How a Rock n Roll tour changed my life
I’m throwing this blog all the way back to 2019. A time before the world was shaken with the Corona virus pandemic.
I flew to London thrice that year for work. It was packed, productive, pristine, and hella fun. Just the way I liked it.
I’m not too known for my spontaneity. I like to plan my day ahead of time, with a fixed agenda. I do leave room for the on-the-spot decisions, but that is planned too.
This one day, I got a tip off from a colleague who she said she was heading for a walking history tour. I checked the link she sent me and stumbled upon a walking Rock n Roll tour.
Was I going to scroll any further? Hell no.
It was a Saturday morning, no work obligations — just a girl wandering around and discovering all the legendry spots any rock fan would dream of walking into.
A lot of people might argue about the cultural origins of London when it comes to music. I think it’s played a huge influence on a lot of artists. This place is something else and it has shaped so many of the musicians who’re world famous.
Without further adieu, let us begin!
I got to the tour slightly late and missed a few good spots (anyone who knows me, will not be surprised of my time management). Here’s where we started.
- Who remembers this iconic Ziggy Stardust album?
Here’s where it was shot. (Excuse my Instagram story text. Was too excited to save it before adding text and had to keep up with my tour guide)
2. Remember David Bowie’s telephone booth album cover?
Here’s where that was taken. My legs were shaking as I stood outside this booth
3. So the Rolling Stones held their band auditions on the top of this building here. THIS random Duck Lane building that looks like literally any boring building.
4. Something absolutely magical happened here at The Court
15th May 1967: Paul McCartney met his lady love, Linda Eastman as she walked into The Court while he casually sipped his Gin & Tonic. Sparks flew. Seems like the perfect place for Paul to court her, Won’t you agree?
25th November 1966: It doesn’t stop there with The Court. Incidentally, Jimi Hendrix also hit the jackpot here, his very first performance in London at The Court.
5. Here’s a fun fact. The irony that Jimi performed for the very first time in London, he also performed for the very last time in this very city. See below — Ronnie Scott’s was the last time he strummed his guitar.
Ronnie Scott’s is the hot hub in the city, known for it’s ballad of Rock, blues, and Jazz concerts. Tons of famous musicians from Amy Wineshouse to Elton John have rocked the stage here.
6. Now, for my personal favourite (Saved the best for the last). People, allow me to present to you ‘Trident Sound Studio’. What’s so special here?
Not only did it record the original ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles, but also ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen!! (I’m a HUGE Queen fan)
And ofcourse, it recorded other huge stars like Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Ringo Starr and much much more.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t go inside the studio, since it was closed. But here’s a picture I sneaked through the window.
The feeling of being able to stand in the same places, these legends once stood is something out of this world.
Sure, these were regular ordinary people.
But except, they weren’t. They were extraordinary artists who worked day and night to make a brand of themselves.
They believed in their dreams and ambitions. They made revolutionary music which spoke of culture, race, sex, people, emotions, politics. And so much more.
They make me want to dream.
This is why I tell people, music is not just a good listen. It is way further up that scale, my friend. Music is a religion. It is an emotion.
I have a few bonus ones that are truly must-visit spots. I’ll share them in my next, since they deserve separate posts.
Hope you enjoyed this read :)
