Tired Of The Same Old Sights - Try A Musical Tour Of England
Stonehenge? Been there. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace? Done that. Frequent visitors to the British Isles who are tired of the same old sights might want to try some new sounds -- a travel itinerary keyed to the Commonwealth's rich pop music history offers a fresh alternative to the usual tourist destinations.
London is teeming with pop landmarks, like the crosswalk at Abbey Road, The BBC studios, and venerable venues like The Royal Albert Hall and The 100 Club. And as The Kinks' classic "Waterloo Sunset" reminds, even the subway stations here can claim a little pop provenance. London is a logical starting point on the road to rock history, but as the music experts at Rhino Records confirm, it's hardly the end.
"After The Beatles invaded America, regional scenes sprung up all over England," notes Mason Williams, coproducer of The Brit Box: UK Indie, Shoegaze, And Brit-Pop Gems Of The Last Millennium, a new 4-CD boxed set featuring some of the most interesting bands of the last twenty years. "The mid-1980s brought a real renaissance of U.K. rock, something that still continues today."
After the capital, the next major U.K. music mecca is Manchester, 160 miles northwest of London and birthplace of such bands as The Smiths and Oasis. Unfortunately the notorious Manc nightspot The Hacienda closed in 1997, but 30 miles west in the port city of Liverpool, the famed Cavern Club is still going strong. The site is legendary in Beatle lore, but the city also gave the world postpunk greats like Echo & The Bunnymen, whose old stomping ground, Eric's, stood just a few hundred yards away from the Cavern on Mathew St.
Music fans traveling farther afield to Wales or Northern Ireland will find plenty to see and hear there as well, as evidenced by the success of such local heroes as Super Furry Animals and Ash. And don't forget Scotland; Glasgow has been minting cool rock groups for a quarter-century, from The Jesus And Mary Chain to current indie faves Belle And Sebastian.
Some tips for the music traveler:
- Summer months offer some of the best weather (and rock festivals).
- Pick up a copy of NME or Time Out magazine when you arrive for a list of concerts.
- Visit www.visitbritain.co.uk to find more of pop's hot spots.
See more from Destinations
Other Pages You Might Enjoy...
The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
For more than 300 years the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory has been a central figure in European porcelain. It was at Meissen that the first true hard-paste porcelain was manufactured outside of China, and the story of that accomplishment has the high drama of fiction - all the more intriguing because it is true.
Pirated Glassware that Collectors Want to Own
The 1996 discovery of what is believed to be the wreckage of Blackbeard’s ship Queen Anne’s Revenge, is providing historians and collectors new information about the fragile and transparent objects that came onto the North American Continent before arrival of the first piece of cut glass.
Collecting Antique Furniture
Of all the collectible antiques, the broad category of furniture is perhaps the most widely held and most satisfying. Frequently handed down through generations, the various chairs, tables, cabinets and other pieces are often in use, adding character and constancy to our daily lives. This guide includes an overview of the significant styles and historical periods, and other important information for collectors.
Collecting Antique Clocks and Watches
Information for collectors of antique clocks and watches. Includes a history of clock and watchmaking, an overview of styles, and important terminology.
Collecting Antique Jewelry
Embodying the wealth and treasure of bygone days, the antique jewelry pieces available today include some of the world's most valuable artifacts. Includes a history of jewelry making, an overview of the major historical periods, and a glossary of antique jewelry terminology.
Chateau de Villandry The Jewel of Loire Valley
Chateau de Villandry is open to the public and is one of the most visited castles in France. People come from the world over to see its famous Renaissance gardens which combine flowers and vegetables in intricate beds, best viewed from the castle tower.
Tired Of The Same Old Sights - Try A Musical Tour Of England
London's nightlife makes it a top destination for rock fans and pop music historians. From the crosswalk at Abbey Road to the venerable Royal Albert Hall, Great Britain is the place to go to see some of pop culture's most significant landmarks.
Chateau de Villandry The Jewel of Loire Valley
Chateau de Villandry is open to the public and is one of the most visited castles in France. People come from the world over to see its famous Renaissance gardens which combine flowers and vegetables in intricate beds, best viewed from the castle tower.
Alaska by Rail
For the first-time Alaska visitor, stepping aboard a train bound for the wilderness is the beginning of a journey filled with adventure and surprise. Only a third of Alaska is accessible by car; the train offers options that go beyond what a highway traveler might see.
Alabama's Gulf Coast 3rd in Top Ten U.S. Destinations For Overall Golf Value
Championship caliber golf courses of the Alabama Gulf Coast recently ranked third in the Overall Value for the Money list, as compiled in Golf Digest's 2008 Travel and Destination Study. This study measured consumer's awareness and experiences in 37 golf destinations. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area ranks alongside Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Trail and Myrtle Beach as one of the nation's top value golf destinations.
A Florida Beyond the Theme Parks
With its rich history reaching back 100s of years, diverse culture, and vibrant wildlife, Florida offers many vacation opportunities beyond sunny beaches and theme parks.
The Monuments and Memorials of the Nation's Capital
Washington, DC’s unforgettable skyline is marked by some of the world’s most celebrated monuments. The fantastic temples, structures and statues that grace the green expanses of the National Mall tell fascinating stories through their history and design. Here is some background information on the city’s most famous sights.
Cafe Boogaloo, Brass Monkey, and Vibrato are Top Voted Los Angeles Nightspots
Zagat Survey has announced the results of its 2007-08 Los Angeles Nightlife survey. The results are based on the collective opinions of 3,115 avid, local late-nighters who went out an average of 1.8 times per week, which is roughly 291,000 nights of market research.
Avoid Injuries and Stay Safe While Enjoying Backcountry Hiking
Members of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR) bring you five survival tips for safer hiking. From proper planning to knowing what to do in an emergency, you can enjoy adventure and be safe too!
Sesame Place: A Pennsylvania Theme Park for Young Children
For some children, a theme park can be overwhelming, but
not Sesame Place. This Pennsylvania destination in Langhorne near Philadelphia encourages children to
seek out adventure with the same philosophies as Sesame Street.