My new book, Denmark Street: London’s Street of Sound, is published by Paradise Road. It explores the history of Denmark Street in St Giles, looking at how this tiny street between Soho and Covent Garden has evolved to reflect the changes taking place in the music industry, from the age of sheet music and music hall to the era of streaming.
This is the street where the NME and Melody Maker were started, where the Rolling Stones recorded their demo album and the Beatles signed their first publishing deal. It’s where the first UK charts were compiled and were David Bowie recruited some of his first bands. As the music industry changed, Denmark Street changed with it, albeit sometimes reluctantly. As well as musicians, I write about the historic nature of music publishing on Denmark Street, explore how the street later came to be lined with instrument shops and celebrate the 12 Bar, one of London’s great small venues.
Along the way, we encounter many of the greats of music from Lionel Bart and Joe Meek to Sex Pistols and Jeff Buckley. We also hear about the street’s less glamorous side, and finally take a look at how Crossrail and redevelopment has affected this historic corner of London. Will Denmark Street continue to be London’s street of sound?
Denmark Street: London’s Street of Sound is available direct from Paradise Road and at all good book shops.
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