Virgin Records – one of the defining brand in music. Known for taking risks and setting their own trends, as well as helping to start a few. Its not hard to see that these words are far from hyperbole. From Mike Oakfield’s Tubular Bells (no one else would sign the concept album which went on to sell more than 40 million copies), the Sex Pistol’s Never Mind The bollocks (which helped give a voice to a youth who felt they had none) to more recent signings such as Emeli Sandé, an ethereal and bold artist, its clear that the face of popular music would be very different without the input of this trailblazing record label.
If you want to feel like a part of the journey, take a tour of the Virgin Records 40th Anniversary Exhibition – ‘40 Years of Disruptions’ at Studio B1, Victoria House, in London (WC1 4DA). An incredible showcase of the rich artistic culture that was spawned and nurtured by Virgin Records, this place is a Mecca for any true music aficionado. Be sure to set yourself plenty of time to absorb the tour, there’s so much to take in!
Here’s what’s going on:
26.10.13 – Start 2pm. A short and intimate set from one of this year’s biggest breakout acts, The Strypes.
27.10.13 – Q and A session with super-producer Naughty Boy and British superstar rapper Professor Green hosted by MistaJam
28.10.13 ‘VIRGIN DISRUPTORS’ a live streamed debate on the controversial topic ‘Has Tech Killed The Music Industry?’ Featuring disruptive minds in tech & music that include Spotify, Vevo, Songkick special guests artists and more. Tune in to the live-stream at 7.30pm GMT: www.virgin.com/disruptors
We were lucky enough to be at the launch, and the amazing after party… All I can say is it lived up to everything you would expect from Virgin and more, one hell of a night!
If you’re not able to make it to the exhibition, fear not, there are other ways to join in the celebrations:
- A compilation album covering Virgin Classics entitled ‘40 years of Disruptions’ out October 21st
- A series of 5 albums spanning the four decades out November 5th, the albums include lost album tracks, seminal hit singles as well as 7” rarities never before released; Losing Our Virginity 1973- 1976; Never Trust A Hippy 1976-1979; New Gold Dreams 1979-1983; Methods Of Dance 1973-1986; Fascinating Rhythms 1987-2013.
- A series of live shows by Virgin artists. Scritti Politti have been added to the line-up for the 11th November – Martyn Ware presents Heaven 17 evening. The band released a string of albums on Virgin Records between 1984 and 1999. In addition, Jerry Casale from legendary new wave punk band Devo will also play a DJ set the same night.
Additional tickets will also go on sale for the Bastille and Simple Minds shows on Monday 21st October at 9am from www.Virgin40.com
Dates as below:
26th October – The Strypes Virgin 40th Exhibition
4th November – Emeli Sandé, Professor Green, Naughty Boy – KOKO
5th November – Bastille, Josh Record – KOKO
7th November – Simple Minds – KOKO
10th November – Boy George – KOKO
11th November – Martyn Ware Presents Heaven 17, Scritti Politti + Jerry Casale (Devo) DJ set – KOKO
12th November – Jazzie B Presents Soul II Soul(full live set) – KOKO
For tickets go to www.Virgin40.com
