Is there a street in London that sums up rock and roll in the capital?
Well yes, actually there is. It’s Denmark Street, sometimes known as Tip Pan Alley (a nod to the original Tin Pan Alley in New York) off the Charring Cross Road.
Back in the 1950’s numerous music publishers’ offices moved into what was originally a modest residential street. Eventually they largely moved on to probably more upmarket surroundings and, in their place, came music shops and independent recording studios.
In the early 60’s new and ‘up and coming’ London rock bands and musicians were drawn here, lured by the music scene – to record and the chance to mix with other young musicians. They included the Rolling Stones (who recorded at the Regency Studios at no 4), and David Bowie and the Small Faces, who used to socialise at a café at number 9.
Elton John and Bernie Tauplin came to write songs at an office on the other side of the street and later in the 1970’s, the Sex Pistols came to live at no 6 and recorded their first demos here.
A blue plaque was unveiled in 2014 commemorating the street’s importance to the music industry.
In the 2010s, the surrounding area began to undergo massive redevelopment but luckily parts of Denmark Street are listed, ensuring London’s rock and roll legacy remains preserved.