The Music Walk of Fame

04 September 2023 - Press release

UB40, JANIS JOPLIN AND HARVEY GOLDSMITH CBE KICKSTART A WEEK OF STONE UNVEILINGS IN CAMDEN

A WEEKLONG CELEBRATION, WITH THE CAMDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL TAKING PLACE THIS SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

• UB40, Janis Joplin and Harvey Goldsmith CBE kicked off a special week of unveilings for The Music Walk of Fame

  • Tributes were heard from stars Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend, Chrissie Hynde, Tyson Fury, Ian Wright, and a special appearance from Suggs, a Music Walk of Fame recipient

  • This week will see Gordon Mac (Founder Of Kiss FM), Paul 'Trouble' Anderson, The Sugarhill Gang, Eddy Grant, Buzzcocks, Billy Bragg, Shalamar and The Kinks be honoured, ahead of the first ever annual Camden Music Festival on Saturday 9th September

  • They join former inductees David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Madness, The Who and Soul II Soul who have all been honoured on the walk in previous years

  London's prestigious Music Walk Of Fame today inducted three more music legends UB40, Janis Joplin and Harvey Goldsmith CBE and immortalised on the Camden pavement in recognition of their achievements. 

  Across today's three ceremonies, which took place on Camden High Street, the crowds heard tributes from stars across music, sport and more including the likes of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend, Chrissie Hynde, Tyson Fury, Ian Wright and Suggs. 

  The Music Walk of Fame honours artists and trailblazers from around the globe, from all eras, genres, and ages, with a stone on the Camden based trail. Later this week, Gordon Mac (Founder Of Kiss FM), Paul 'Trouble' Anderson, The Sugarhill Gang, Eddy Grant, Buzzcocks, Billy Bragg, Shalamar and The Kinks will all receive their recognition, culminating in the first ever annual Camden Music Festival on Saturday 9th September.

  Lee Bennett, Founder of The Music Walk of Fame, said: "It's been an incredible first day of unveilings here in Camden for the Music Walk of Fame. Today we honoured three legends in the music industry; the icons Janis Joplin and UB40 as well as the pioneering live music promoter, Harvey Goldsmith CBE. It's been quite an undertaking to put on a whole week of stone unveilings along Camden High but definitely a worthwhile task in order to immortalise these stars in a hub of music and creativity that is Camden. We are really looking forward to the rest of the unveilings this week and especially our first ever come to music festival taking place on Saturday. See you there!"

  During the ceremony for Janis Joplin - for which many of her family were present including siblings Laura and Michael Joplin - her brother Michael Joplin recalled a memory of his sister's special one off UK show: "Just yesterday, my wife and I were out for an early morning walk trying to get over jet lag. And we ended up at the Royal Albert Hall. I was standing there on the steps remembering one of the letters that she had written home about selling out the Albert Hall, and how proud she was, just ecstatic. I'm standing on the stairs, and I could still feel her glee and pride. And I really enjoyed that. It was a wonderful moment."

  A pioneer in her own right, Janis Joplin's eclectic and transformative contribution to music and her cultural impact have left an unmovable mark on the world. Joplin's fusion of blues, soul, and rock broke new ground, exceeding all cultural boundaries and she brought the genres to a wider and more commercial audience. Selling over 31 million albums worldwide, Joplin's impact on the growth of rock and blues music cannot be ignored.

  During the ceremony for UB40, Ali Campbell of UB40, said: "I'm very proud to be given this honour and it's great to be back in Camden. Our first gig in London was in Camden. I remember being so thrilled to be playing at Dingwalls. We'd only ever heard about Dingwalls when we read about it in the music press, with Madness and all those guys who were pop stars as far as we were concerned. 

  To be back in Camden is lovely... I'm very proud of this award. I'm also proud of the part I played in promoting the music I love.. Reggae. 

  We started UB40 with that aim in mind. Our aim was to promote reggae. And Reggae is now the most influential music in the world. The contemporary Dance music that's happening now, all of its production techniques comes from Reggae. So it's a beautiful thing. So big love to everybody. Thank you for this award. And respect."

