cloisters , where you can still rent rooms longterm. Camden Market has been a punk rock haven for decades, and The Clash were photographed here for their first album. Finally, the Roxy in Covent Garden, Vortex in Soho, and Dingwalls (known now as Koko ) were all popular music venues during this period. Stop over at each place and snap a picture or two outside to share with family and friends.

Photo by William Rodrigues dos Santos

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Rock n Roll London Walking Tour of Camden

Embark on a rhythmic journey through the vibrant streets of Camden on this immersive music tour. Unveil the eclectic tapestry of musical history as you explore iconic venues like the Roundhouse and Electric Ballroom. Traverse the cobblestone alleys where legendary artists once busked, and feel the pulse of Camden's alternative scene. Your guide, a music aficionado, shares tales of Amy Winehouse's intimate performances and The Clash's rebellious spirit. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of genres, from punk to indie, as you visit hidden gems and hear stories that reverberate through Camden's rich musical heritage. Discover the beating heart of London's music scene.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Camden’s vibrant streets, alive with the echoes of music
• See the famous pub where Madness were discovered
• See the flat where Amy Winehouse lived for a number of years
• Unearth indie treasures and vintage sounds in Camden’s eclectic market
• Walk along Camdens own musical version of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Embark on an unforgettable musical odyssey through the dynamic streets of Camden on this immersive and enlightening Camden music tour. Camden has long been hailed as the beating heart of London’s music scene, and this tour is your backstage pass to its soul-stirring melodies.

As you weave through the vibrant borough, your expert guide, a walking encyclopedia of musical history, unveils C amden town’s legacy as a breeding ground for revolutionary sounds.  Famous venues such as The Roundhouse, Camden Assembly and Dingwalls will be visited with lots of stories about artists such as The Who, The S ex Pistols,  Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, The Yardbirds, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane, Ramones, The Clash, The Jam, Elvis Costello, George Michael, Bob Dylan, Boyzone, Manic Street Preachers, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith Ed Sheeran, The Strokes, The Killers, Kasabian, Adele, Muse and Coldplay.

Venturing to the Electric Ballroom, you’ll learn how this famous venue and rehearsal space hosted Wings, Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa, The Clash, 90’s Britpop and more recent music.

Camden’s cobblestone alleys unveil a hidden world where buskers once carved their names into the annals of music history. Feel the raw authenticity of the streets where Amy Winehouse honed her craft, and discover the birthplace of unforgettable melodies that captivated audiences worldwide.

Your guide, passionate and knowledgeable, shares anecdotes about Camden’s role in shaping genres and fostering artistic rebellion. You’ll pass the legendary Camden pub where Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, Pete Doherty, Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse all drank. If only the walls could talk.

The tour ends at Camden Market, a bustling enclave of creativity, where indie bands found their first audience and eclectic sounds continue to permeate the air. Dive into record stores and vintage shops that harbor treasures from musical eras gone by, sparking nostalgia and the thrill of discovery.

This two-hour walk is a mix of history, culture, and sound, offering an immersive experience that transcends time and tunes into the soul of London’s most legendary musical enclave.

What’s Included

• 2 hour walking tour highlighting many of Camden’s musical history
• Knowledgeable, approachable & fun tour guide

What’s Excluded

• Food & drink

What To Bring

• Consider layers of clothing
• Comfortable shoes for a leisurely walking tour

Good To Know

• English language tour

How long is the route?

• The tour is approximately 2 miles long .

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

• The tour is not suitable for a wheelchair due to the pavements and uneven surfaces on the route. British Sign Language is not provided on the tour.

Do children need to be accompanied?

• All people under 18 (i.e. 17 years old and younger) must be accompanied by an adult (aged 18 years or over) on all tours

Is the tour suitable for children?

Take a look at our TripAdvisor page or leave us a review. We love hearing from you!

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Touring sites from London’s punk rock scene, 40 years later

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LONDON (AP) — The Sex Pistols and The Clash led the British punk rock revolution in the steamy summer of 1976. London is marking 40 years since that summer with a series of events, gigs and exhibits this year.

As an early fan of punk, I set out on a personal pilgrimage to explore the neighborhoods and locations that were its petri dishes — from the Pistols’ rehearsal and living space to the scene of the Notting Hill riots witnessed by The Clash to the pubs and clubs that hosted their first shows.

In some places, I found the opposite of the angry energy that inspired anthems like the Pistols’ “Anarchy in the UK” and The Clash’s “London’s Burning.” But I also found some venues still going strong.

