Discover London’s iconic grassroots music scene with a first of its kind music Tube map featuring venues, artists, nightclubs, songs, and music heritage. 🎶🎉
London has always marched to the beat of its own drum. Now, thanks to a new campaign from the Mayor of London and Transport for London, the capital’s iconic Tube map has been reimagined to reflect its rich musical heritage.
Introducing the Grassroots Music Tube Map, a one-of-a-kind visual celebration of the venues, artists, genres, and communities that make London one of the greatest music cities in the world.
This campaign is part of London Creates MUSIC, a powerful initiative bringing together music industry leaders, artists and cultural partners to shine a light on grassroots music and the vital role it plays in our city’s creative and economic life.
A Tube Map Remix: Music, Rewired 🚇
For the first time ever, the classic London Underground map has had a musical makeover to help celebrate TfL’s 25th anniversary. Designed to resemble a network of electric cables with a sleek black background, each line has been rebranded to celebrate a different part of the capital’s vibrant music culture:
Alongside this are 25 grassroots music venues, 25 legendary nightclubs, and 25 beloved record shops. These are all mapped out and celebrated as essential landmarks in London’s music journey.
On Display Now: See It Live at Outernet London 📍
The Grassroots Music Tube Map isn’t just a graphic… It’s an experience. The map is now on display at Outernet London, the largest digital exhibition space in Europe. You can explore the full interactive display in the Arcade space right near Tottenham Court Road station.
Why Grassroots Music Matters 🎤
In fact, London’s 179 grassroots music venues are more than just places to see live music. They’re incubators of talent, cultural meeting points, and vital contributors to our nighttime economy.
Last year:
- Over 4.2 million audience members attended gigs
- More than 328,000 artists performed
- Nearly 7,000 people were employed
- A huge £313 million was contributed to the UK economy
Some of today’s biggest stars including Coldplay, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan and Noah Kahan first performed in grassroots venues across London before breaking into the mainstream. For an average ticket price of just £11, you can witness the next big thing before the rest of the world catches on.
London Comes Together to Keep Music Live 📢
The campaign has already received powerful backing from industry legends like Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, Skunk Anansie’s Skin, and influential venues such as The Water Rats. Their message is clear: London’s music scene is special, and it needs our support.
TfL Customer Director, Emma Strain, said:
“Live music is an essential part of London’s cultural offering, and transport plays a vital role in helping it thrive. From Night Tube and Night Overground to our licensed busking scheme.”
As the capital prepares to welcome SXSW London this summer, with 20+ grassroots venues taking part, this campaign couldn’t be more timely.
Ready to Discover Your Local Soundtrack? 🎶
Whether you’re a lifelong gig-goer or just dipping your toe into the scene, there’s never been a better time to explore London through the power of music.
Visit the TfL website or check out the interactive map at Outernet London to start your musical journey today. And don’t forget to share your favourite venues, gigs and records using #GrassrootsMusicMap and #LondonCreatesMUSIC.
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