  Formed out of Birmingham in 1978, UB40 played a crucial role in popularising reggae music for a mainstream audience. Their amalgamation of reggae, pop and rock have opened up the genre to commercial recognition. The band have consistently highlighted political and social issues within their music including climate concerns, economic inequality and racial injustice. The group were also incredibly active in the movement against apartheid in South Africa, penning the song "Sing Our Own Song" expressing solidarity with the struggle for freedom. 

  With more than 50 singles in the UK singles chart and considerable international success, including four Grammy nominations for Best Reggae album and over 70 million records sold worldwide, even after all this time the band continue to release music emphasising their versatility within such a drastically changing industry, the pioneers of the reggae-pop fusion maintain the iconic levels of popularity that they've seen throughout their career.

  The day began with pioneering live promoter Harvey Goldsmith CBE receiving his MWOF plaque for his outstanding contributions to the industry. Introducing Harvey to the stage, esteemed music journalist and MOJO's Contributing Editor Phil Alexander, said "He is quite simply one of the world's greatest promoters and producers. When people talk about Harvey, they talk about his straight-talking approach, as well as his ability to keep one eye constantly on the future. In many ways, he's a man whose career has been defined by his ability to transform possibilities into absolute landmark moments."

  Harvey Goldsmith CBE proudly accepted his accolade, telling the crowds: "Music never stops. There's always something going on, and there's always something new. I'm pleased to play my part. It is an amazing industry. Music is the global ambassador and long may that continue. I thank you very much for this honour. It's something I really appreciate. Thank you."

  Entertainment promoter Harvey Goldsmith CBE spent his career organising and promoting some of the most significant and iconic music events and concerts globally. Involved in various charitable initiatives and fundraising events including The Prince's Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust at The Royal Albert Hall, his dedication to using his influence and resources for philanthropic purposes has further enhanced his reputation and legacy.

  Goldsmith promoted the 1979 Concerts for Kampuchea at Hammersmith Odeon in London, the event featured the likes of Paul McCartney, Queen and The Who, ultimately raising over $2 million from worldwide sales. He also organised Live Aid with Bob Geldof in 1985, raising £140 million within ten weeks. Dubbed as the first ever "Global JukeBox," it featured two near-simultaneous concerts at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, the 17 hour event was shown live in over 60 countries. 

   

  Music Walk Of Fame Schedule:

  Tuesday 5th September - Gordon Mac and DJ Paul 'Trouble' Anderson are to be honoured, the duo who were instrumental during the formation of Kiss FM as a pirate radio station. Paul Anderson pioneered soul club nights in the 1980s before introducing House music to the UK. Lifelong friends of Kiss FM founder Gordon Mac, the two established Kiss as London's biggest radio station, and Britain's first dance music station.

  Wednesday 6th September - Celebrating Hip Hop's 50th year, The Sugarhill Gang are  recognised as true pioneers. Their immortal 'Rapper's Delight' was the first rap single to be a top 40 hit in the Billboard chart.

  Thursday 7th September - Celebrating his 75th year, Eddy Grant is given the recognition he so deserves. The British singer songwriter began pioneering multi-racial British group The Equals in the 1960s, before finding solo success, including Electric Avenue, a response to the 1981 Brixton riots and becoming a vital black British voice.  He was also responsible for helping secure the release of Nelson Mandela with seminal hit "Give Me Hope Joanna".

  Friday 8th September - Punk band Buzzcocks are awarded their stone for their extraordinary career and influence. And a stalwart of British musical and public life. The Kinks are also to be honoured during their 60th anniversary year, an integral British rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their influential hits like "You Really Got Me" and "Lola," with Ray Davies as the frontman and primary songwriter.

  Saturday 9th September - Stalwart of British musical and public life, Billy Bragg will receive his own award for his 40 year career as a singer songwriter and activist. As a founder of Red Wedge, a collective of musicians, he galvanised the UK youth with the policies of the Labour Party, as a voice against the Conservative Leader, Maggie Thatcher.

  US R&B legends, Shalamar complete the line up. Their dance hits soundtrack generations - 'Take That to the Bank', 'Make That Move',  'The Second Time Around', 'I Can Make You Feel Good' to name just a few - and they also brought moonwalking and body popping to the UK via a famous Top Of The Pops appearance.