First stop: Portobello Road to see the mural of Clash frontman Joe Strummer, which was painted after this death. Sadly, when I visited, it was mostly covered by scaffolding. I looked in vain for signs of Strummer’s anti-establishment vibe, but all I found was a bustling market selling knickknacks, clothing and antiques while passers-by peered at their iPhones. From there I headed to Tavistock Road, the street that inspired Strummer’s “White Riot,” his call to arms after a West Indian carnival ended in riots in Notting Hill in the summer of ’76. But I failed to find any sign of punk’s past on the quiet thoroughfare, so I settled in the Metropolitan Pub on Great Western Road for a hand-pulled pint.

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The Rough Trade record shop opened in 1976 on Kensington Park Road. Today it’s on Talbot Road, filled with vinyl and CDs, its walls and ceiling adorned with posters featuring The Clash, Sex Pistols and others.

In Central London, I marveled at the fine instruments at NO.TOM, a small guitar shop on Denmark Street, near the Tottenham Court Road tube. The short street, once known as London’s Tin Pan Alley, was home to many music publishers and studios. Behind NO.TOM there’s a tiny 19th century cottage where the Sex Pistols once lived. It’s covered with graffiti created by the Pistols’ John Lydon (Johnny Rotten), including a drawing of the Pistols’ manager Malcolm McLaren, and another of Nancy Spungen, Sid Vicious’ girlfriend.

At 100 Oxford St., the 100 Club is marked with a sign and poster for upcoming shows. The Sex Pistols played here in May 1976 and the venue hosted a punk festival in the fall of ’76. In January 2016, ’70s bands including 999, The Members, UK Subs and Discharge played here as part of a punk series.

In Chelsea, at 430 King’s Road, a giant “SEX” sign once hung outside a shop of the same name shared by McLaren, the Pistols’ manager, and designer Vivienne Westwood. Westwood still runs a boutique here called Worlds End.

Next stop: Camden Market. Today this thriving collection of bars, restaurants, shops and stalls is overrun with shoppers perusing all types of food and fashion, from espresso to T-shirts bearing the Union Jack. I was here to find the spot where The Clash posed for a photograph that became an iconic image adorning their first album. The photo was taken on a ramp that’s since been converted to steps. I took a selfie standing there but couldn’t help feeling a pang of regret. My favorite band, often called “the only band that matters,” once stood here on the cusp of fame, but today the spot seems to embody the opposite of punk’s anti-materialistic message. And I had become part of the iPhone-toting tribe intent on the next purchase and picture. Where was the Pistols’ “Anarchy in the UK”? Where were “All The Young Punks” from The Clash song?

Maybe they were up the road at the Roundhouse. This fine music venue, originally a 19th century railway repair facility, has hosted performers since 1966. The Clash played their fifth-ever show here in September 1976. The Pistols, The Damned, The Ramones and Patti Smith all played here too. A Punk Weekender scheduled here for July 9 and 10 features music, prose and poetry as part of London’s 40-year anniversary celebration.

My final destination was London’s Islington neighborhood, home to the Hope and Anchor pub, 207 Upper St., and Screen on the Green, 83 Upper St.

Hope and Anchor has a lovely ground-floor pub with a small theater space upstairs and music venue in the basement. The basement’s roster has included The Jam, The Ramones, The Police, The Stranglers, XTC, U2, The Cure, Joy Division and The Pogues. Hope and Anchor also hosted pre-punk bands playing what was called pub rock, including a group led by Joe Strummer, the 101ers. The pub’s Facebook page lists upcoming shows, and today’s audiences aren’t likely to be hit by flying sheets of spit (“gob” as the Brits call it) the way they were in the early punk era, with fans gobbing at performers and musicians spitting right back.

Screen on the Green, with a fabulous neon facade, hosts movies and live events. It’s one of the oldest cinemas in the UK. The Clash, Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks played together there on the night Aug. 29, 1976. It was the end of the long, hot summer when punk was born.

If You Go…

LONDON’S CELEBRATION OF 40 YEARS OF PUNK MUSIC: www.punk.london

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“I never treated bands like rock stars, I treated them as people.” Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and the stories behind some of grunge's most iconic images

Legendary photographer Steve Gullick shares his memories of shooting Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love, Eddie Vedder and more

Steve Gullick is one of the world’s finest, most gifted rock photographers, and in the early '90s, freelancing for weekly British music magazine Melody Maker , he found himself right at the epicentre of the grunge revolution, shooting images of Nirvana , Pearl Jam , Soundgarden and every major player on the emerging alt. rock scene. In 2015, Gullick collected some of his most iconic photos of the era in Nirvana Diary , a truly essential visual document of one of the most vibrant and exciting movements in recent musical history. That limited-edition book is long since sold out, but as a reminder of the time, here are five striking featured images from it, and Gullick's recollections of the stories behind each one.

