Punk Music Walking Tour with Brit Music Tours in London
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking on urban sidewalks and cobblestones.
Overview
Walk the streets of Soho with Brit Music Tours to uncover the Sex Pistols' gritty rise to punk fame. Visit iconic gigs, rehearsal spaces, and dive into London’s 1970s punk underground.
Sex Pistols and Punk Music Walking Tour
For all ages! • 2 hours • Public Tour!
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About This Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating tour of Soho, tracing the legendary Sex Pistols' rise to fame. Visit their first rehearsal space, iconic gig locations, and discover the vibrant punk scene of the 1970s. Experience the band's outrageous history and lasting legacy in the heart of London’s music culture.
Sex drugs and rock and roll. This tour has it all.
Duration
2 hours
About
The Sex Pistols were a legendary punk rock band that formed in London in 1975, and they quickly became known for their controversial and provocative lyrics and performances. One of the most iconic places associated with the band is Soho, a neighborhood in the heart of London that was known for its vibrant music and nightlife scene in the 1970s. A tour of Soho that highlights the band’s history and legacy making a fascinating and exciting way to explore the city.
The tour will begin at the band’s first rehearsal space, located in a basement on Denmark Street. This street, also known as “Tin Pan Alley,” has a rich history of music and was home to many of the city’s most famous recording studios and record shops. You will get a chance to see where the band first started making music together and learn about the early days of the punk scene in London.
Next, the tour would move on to the location of the band’s first gig, at St. Martin’s School of Art in 1976. This was a seminal moment in the band’s history, as it marked their official debut as a live act and helped to establish them as one of the most important and influential punk bands of all time. Visitors will learn about the band’s early performances and the impact they had on the London music scene.
The tour will include where Sid met Nancy for the first time, the shop where Glenn Matlock got collared by the old Bill, one of their favourite pubs and the record label that embraced them when all others considered them untouchable.
You will get a chance to learn about the band’s rise to fame and the controversy that surrounded them and hear about the band’s final days and the legacy they left behind.
Overall, a tour of Soho that highlights the history and legacy of the Sex Pistols would be an exciting and informative way to explore the city and learn about one of the most important and influential bands in the history of rock and roll. From their early days in the punk scene to their rise to fame and the controversy that surrounded them, the tour would offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the band. -See where the Sex Pistols had their first gig -Discover some of the outrageous things the Sex Pistols did -Walk down London’s famous Tin Pan Alley -See the rehearsal space where the Sex Pistols also lived
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers city streets and alleys in Soho, so sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable.
Bring a rain jacket
London weather is unpredictable; a lightweight rain jacket ensures you stay dry during the tour.
Arrive early for check-in
Meeting point is at 1 Oxford Street; arriving 10 minutes early guarantees a smooth start.
Plan for limited accessibility
Some locations, like the basement rehearsal space, involve stairs and narrow passages.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons frequenting Soho’s rooftops
- Urban foxes occasionally spotted after dusk
History
Soho was a vibrant hub for music and counterculture in the 1970s, playing a crucial role in the punk movement’s development.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve Soho’s musical landmarks aim to maintain the cultural heritage amidst rapid urban development.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Ensures all-day comfort navigating Soho’s streets and uneven surfaces.
Light rain jacket
Protects from sudden rain showers common in London.
spring|fall|summer|winter specific
Portable phone charger
Keeps your phone powered for photos and navigation throughout the tour.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is key, especially during warmer weather or longer walks.
summer|spring|fall specific