British Music Experience

06/03/2009 by Andy.

When the Millenium Dome was unveiled most people, me included, saw it as a white elephant until I paid a visit in 2002. I was amazed at the sheer size of the place and almost immediately realised that the “building” (ok tent!) had not yet found its forte. 2005 saw it unveiled as the O2 Arena and from there my view turned from scepticism to admiration (if only it were in West London). I have been to see many events now and apart from its location I am really taken with it especially O2 Indigo as a venue - I don’t go to many shows these days but Chick Corea and Return to Forever July 2008 is a true highlight . Last year I got an invite to view the “Tutankhamen” exhibition in the Bubble because this is where the BME was to make its home. BME is the British eqivalent of the American “Hall of Fame” and it has been a long time coming in my opinion.

So last night was the launch party for BME  and I went along with Jan Tucker to see how “Sweet” fitted into the equation. Mick’s “Blockbuster” suit and my Gibson 335 looked great in a display case alongside Marc Bolan’s Flying V, Dave Hill’s “Yob” guitar and one of Suzi’s leather jumpsuits. We were amazed, it really is a great experience. I suggest you go asap! Apart from the exhibits there are so many interactive areas, so much so that we didn’t realise how time had flown, 2 hours later we left for the party and we’d only skimmed the surface. I met quite a few faces from my past, ranging from Kenny Ball (a young 79!) to Rat Scabies plus other band members of all shapes, sizes and age groups. I won’t spoil the finale but let’s just say it’s like being at all the great gigs all at the same time. BME will stand as a testament to British Music - Lonnie Donegan and Cliff and the Shadows, The Beatles and Stones, The Who and Led Zep, 70’s Glam Rock, Punk and 80’s New Romantics, 90’s Boy/Girl bands and the Noughties singer-songwriters, something for everyone.

British is still Best!

ps We got caught up in the “Michael Jackson Experience” and had to wait to let him through the security gate. After 5 minutes and a few laughs the extremely likeable security chief lifted the barrier and said “he’s already kept everyone waiting for 90 minutes so who knows if or when he’s coming - in you go, sorry for the delay”. A very nice man.

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