Soundgarden

Hyde Park, London, April 8, 1990

“This was actually my very first photo session for  Sounds  magazine. I think the only ‘rock star’ I’d shot before that was Wayne Hussey (The Mission) for a fanzine called  Helter Skelter , so I didn’t have a huge amount of experience at that point. “This shot was taken a day or two after I’d seen them play for the first time, at The Marquee, and they were so loud and powerful, so I was expecting them to turn up looking and behaving like rock gods, but they weren’t like that at all, they were just goofing around like kids and having a laugh, with no trace of moodiness. I was a bit taken aback to be honest. I’ve got photos of them rolling around in the grass, messing about, which totally wasn’t what I was expecting having seen them live. [Ex-Nirvana guitarist] Jason Everman was in the band then, but you could tell they really weren’t getting on with him, and this line-up wouldn’t last long.”

Kurt Cobain, Nirvana

Civic Centre, Springfield, MA, November 10, 1993

“I got on well with Nirvana, and I enjoyed being around them. I worked a lot with [music journalist] Everett True at the time, and he was really good friends with Kurt, so I was accepted pretty quickly. I shot Nirvana a lot, but I think these are the best shots I did with them. After the experience of that first Soundgarden shoot I never treated bands like rock stars, I treated them as people, and I think Nirvana responded well to that: if these pictures capture a certain intimacy it’s because Kurt was just a bloke to me and I was just a bloke to him, there was no pretence or posing. You build up a rapport with certain people, and I think I just got on with Kurt because we felt we had some things in common.”

Courtney Love, Hole

Rough Trade record shop, London, March 23, 1993

“I like Courtney. The very first time I met her was at [Nirvana/Hole press officer] Anton Brookes’ office: I was walking out and she was walking in and she said [drawls] ‘You look like my ex-boyfriend…but less handsome.’ I thought, Oh, thanks very much, nice to meet you too! So that was an interesting first impression. “I think she’s a great artist, and those first two Hole albums are incredible. Funnily enough, I don’t remember even being at this show. I mean, obviously I was there, but I’ve no memory of it at all! I remember they were also playing [West London club] the Subterranea on this trip and I was quite outraged that I couldn’t go because Courtney had made it a women only gig: I think she’d been sexually assaulted after stage diving into the crowd [in Glasgow] so you could understand her logic: fucking fair play to her. I think a couple of guys might have got into that show by wearing dresses, but I didn’t want to do that.”

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Disneyland, Anaheim, California, September 18, 1993

“ Melvins were doing promotion for their Houdini record, half of which Kurt Cobain produced , and so we asked if we could take them to Disneyland and that was fine with the label. We just thought it’d be funny if they joined the Disney parade, and obviously no-one but us knew who the fuck they were, so that added to our amusement as they walked along waving to the crowds.”

Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam

Paramount Theatre, New York, April 17, 1994

“This is one of the last pictures in the Nirvana Diary book, and it’s where I wanted it to end, because this is obviously right around the time where my relationship with Nirvana ended. Kurt objected so strongly to Pearl Jam, and I could understand why musically, but it seemed to go to a personal level which I always thought was out of order, because Eddie Vedder is one of the most beautiful men on the planet, and he’s most certainly punk rock in spirit, even if that didn’t always come out in Pearl Jam’s music. “This photo was taken about a week after Kurt’s suicide, and it was such a strange time, because obviously that massively affected everyone that knew Kurt, and everyone was mixed-up and sad and confused. Pearl Jam and Nirvana were seen as the two figureheads of grunge, and I think that Eddie now felt that all the pressure was now on him, and he thought he couldn’t handle it. This photo captured something of the mood of the time, which was pretty fucking heavy.”

All photos © Steve Gullick To purchase original prints of Steve Gullick's iconic photographs of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Nick Cave, Smashing Pumpkins and many more, visit his website . 

