For music enthusiasts and avid travellers, visiting iconic music landmarks takes you back to the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest records. These sites celebrate the legacies of legendary artists as well as offer an immersive experience of the culture and history that shaped their music.
Here are five essential destinations that every enthusiast should visit.
Abbey Road Studios, London, England
Immortalised by the Beatles’ 1969 album cover, the iconic Abbey Road Studios have been the birthplace of countless celebrated recordings. Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” and Radiohead’s “OK Computer” are just a few of the groundbreaking sessions the studios have hosted.
Take a guided tour into the studio’s illustrious past and don’t forget to snap a photo on the zebra crossing outside – one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK’s musical history!
Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Known to many as the beginnings of rock ‘n’ roll, Sun Studio in Memphis is a must-visit. Step back in time to the rooms where a young Elvis Presley recorded his first tracks, as well as other American legends like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Upon entering the studios, you are surrounded by the original recording equipment and abundant memorabilia.
Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Elvis Presley’s former home, Graceland, serves as a pilgrimage site for fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Now a museum, it offers an intimate look into Elvis’s life and career, and you can pay a visit to where he is laid to rest in the Meditation Garden.
The rooms and his personal belongings are meticulously preserved, as well as his unrivalled collection of classic cars. Remember your time spent in the unique Graceland by adding to your CD album collection with one of the ‘King’s’ many releases.
Motown Museum, Detroit, Michigan, USA
The original headquarters of Motown Records, now the Motown Museum, honours the label’s profound impact on music and culture. Artists like The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and The Jackson 5, all signed to the label, gave rise to a new sound that helped to bridge racial divides and defined multiple generations.
Founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, the label and museum is housed in the ‘Hitsville U.S.A.’ building, which offers you a glimpse into the early days of Motown.
Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg, Austria
A slightly different experience for classical music aficionados is a visit to Mozart’s Birthplace in Salzburg. Located in the house where the musical genius was born, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the composer’s early life and development.
Follow a detailed narrative of Mozart’s journey from a child prodigy to a musical spectacle. While in Salzburg, make sure to visit one of the city’s beautiful palaces or cycle along the banks of the Salzach River.
