Announcing my UK Legends of Rock Music History Tour!
About eight years ago, I led a music tour of London with group of music fans. It was fantastic fun, and we agreed to do it again. But just as planning started, COVID hit and everything was placed on the back burner.
Now, though, we’re ready to go, in partnership with Royal Irish Tours. And this tour is bigger and better than I could have ever hoped.
It’s a nine-day, eight-night small group tour departing September 29 that will take us through London, Liverpool, and Manchester. Here’s what you expect.
Day 1 (Sept 30)
We arrive at Gatwick and head into the city for a welcome lunch at classic pub that figures into British music history. Join me for a welcome dinner. Evening at leisure to recover from the flight.
Day 2 (Oct 01)
LOTS of London: Abbey Road, Soho (GREAT record stores!), Mayfair, and Marylebone with a walking tour that touches on The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Carnaby Street, and more. In the evening, we just might decide to go out to a gig of some sort.
Day 3 (Oct 02)
More London: Notting Hill (we’ll have to go record shopping at the original Rough Trade), Kensington (a visit to Freddie Mercury’s house), Chelsea/King’s Road. That night, there’s an optional group dinner at either Chateau Denmark or The Troubadour.
Day 4 (Oct 3)
STILL more London: North London (a visit to the Kinks’ family home, Konk Studios, and their local pub), Camden (SO much to see!), and Primrose Hill. You have a choice of hanging out in Camden or doing a little exploring on your own.
Day 5 (Oct 4)
A “Choose Your Own Adventure” day with more walking tours. I think we should probably head to the East End for a trip to Brick Lane and more record shopping at Rough Trade East. The evening will feature a dinner at the original Hard Rock Cafe, complete with a private tour of the Hard Rock’s vault of music memorabilia.
Day 6 (Oct 05)
Off to Liverpool by private coach. Several routes are under consideration, including a detour to Birmingham to take in some Sabbath stuff. When we get to Liverpool, we’ve got a walking tour booked with a Beatles expert, who will take is to the Cavern Club. Maybe we’ll go back there in the evening for pint, if you’re up for it.
Day 7 (Oct 06)
More Liverpool. Beatles, Beatles, Beatles. Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby’s grave, and dinner at The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, the same place where Paul McCartney played on that episode ofCarpool Karaoke.
Day 8 (Oct 07)
Coach transfer to Manchester. A local expert will take us through everything Manchester: Joy Division/New Order, Smiths, The Fall, Madchester (Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, etc), Oasis, and more. Yes, we will go to Sifters Record Shop, where the Gallagher Brother used to hang out.
Day 9 (Oct 08)
All Manchester, all day. We’ll visit the site of New Order’s doomed club, The Hacienda, along with Factory Records HQ, the legendary Strawberry Studios, Salford Lads Club, the Joy Division Bridge. and more. Back to the hotel for a farewell dinner.
Day 10 (Oct 09)
Time to head home after breakfast. We’ll fly back to Toronto from Manchester
The full itinerary and all trip details can be found here. If you have any questions, talk to my man Conor at Royal Irish Tours. He can be reached at conor@ritvacations.com. He’s waiting to hear from you.
Like I said, this is a small group tour, so don’t wait too long, okay? We’ve already had a bunch of people sign up.
