Friday is Rock'n'Roll London Day! Join the Rock'n'Roll London walk this (and every Friday) afternoon at 2:00p.m meeting at Tottenham Court Road Station
Adam writes…
Last chance to see…
At the start of the summer holidays I visited the Jewish Museum in Camden Town for the Amy Winehouse exhibition.We are living in something of a golden age for music curation – we've had fantastic exhibitions of late for The Jam at Somerset House, The Stones at Saatchi and currently Pink Floyd at the V&A.
The Amy Winehouse show is up there with the best of them – full of music and wonderful memorabilia. But it is the show's subtitle – A Family Portrait – that holds the key to the depth of its success. The exhibition is co-curated with Winehouse's brother Alex and sister-in-law Riva.
For once when the publicity reads "discover the woman behind the music", it really delivers.
When Amy Winehouse died in 2011, we in the wider world lost a great talent. The tabloids lost a great story. The macabre myth of The 27 Club – musicians who died at aged 27 – gained another member.
This exhibition strips away the myth and the gossip and the hero worship. What is left is revealing and truly affecting.
"This is a snapshot," her brother says, "of a girl who was to her deepest core simply a little Jewish kid from north London with a big talent."
There is great warmth and love on display here, especially in the pre-fame years sections. I'm not sure I will ever forget the sight of Amy's school jumper and tie with her little name tag sewn-in.
Music is, of course, ever present. Not just the music made by Amy herself, but the songs and singers that inspired her. As her family share their intimate memories in the pieces on display, Amy's heart and soul fills the rooms in the form of the music that she loved – Ella, Ray Charles and more.
The show must close of 24th September. Don't miss it.
Here's a preview…
Here's how to find the Jewish Museum…
And here's the trailer for THIS AFTERNOON'S Rock'n'Roll London Walk which meets at 2pm Tottenham Court Road station (exit 1).
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
