|
|
 |
| |
Lee Bennett is backing a Camden Walk of Fame |
A sewer? Only thing that smells is the Teen Spirit!
Camden should celebrate its musical heritage with its own Walk of Fame, writes Lee Bennett
AN Evening Standard writer, whose name I have forgotten already, asked: “Is Camden a sewer?” Answer: No, it’s a canal, stupid!
What I won’t forget is the musical history of Camden and the opportunities this wonderful neighbourhood gave me and many people I know.
From Suggs to Jazzie B, from Noel Gallagher to Damon Albarn, and that’s just my era. Before that, in the 1970s, David Bowie, The Ramones, Patti Smith and dozens of other artists were given their key career breaks in Camden venues.
Of late my work has taken me across the waters to the US. It was there that my son said to me, while walking down Hollywood Boulevard, “wouldn’t this be great in London?” I didn’t think anything of it at the time as I couldn’t see what we had to offer in synergy with Hollywood. Primarily, Hollywood is known for film. What did England have to offer as far as being recognised for the arts I thought to myself. It was only when I thought harder that it hit me – music.
So should Camden’s musical heritage be celebrated by twinning with Hollywood by way of a Walk of Fame? In my view, yes. Not because I’ve set the ball rolling, but because we should embrace the fact that Hollywood, one of the world’s most recognisable trademarks, is excited by what we have to offer.
I have been a Camden resident on and off for the past 20 years and have seen it gradually develop into one of the most colourful areas on the planet, mostly down to the market and the music scene.
So, what is our aim? To celebrate artists and producers, both dead or alive, as well as venues that have contributed to Camden’s musical history; to put on events to honour these recipients; to raise money for local charities, to put Camden securely in pole position as the world’s home of music and to boost local business.
By having Hollywood on board we can achieve this quicker.
That’s why I’m working with Camden Council and leading venues including the Dublin Castle, The Roundhouse, Koko, Barfly, Electric Ballroom, Underworld, and the World’s End to create Camden’s own Walk Of Fame.
We want to create a permanent reminder of this in the form of plaques and paving stones, Hollywood-style, along with concerts and events celebrating Camden as the musical capital of the world.
So, on to the history lesson.
In the 30s, while Hollywood was being born, Camden was inundated by Irish immigrants who brought traditional music for the locals to enjoy. The 60s saw rock ’n’ roll play a pivotal part in drawing attention to Camden. Also in that era The Roundhouse played host to Pink Floyd and it was there we saw the birth of psychedelic rock.
Then followed Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Cream and T Rex which led to the start of Glam Rock.
The 70s saw the rise of venues like The Music Machine, where Madonna played in later years. Most pubs in Camden started to introduce live music like the Caernarvon Castle and the Devonshire Arms.
When the Underworld was launched in the 80s it brought a different scene to Camden as did the Jazz Café in the 90s. Most bands you speak to, past and present, have all hung out, recorded or played here. To add to the previous scenes that were started here, you have Britpop, which saw a plethora of bands from Oasis to Blur, and Pulp to Suede all play or hang here at The Good Mixer. This scene paved the way for up-and-coming bands like Kasabian who played their first gig at Koko.
My personal favourite is the story of Soul2Soul who played and worked here. Had the original album Club Classics not had such global success, the world would not have taken notice of dance/rave culture.
Let’s not forget music giants that have set up camp here like Creation Records or MTV Europe as well as legendary Beatles producer George Martin who has Air Studios up the road. Even Prince decided to open a clothes shop here as well as play at Bagleys and Koko.
More recently, Barfly was born and has seen Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party play to 200 people crowds.
Legendary club Sin had Will Smith hanging out as well as the Scissor Sisters, Marilyn Manson on stage and Velvet Revolver.
Last on the history lesson, here is a list of other bands that have all played small venues in Camden or added to our musical history: Sex Pistols, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against The Machine, The Clash, Van Morrison, Gil Scott Heron, De la Soul, U2 and Blondie.
All the above mentioned will be on the list to receive paving stones.
Although we have only kept this local for now, we are receiving enormous response from big corporates who would all like to join us, but what we want to know is your thoughts. We can be contacted via www.myspace/camden
walkoffame.
Keep the Music alive!
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
