10 things to come out of Denmark Street

My new book, Denmark Street: London’s Street Of Sound, is out now. But why is Denmark Street so interesting anyway? Here are ten (mostly) music-related things that emerged from Denmark Street since the 1910s.

1 The charts

The first UK singles chart was compiled in 1952 by the NME from their office on Denmark Street. It’s arguably the single greatest innovation to come from the street’s long association with music.

2 The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ debut album was recorded at a pokey little Denmark Street studio, Regent Sound, in 1964.

3 Northern Songs

The Beatles’ publishing company was formed in 1963 at the office of music publisher Dick James, on the corner of Denmark Street and Charing Cross Road. It was a then revolutionary deal, which recognised that the Beatles were both performers and songwriters.

4 “South Of The Border”

Perhaps the best of the pre-rock ‘n’ roll songs published on Tin Pan Alley, “South Of The Border” was the work of Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, two prolific pre-war Denmark Street songwriters.

5 Dark Side Of The Moon

One of the world’s best known album covers was conceived by designers Hipgnosis at No 6 Denmark Street.

6 Forbidden Planet

Denmark Street wasn’t just about music – the nerd emporium began life on Denmark Street, ensuring the street was briefly a mecca for comic lovers as well as music fans.

7 Live At The 12 Bar

Bert Jansch was one of many great musicians to perform at the tiny 12 Bar – this 1996 concert was officially released in 2015.

8 Cerberus

Cerberus was a pioneering internet-streaming music site that was located at No 21 Denmark Street in 1994 – years ahead of its time.

9 Theme to “News At Ten“

One of many famous theme tunes to emerge from the studio on Denmark Street owned by KPM – home to one of the largest music libraries in the world.

10 Spunk

The Sex Pistols had a rehearsal space at No 6 Denmark Street, where they recorded several songs that appeared on this legendary bootleg.

For more, see my new book Denmark Street: London’s Street of Sound (Paradise Road).