The massive metropolis of Greater London is the capital city of England and the largest conurbation in the United Kingdom. London is an incredibly popular place to visit and this is due, in part, to the great many important tourist attractions and historically important landmarks to be found there. A quick look at a map of London will show you how densely it is packed with world class tourist attractions which range from the most modern to the truly ancient and historic. Many of the greatest buildings are, in some way, associated with the Queen of England and the Royal Family but there are also a great many institutions and traditions which go back centuries which add to the immense appeal of this incredibly unique city. The United Kingdom has, for decades, had a deep love of popular music. From the early skiffle groups to the latest pop bands such as Coldplay, Oasis and a multitude of small up and coming acts, it would appear that the UK has an endless supply of talented musicians and singers. Apart from short periods (such as those known for "Merseybeat" and "Madchester") the city of London has been the music capital of the UK with acts from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland having to "up sticks" and relocate there to progress in the music industry. Possibly the most famous period, during which London seemed to be the music capital of the world, is known as the "Swinging Sixties". Abbey Road is one of the most famous streets in the world. This famous street in London is well known as the cover of a Beatles album, Abbey Road. The Beatles (John, Paul, George & Ringo) are photographed walking the road (on the pedestrian crossing). Paul McCartney is shown walking barefoot and John Lennon is wearing his white suit. Many fans found the album cover distressing. It was rumoured that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident, and this photograph was proof. The clues that supported the rumour were, Paul had his eyes closed, was walking barefoot, he was smoking using his right hand when he was left handed and all the other members of the Beatles had their left feet forward but Paul had his right foot forward. These are only the most common clues said to be in the photograph. The Beatles famous album, Abbey Road, was so called after the road in which they recorded the album. At no.3 Abbey Road were the EMI Studios, where the band along with EMI Producer George Martin, recorded the majority of their works. The studios were not renamed until 1970 when the Beatles had completed recording an album, which proved to be their last ever album recorded together. The Beatles have just as many fans worldwide now as they did during their heyday. Every year, a lot of fans make the trek to London to visit Abbey Road. Like their idols they wait to have their photographs taken striding across the pedestrian crossing. At times the fans have to wait a while until traffic disperses. Abbey Road studios are housed in a large Georgian townhouse in the reputable area of St John's Wood, London. The house next door, which is used as a place to rest ones head, is also the property of EMI. Musicians use the house whilst they are recording or mastering their recordings in the studios next door. Some musicians only stay for a short while, unlike the fab four who spent 129 days at Abbey Road, in 1967, recording their immortal album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. When planning a visit to the Uk, Abbey Road is often found amongst the lists of landmarks to visit. So whilst on holiday here you might like to have your photograph taken at the world famous studios or emulate the Beatles and have your photograph taken whilst walking across the road. So, next time you visit London, consider taking one of the many tours of the city. Some tours of London focus on those places associated with famous musicians and the swinging sixties while others take in the typical tourist attractions of Buckingham Palace and the likes. Remember that there are many incredible places to visit that are well off the well beaten tourist map of London and, with only a little investigation, you will find yourself discovering hidden London.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