A music writer since 1993, formerly Editor of Kerrang! and Planet Rock magazine (RIP), Paul Brannigan is a Contributing Editor to Louder. Having previously written books on Lemmy, Dave Grohl (the Sunday Times best-seller This Is A Call) and Metallica ( Birth School Metallica Death , co-authored with Ian Winwood), his Eddie Van Halen biography ( Eruption in the UK, Unchained in the US) emerged in 2021. He has written for Rolling Stone, Mojo and Q, hung out with Fugazi at Dischord House, flown on Ozzy Osbourne's private jet, played Angus Young's Gibson SG, and interviewed everyone from Aerosmith and Beastie Boys to Young Gods and ZZ Top. Born in the North of Ireland, Brannigan lives in North London and supports The Arsenal.

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The best Taylor Swift-themed London events to get you in the Eras Tour spirit

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The fun isn’t over yet: after Taylor Swift sold out Wembley Stadium for three nights in June, she’s back for another run at the huge venue in August.

As the capital gears up to welcome the American singer-songwriter and her Eras Tour once more, there’s no better time to get stuck into the range of Swiftie-themed events happening across the city over the next few weeks.

There’s a lot on: from watching a performance of her best songs by string quartet on the London Eye, to dancing the night away at a themed club event, there’s our pick of what to do, and where to go, to get the most from your Taylor Swift month.

Taylor on Strings

Didn’t get tickets for the Eras Tour? It might be worth heading up to North London anyway, as the City String Ensemble will be putting their own unique spin on her biggest hits on the night of August 13. Taking place at the Sound Shell from 6pm, it’s free to attend, with 30 tickets being made available at 10am every day until the concert. Head along and soak it up.

Find out more here

The Taylor Swift tour

Test your knowledge of all things Tay with this tour of the singer’s favourite London spots. Tickets are priced at £13.13 (naturally), and stop-offs include plenty of places that are meaningful to her, including the city’s iconic guitar shop spot Denmark Street, Camden Market and her fave kebab shop (if you know, you know). Finish it all off with a pub quiz that will test your knowledge of her back catalogue.

Tickets from £13, book here

Fan out at 1 Hotel Mayfair

Fancy going all-out for your concert experience? 1 Hotel Mayfair and its sister hotel Treehouse have you covered: they’ve launched an luxury Eras experience for the most dedicated fans to enjoy.

Check in with a Taylor Swift themed cocktail, garnish yourself with friendship bracelets and tinted glasses and catch the dedicated chauffeur service to or from the gig (thus skipping the dreaded crowds along the way). More importantly, relax the morning after with a breakfast at Hotel 1 Mayfair’s restaurant Dovetale, led by two Michelin-starred Chef Tom Seller. What could be better?

From August 16-20; The 1 Eras Package starts from £1200; book rooms here

Warm up at Boxpark

For those lucky enough to have gotten tickets to the gig, it may be worth heading over to Wembley slightly earlier for the local Boxpark warm-up party. There’ll be glitter stations to get all sparkled up, live performers, DJs playing Taylor Swift tunes (of course) and themed cocktails. It’ll be a gigantic Swiftie celebration; what’s not to love?

August 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th from 11.00 am - 11pm; book tickets here

Swiftogeddon

Yes, it’s back: the ultimate Taylor party. Expect nothing but Taylor bops the whole night long: we’re talking deep cuts, remixes and the unloved (yet still great, of course) tracks that only true Swifties fans know the words to. Head along to Between the Bridges for a club night you’ll never forget: friendship bracelets at the ready, of course.

August 9, tickets start from £15. Book here

Taylor at the V&A

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See the superstar’s own props up close in this special exhibition at the V&A Museum. Titled the Songbook Trail , it leads curious Swifties on a tour of the museum – and along the way, they’ll be encountering things like her Reputation tour outfit, the piano she played in the music video for Cardigan and even the dress she wore to play a version of Juliet for the song that launched her stratospheric, Love Story.

On until September 8, more information here

Taylor Swift Brunch

Head to everybody’s favourite adult ball pit bar Ballie Ballerson any Saturday in August to partake of their famous Taylor Swift brunch. The pizzas are bottomless, the drinks are plentiful and the ball pits, of course, are beckoning. The whole thing will of course be soundtracked by Taylor bangers, and who knows, a lookalike or two might even turn up. One for the dedicated fans.

Saturdays, tickets start from £35. Book here

Club de Fromage Afterparty

The O2 Academy in Islington is giving the fans what they want: a marathon cheese-fest featuring all of Taylor’s biggest hits and deep cuts, interspersed with the sound of confetti cannons and balloons popping. Plus, there’ll be hula hoops and singalongs: what more could you want?

