Plymouth has played an iconic landmark role in the history of music, and for many well-recognised and infamous musicians Britain’s Ocean City has provided a fantastic location for incredible performances.

Take a journey through Plymouth’s musical back catalogue and build your social distancing playlist with some of Britain’s Ocean City’s biggest musical moments!

Listen to the playlist on Spotify here.

1.     I (don’t) Want to Hold Your Hand, The Beatles

The Beatles, famously played twice in Plymouth causing mass hysteria among teenage girls at the ABC cinema (now the Reel) in 1963 and 1964. It seems even the most innovative, biggest band in the world couldn’t resist the beauty of Plymouth as they returned for a third time during the filming of their Magical Mystery Tour movie in 1967. During this last trip, they famously posed for a photo on Plymouth Hoe and there is now a cast bronze sculpture of the 'Beatle Bums' so you can recreate the Fab Four's snap once social distancing is relaxed! 

2.     Some people, Cliff Richard  

Cliff Richard also performed at the ABC Cinema, in April 1964, performing a set where he mixed rock n roll standards such as Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On with Da Doo Ron Ron and his own hits The Young Ones and Bachelor Boy.

3.     Summertime Blues, The Who

Mod’s ace faces The Who, played the Guildhall in 1965 and then at the ABC two years later.

4.     (Not) Dancing in the Street, David Bowie

David Bowie's Ziggy Tour landed like an alien spacecraft at Plymouth Guildhall in April 1972 with admission being just 60p!

5.     I want to break free, Queen

Freddie, Brian, Roger and John brought their immense Queen II tour to the Guildhall in 1974.

6.     Clampdown, The Clash

The Clash headlined their own White Riot tour in May 1977 at the Fiesta Suite, in Mayflower Street playing most of their newly released debut LP with support from Buzzcocks, Subway Sect and the Slits.

7.     Let's make it, ACDC

Rock legends ACDC with original vocalist Bon Scott also rocked the Fiesta Suite in 1977 on the Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap tour.

8.     With or without you, U2

Before they were big, Irelands’ greatest musical export U2 also graced the Fiesta Suite on their Boy Tour in 1980. It was a small intimate gig of only about 60 people in the audience.

9.     (Don’t) Run to the hills, Iron Maiden

There were also historical appearances from the epic heavy metal heroes Iron Maiden in 1980 who rocked the Fiesta Suite to its foundations.

10.     Everywhere, Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac with the high spirits of their soft rocking sounds performed at the Pennycross Stadium in 1969 with the brilliant blues guitarist Peter Green fronting the band. 

11.     (Don’t) Stand by me, Oasis

The legendary Oasis liftted the roof of the Pavilions in 2002. The gig ended with a cover of the Who’s My Generation.

12.     Plug in baby, Muse

Devon's very own Muse have probably played more Plymouth gigs than any other major rock act between 1997 and 2001, even playing at the old HMV in New George Street in 1999.

13.     Goodbye Yellowbrick road, Elton John

In 1971 Elton John tinkled the ivories at the ABC Cinema and returned again in 2007 when he sat down at the keys at Home Park.

14.     Waiting for that day, George Michael

George Michael wowed 17,000 fans also in 2007 at Home Park. In true celebrity style, Gorgeous George finally arrived by helicopter and had fans dancing and waving along with hits.

15.     I am (not) Sailing, Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart in 2009 performed to a packed stadium of fans at Home Park. On the massive stage, spanning most of one side of the stadium and flanked by huge screens, Rod kicked off with 'Some Guys Have All The Luck'.

16.     In our own worlds, Jamie Lawson

Plymouth’s own Jamie Lawson performed at the Pavilions in late 2016 and left fans gobsmacked when he pulled out Seth Lakeman and Ed Sheeran on stage.

17.     Antisocial, Ed Sheeran

The world’s most popular red-head Ed Sheeran also played his own show at The Pavilions in 2012 on his rise to fame. 

18.     Those nights, Bastille

And last but certainly not least Bastille, with Plymouth drummer Chris ‘Woody’ Wood, performed to huge crowds at MTV Presents Ocean City Sounds in the summer of 2018 on the iconic Plymouth Hoe. Bastille have performed in Plymouth a number of times, selling out their show at Pavilions in 2015 in under 10 minutes!

Click here for a playlist of local artists in and around Plymouth.