Guyanian legend Eddy Grant was among eleven acts from all musical genres to unveil a commemorative plaque stone in their honour in the ‘Music Walk Of Fame’ in Camden, London…
By Ian Woolley
‘Music Walk of Fame’ founder Lee Bennett (photo credit Quiz Britain)
The brainchild of Lee Bennett, the stones celebrate 80 years of music in Camden. From artists like Amy Winehouse, Suggs and Eddie Grant who trod the very pavements that these new stones are now laid, to others who performed in the now iconic venues of the Electic Ballroom, Dingwall’s, KOKO, Dublin Castle, and The Underworld.
Lee said he first came up with the idea for ‘The Music Walk of Fame’ after being inspired by the infamous Hollywood Boulevard whilst walking down the famous Hollywood Boulevard of stars.
Eddy Grant with Lenny Henry on the catwalk (photo credit Quiz Britain)
We were invited along this week to see what all the fuss was about. Despite the unseasonable very hot weather, my first inductee guest was none other than Guyanian legend Eddy Grant.
Eddy Grant with commemorative stone (photo credit Quiz Britain)
With an introduction from Kerrang’s Phil Alexander, several tribute videos were displayed to the invited guests including some of the musical legends who had passed away recently, an inductee tribute, and what the stones were all about. Lee Bennett took to the stage and welcomed everyone before a few dedicated messages were read out about the inductee. Inviting the inductee/s on stage to give their thanks, they were then asked to unveil their stone.
Between 4-9th September 2023, 11 more record-shaped plaques were laid along Camden High Street. Janis Joplin, Harvey Goldsmith, and UB40 (4 Sept); Gordon Mac (founder of Kiss FM) and DJ Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson (5 Sept), The Sugarhill Gang (6 Sept), Eddy Grant (7 Sept), Buzzcocks and The Kinks (8 Sept); and Billy Bragg and Shalamar earlier today.
The new founding stone (photo credit Quiz Britain)
Each artist also signs the new founding stone which will be laid at a future date to be announced.
We just hope Lee covers it with a toughened glass cover!
According to their official website “The Music Walk of Fame honours artists, creators, executives, media, technology and celebrates world-changing moments in music, from global legends and influential contemporary artists to the unsung heroes, technological breakthroughs and industry figures whose ingenuity and passion have changed the face of popular culture today”.
There is to be a free music concert over the weekend with several of the artists who have been inducted including Buzzcocks, Billy Bragg and Shalamar to celebrate the occasion.
The earth will really move in Camden next month when legends from all genres of music when smartphone users can interact with each individual stone to find out and hear the music of the artist.
It’s a fun and exciting musical location that will bring the rich and vast musical history of the artists to the wider world!
For more information, go to their website at www.themusicwalkoffame.com