Although not technically a ‘culture’ day, this activity has been more of a ‘labour of love’ for me, covering the topic of music – and in particular ‘album’ covers that depict locations in London.
It is a blog that I did a few months ago back in the late summer of 2017, but have only just got around to publishing it.
Surprisingly, there are not too many examples to select from, and the challenge for me was to establish the exact spot where these cover shots were originally taken.
Obviously, for some of the locations there has been considerable landscape and structural change since the original photos were taken – however, for the selections I chose, I have attempted (sort of) to replicate the album cover, and have provided brief details of each album and the actual location/setting for its respective cover shot.
I have to say…..this was great fun!!!
Keep on rockin !!!!
Wings “London Town” – released in 1978 The cover shot obviously featuring the band against the back drop of Tower Bridge – London EC3
Replicating the Wings London Town album cover – but this time with The Shard also in the background
Pink Floyd’s “Animals” album – issued in 1977 – with the subject matter being Battersea Power Station – SW11
How Pink Floyds ‘Animals’ album cover depicting Battersea Power Station, would look if taken today
Carly Simon’s “Anticipation” album – released in 1971 The cover shot taken at the entrance gates to Queen Mary Gardens within Regents Park – NW1
How The “Anticipation” album cover shot looks today – the entrance gate to Queen Mary Garden – Regents Park
The debut album from the Clash – released in 1977 The cover shot was taken in a backstreet alley within Camden Market NW1 – that was directly opposite their rehearsal room
The very same spot today where the Clash debut album cover was shot. The walkway has now been replaced with steps and the iron lintels have long since been removed. Also – there is a barrier to prevent people taking ‘replica’ photos at the spot
Oasis “(What’s the story) Morning Glory” album cover that was shot in Berwick Street – Soho W1, and released in 1995 – (obviously taken very early in the morning, as there is no traffic)
The Oasis “What’s the Story…” Album cover location, as it looks today
The Rolling Stones “Between the Buttons” album, released in 1967. The cover shot was taken on Primrose Hill, London NW1, at 5am in the morning following an all night recording session
The location of the Stones “Between the Buttons” album cover shot – Primrose Hill, NW1 (unfortunately I was unable to identify the actual original tree in the cover shot
Madness’s “Absolutely” album, released in 1980 – the cover shot being taken outside Chalk Farm underground station, on the Northern Line – NW1
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the exact position that I wanted to replicate the Madness album cover – as there was quite a lot of activity taking place outside of the entrance to Chalk Farm station – but you get the gist
The Beatles “1962-1966” hits album, released in 1978 – where the cover related to an old photo of the Fab Four that was taken of them looking down from a balcony at the EMI head quarters at 20 Manchester Square London W1
The actual site of the Beatles 1962-1966 album cover – has clearly changed quite considerably since the original cover photo was taken back in the early 60’s – however, the actual spot that the photo was taken can still be established
One of my personal all time favourite albums – “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” – by David Bowie (and the Spiders) that was released in June 1972. This ‘street’ shot was taken in Heddon Street,which is a small cul-de-sac off of Regent Street. The “K.West” sign relates to a furriers that used to operate from there – and conspiracy theories suggest that this was chosen because it was Bowie’s “quest” to be the global star he later became
The Ziggy Stardust album cover location (Heddon St) as it looks today. Completely pedestrianised and now full of restaurants – However, other buildings in the background remain the same as they were for the original album cover
The actual spot in Heddon Street where the Ziggy Stardust album cover was originally shot all those years ago. A plaque now commemorates the spot – however, the ‘lantern’ is the same one as can be seen on the album cover
The back cover of the Ziggy Stardust album – also shot in Heddon Street W1
Although this is not the original phone box, as seen on the back cover of the Ziggy Stardust album – it is tucked away outside a side street bar in Heddon Street – and is frequented by sado’s like me from all over the world – who enjoy making a pilgrimage to the original album cover site
The Beatles universally famous “Abbey Road” album , released in 1969 – and taken at the zebra crossing directly outside the Abbey Road recording studios in St.Johns Wood, London NW8
The very same zebra crossing today, as per the Beatles “Abbey Road” album cover
The Mumford & Sons album “Sigh No More” released in 2009 – where the cover shot was a shop at 596 Kings Road, Chelsea – London SW3
The actual shop at 596 Kings Road, Chelsea as it is today – where the Mumford & Sons cover for their “Sigh no more” album was shot
Hi – this is great. I’ve always wondered where exactly the the photographer would have stood to take the Wings London Town cover. Can you give more detail of this?
Really interesting.
Thanks
Hi Justine – thank you for taking the time and trouble to contact London Shoes – it’s always reassuring and pleasing to know that people read and enjoy my material.
As far as I can remember, I’m fairly sure that the spot where I took the photo replicating the original Wings ‘London Town’ album cover – was on the north side of the Thames, looking west towards Tower Bridge – at the start of the Thames Path, very near to St.Katherines Way and the Alderman Stairs.
Hope this helps answer your question.
Cheers……..GEOFF
Some fascinating articles on hidden London. One of our old colleagues tipped me off about your site, good to see that you are not wasting your retirement years. Excellent stuff.
Just perfect Geoff , a great project that one. I was disappointed that you didn’t manage to locate the actual original tree on Primrose Hill! :-)) Maybe another time? 🙂