August 17; book tickets here

Taylor Swift x London Eye Candlelight Series

Could there be anything more romantic than being serenaded by a string quartet, by candlelight… erm, in a ride around the London Eye? Well, what about if those songs were Taylor Swift ones? Tickets cost £45, but they include two rotations around the eye, a glass of fizz and a special edition friendship bracelet to take home at the end of it all.

August 19-22, book tickets here

Taylor on Tour

If you’re already in Wembley, why not check out the massive Swiftie murals and photo exhibition around the stadium. The photos showcase some of the biggest moments from her tour so far from its travels around the world, and the nearby murals decorate Wembley’s Spanish Steps and the surrounding walls. Best of all: it’s completely free, so download the CityTrotter app and go on a little guided walking tour before the gig.

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London Rock Tours

Access All Areas

• Taylor Swift London: The London Boy Pop Tour–Taylor’s version. Just 2 dates only during Eras
• London Rock Music Heritage: Soho, Camden, Abbey Rd morning tour
• Classic Rock London afternoon tour
• Monsters of Rock! Full Day London Rock Tour
• A Ticket to Ride – Beatles Evening
• London Boy Pop Tour: Taylor Swift-One Direction-Harry Styles…
• PUNK & NEW WAVE
• Queen, ‘We Will Rock You’
• Rolling Stones Rambler
• Ladies That Rock London
• Camden Brit Pop Trail, 30th of Oasis’ Definitely Maybe
• Rocketman’s London: Elton John
• History of The Who in London
• Pink Floyd’s Cambridge & London
• The Kinks: ‘Sunny Afternoon’
• Prog Rock: YES, Genesis, Floyd…
• Bob Marley & London’s Caribbean Connections

Experiencing Hendrix in London

• GLAM: Bowie & Bolan

Led Zep: Commemoration Day

• Swinging Sixties London
• Beatles: Long & Winding Road
• London Gets the Blues
• ERIC CLAPTON – ‘Looking for god’
• Soho/Covent Garden: Entertainment District
• Camden: Punk, Ska & Brit Pop-30th of Oasis’ Definitely Maybe
• Fitzrovia: Bohemian Quarter, Rockers-Writers-Artists-Pubs
• Brixton: Good Vibes, Markets, Electric Ave & Bowie
• Kensington: Freddy & Queen
• Notting Hill: Caribbean Roots, Hippies, Punks & Film Locations
• Chelsea: Swingin’ 60s, Mods, Punks & Stones
• Belgravia: Rock the Squares
• Mayfair/Carnaby St: Beatles, Punks, 80s Blitz Kids & Bowie
• Kinks: ‘Sunny Afternoon’ North London
• Customised Tours
• Led Zeppelin Trail
• Land of Song, South Wales
• Rockin’ The River – Windsor, Henley-on-Thames & West London
• Heavy Metal Midlands
• Beatles Liverpool & North Wales, with Led Zep’s Bron-Yr-Aur
• T&C’s

LONDON’S ROCK ‘n’ ROLL LEGENDS TOURS

THE LONDON ROCK TOUR

You’ve found London’s ORIGINAL and founding rock tour company (since 1986). Often copied, never bettered!!

London is the Capital City of Rock and Popular Music and you now have the opportunity of being part of it joining tours of musical discovery with us.  In no other city will you find so much rock heritage in such a concentrated area – its been a magnet for rockers from Liverpool to Los Angeles, Manchester to Melbourne, Stockholm to Sao Paulo, Dublin to Detroit and Trenchtown to Toronto.

From the 1950s to the current day, musicians, singers, producers, bands, lyricists and writers have come to London to seek, or expand their fame and fortune  And in doing so, they leave a rich and growing legacy to be discovered and enjoyed: the recording studios where classic records have been made; stars homes, apartments and, alas, death sites; instantly recognisable film and video locations , and cityscapes captured forever on classic album covers ; venues small and large; clubs and pubs; sites of famed drug busts; trashed hotels; management company offices; secret rehearsal sites; street names made famous through song lyrics ; and boutiques and flea-markets where global fashion trends have started.

Beatniks and Teddy Boys, Mods and Hippies, Punks and Rastas, Heavy Metal and Heart Throbs; this is a city of monumental rock landmarks where hardly a street is without a rock back-story!

LONDON ROCK TOUR WALKS:

LRT can create special walking tours just for YOU! These are half day private walks per area and can be band or genre focused. Below are suggestions, combine them using public transport to create a private full day option if you wish. Your private tour is customised to best suit your wishes. To make a reservation/check guide availability, please send your request with travel dates to:   [email protected]

Why travel with a copycat, when you can go with the ORIGINAL London Rock Tour!

