England
Abbey Road
Known most famously for Abbey Road studios where The Beatles recorded their final album of the same name that featured the famous zebra road crossing on the album cover. It’s situated in the borough of Camden in London. Other names who have recorded in the studios include Kanye West, Queen, Aretha Franklin and Pink Floyd to name a few. The Beatles album has been parodied many times over the years and the road sign is frequently stolen due to its rich history making it a well sought after music experience in the UK.
Cavern Club
Opened in 1957 originally as a jazz club, the Liverpool club became heavily associated with the 50s and 60s rock scene, Merseybeat. It regularly played host to The Beatles in their early days and has hosted the likes of the Hollies, Elton John, Black Sabbath, and Cilla Black.
Soho
Soho has a wealth of history when it comes to the arts as it’s famously known for being a ‘bohemian’ area of London surrounded in creativity. This makes it the perfect area to venue hop for a high quality music experience. Some of the highlights include Jazz After Dark which used to host Amy Winehouse you can enjoy jazz, funk, and soul here. Another notable venue in the area is Ronnie Scott’s, one of the most famous jazz venues in the world. Over the year it has seen Ella Fitzgerald, Artic Monkeys cross its stage and was where Jimi Hendrix last performed. Speaking of Ronnie Scott, the legend regularly featured in another popular venue in Soho, 100 Club. 100 Club is known for its rich history and usually runs a busy events schedule. It’s even been known to be an establishment for secret shows from huge name acts.
Scotland
King Tuts Wah Wah Hut
The club was started in the 90s as a venue to promote upcoming bands in Glasgow as this kind of venue didn’t really exist at the time. They showcased bands Oasis, The Verve and Radiohead all within a two-week period. Tut’s also ran a stage at Scotland’s biggest festival, T in the Park for many years with Manic Street Preachers vocalist, James Dean Bradfield, thanking the venue for being the first to treat them well and give them hot food on tour. As well as boasting as a legendary venue it has been celebrated as Music Pub of the Year in the past. It’s been said that you haven’t made it unless you’ve played Tut’s.
Kirrimuir
For fans of rock band, AC/DC, a trip to Kirrimuir for a photo with the bronze statue of Bon Scott is a worthwhile trip. Scott was raised here before moving to Australia with his family and joining the band. A festival named BonFest is annually held to celebrate his legacy, out of the event arose the idea to permanently memorialise him with the bronze figure in 2016.
Wales
Spillers Record Factory
Spillers Record Factory is the world’s oldest record shop situated in the historic Morgan Arcade in Cardiff. The store opened in 1894 and sells an extensive range of records as well as hosting live gigs and music events.
Rockfield Studios
Fans of Bohemian Rhapsody and Queen will notice this spot as the residential studio the band stayed in when recording their first platinum selling album in America, A Night at the Opera. You don’t need to be a multi-record selling artist to stay on the property however, fans looking for music infused accommodation can book out the barns to experience the hospitality enjoyed by some of the worlds top selling musicians. The perfect music experience for fans of the iconic band.
Ireland
Phil Lynott Statue
The Thin Lizzy frontman was a well-known figure amongst most Dubliners but the footfall his statue garners proves he had a reach that was global. Lynott’s short life is celebrated in a life-sized statue outside the famous Bruxelles Rock Pub. Fans gather for photos and to lay guitar picks at the foot of the memorial to pay tribute to one of Dublin’s biggest music heroes.
Galway
Galway is a city famous for its music from acclaimed artists to street buskers. It’s a city built on music traditions and when you visit, you’ll find music pours from the pubs and through the streets all throughout the day and kicking up another notch at night. Highlights include Eyre Square for high quality buskers and Taaffe’s for traditional Irish music. Once Taafee’s live music slows down for the night, hop over to Tig Cóilí for more trad music.
Rock n Roll Museum
An experience to rock your socks off! The Irish Rock n’ Roll Museum explore Irish rock in the place it thrived. It’s located right by the Temple Bar and incorporates all things Irish music from over the past 30 years. Visitors get the chance to go behind the scenes of an active music venue and recording studio. Featuring stories and memorabilia from The Pogues, U2, Thin Lizzy and Sinead O’Connor.
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