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So, what was so cool about Chelsea?
Well, for a start, designer Mary Quant launched the miniskirt from her shop “Bazaar” on the Kings Road and Alice Pollock opened the boutique "Quorum" in 1964 with Ossie Clark and wife, Celia Birtwell. Boutiques including the legendary “I Was Lord Kitchners Valet” and “Granny Takes a Trip” sold threads to the pop and movie stars of the day. The Beatles even opened a tailors.
The neighbourhood literally crawled with celebrities!
Representing the film world were Michael Caine, Terrance Stamp, Julie Christie, Diana Dors, Christopher Lee and many, many others. Top fashion photographer David Bailey married French actress Catherine Deneuve and, yep, they chose to live in Chelsea. Roman Polanski married Sharon Tate at the Chelsea Registry Office (see interesting YouTube footage) and John & Yoko launched 'Give Peace a Chance'.
The world of music was represented by Donovan, members of Pink Floyd, Keith Moon, the Fab Four, the Stones, Eric Clapton and, from Brazil, future Minister of Culture but then policial exile, Gilberto Gil. Jim Morrison staggered drunk out of the Chelsea Potter pub and Seargent Pilcher (‘Semelina Pilchard’ as Lennon nicknamed him) allegedly planted the seeds of future busts!
Local photographic studios turned out album covers like St Peppers and music studios put the Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull on wax. This was the neighbourhood of the ‘angry young men’ of the Royal Court Theatre, and of woman’s liberationist Germaine Greer. Oz magazine, house magazine of the counter-culture, was sold on the streets by a young Felix Denis, while artist Martin Sharpe created some memorable album covers including the Cream's ' Disreali Gears'. Oh, yes, and this was where Ian Fleming decided where James Bond should live…
It was no wonder the American magazine 'Newsweek' identified the Kings Road as the centre of Swingin’ London. Now you can see where history was made during this golden decade, seeing the houses, clubs, pubs, studios and boutiques sites that defined a generation. We’ll even stop for a drink at the famed Troubadour Club where Bob Dylan and Paul Simon began their London experiences!
And all this in the company of a truly expert guide who was ‘there on the day’ and will bring Chelsea to life!
Prices: Dependent upon how many guests in the party.
Special Departures Only
Departure times: 14.00 Return Time: approximately 17.00
Departure point: Original Tour Visitor Centre 17-19 Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BL (Nearest Tube: Charing Cross OR Piccadilly Circus)
Wanna Rock ON in the Capital? Combine this special tour with the regular rock London tours Summer of Love morning tour, the afternoon Classic Rock & Beatles tour or both for a Full Day ‘Monsters of Rock’ tour!
London is Calling You! Depending on your age, this is either a chance to wallow in glorious nostalgia, or grab an 'education' in Rock myths and history. Have those lyrics come alive and make the London connection. This fantastic day combines both our morning tour one and afternoon tour two. Not only a memorable day for the rock fan but for anybody who wants to see more of London than simply the main central tourist attractions. This tour gets you to places not normally seen by regular tourists and there’s lots of photograph! All our tours are accompanied by a knowledgeable driver/guide who knows the city’s history as well as the more specific rock history so you get two tours in one!
It’s only rock & roll but we like it!
These tours are operated by Access All Areas (GB)!
Identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting the UK’s rock heritage
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