Soho & Covent Garden   – Explore the heart of the Entertainment District. Fashion and tunes! Here were the beatnik coffee houses, skiffle and jazz clubs of the 1950s; here are the ‘basement and attic’ venues for 60s folkies, R&B-ers and bluesmen, 70s punks and prog and New Wave bands started; where hip hop first hit the UK, where the ‘2nd British Invasion’ 80s bands became the New Romantics and the Goths. This area has grown from plague pits to gin palaces to supper clubs to peep shows to posh boutiques. If we had a penny for every time a Londoner said, “I’ve walked by there so many times, but I never knew…” Join us and peel back a few layers of heritage, 1920s through 1980s!

Brixton  –  Good vibes abound in vibrant Brixton! Delve into the musical, social, and cultural heritage on this 2 hour walking tour. Explore the famed Brixton markets and Electric Avenue. See Bowie’s childhood home, locations of famed venues past and present such as Brixton Academy, Gunnell brothers’ Ram Jam Club, and The Frig. Explore the area’s vaudeville past, roots of the riots, celebrate the local Caribbean culture, see amazing murals and the latest street art.

Fitzrovia – writers & rockers! Before the 50s, artists and writers were the ‘rock stars.’ This area ‘north of Soho’ has them all. Virginia Woolf, Dylan Thomas and George Orwell were all locals, we can explore the historic pubs they frequented. This is where Coldplay and Keane were ‘born’ and the first place Bob Dylan performed in London. Here were jazz and skiffle clubs, amazing recording studios, home base for a time for Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett, Barry Miles of IT, and Boy George; where Donovan ‘scored’ on Sunny Goodge Street…

Kensington — Where Freddie Mercury & Queen ruled! This area is chock full of Queen locations. See where they lived, partied and played. Of course see the regal Royal Albert Hall. Also explore Roxy Music’s high street fashion boutiques, the ‘working class Carnaby,’ history of Biba, some famed Stones locations, punk venues…

Chelsea — heart of the swingin’ 60s, here is hippie central and heart of Rolling Stones along the scenic river. Also follow the Punk London trail. Your private walk can be either theme or a mix of both. Along the way, glimpse the heritage of royals, writers and artists who called this place home. See places for Beatles, Eric Clapton, Sex Pistols, Clash, Poly Styrene, early Pink Floyd, Marianne Faithfull, swingin’ fashion hubs, a legendary wedding location…

Notting Hill — this area basically has it all!  Thrust into the spotlight 20 some years ago with the iconic Julia Roberts/Hugh Grant film, but this West London neighbourhood has a deep cultural heritage. Hippies, punks, rastas…new wave and today’s chart toppers like Adele. Our route takes us via some very scenic housefronts, cheery garden squares and nearly hidden mews. Pay respects where Jimi Hendrix died. Explore places for Bob Marley, The Clash, Pink Floyd, T Rex, Chrissie Hynde, Tom Jones, Lemmy and more. There are classic recording studios, perhaps find Love, Actually …

Mayfair/Carnaby Street  — Beatles, hippies, punks, Blitz Kids & Bowie – includes swingin’ Carnaby Street. Such a variety in a relatively small area, the ‘hidden’ backstreets of the capital await!

Camden — Amy Winehouse made this area her playground, here was the stomping ground for hippie London, The Clash and the punk revolution, then Madness and U2 in the 80s, Oasis and their Brit Pop rivalries in the 90s….now where Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Janelle Monae and others choose to perform.

Belgravia — Sloane Square, Eaton Square, Belgrave Square – and their surrounding small streets and mews where, back in the 60s, was an ideological battleground of young musicians and fledgling ‘Hollywood-ites’ against the older ‘bowler hats’ of The Establishment. Mix in recent TV costume drama settings if you wish…

London is Calling!!

SCHEDULED LONDON ROCK TOUR DEPARTURES:

London Rock Music Heritage Tour – Soho, Camden & Abbey Road morning tour

Classic Rock & Beatles Sites – Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill & Abbey Road afternoon tour Monsters of Rock FULL DAY tour A Ticket to Ride: Beatles By Night

LONDON ROCK TOUR’S ‘TOP TEN HITS’ – SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR PRIVATE/CUSTOM DEPARTURES:

Pink Floyd’s Cambridge & London

The Rolling Stones Rambler – 50 Years +

Punk & New Wave

Queen, ‘We’ll Rock You!’

Long & Winding Road, Beatles – 50 Years +

The Who & West London Blues Trail

Bowie & Bolan – The Glam Years

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