Must-visit London music venues by Duncan James

Duncan James has been around the entertainment block. You might’ve seen him on Hollyoaks or on Dancing on Ice. Or maybe you caught him presenting on Hannah-Oke. But you definitely heard him on All Rise, when Blue took our hearts and eardrums by storm. In 2011 Blue also represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf. This year James won’t be competing in Eurovision – but that doesn’t mean he isn’t vying for the UK to win people over this summer. The Eurovision Legend shared some of his favourite London music venues with us, “proving that London is the best place to visit, when it’s safe to do so”.

In James’ eyes, the UK owes its vibrant music scene to diversity. The breadth of artists you can find in his home country spans many varied musical genres, which means there’s something to please just about everyone’s ears. “It’s exciting to be a part of this scene and hear all the new and old music the UK has to offer.”

Camden Roundhouse

One of the things that makes the UK so unique, according to James, is the many iconic musicians that it’s produced. The Camden Roundhouse has hosted many of them, including Elton John, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and many more – including James himself, along with the rest of Blue. The Roundhouse first opened its doors in 1847 as a space for maintaining and storing railway engines, and in 1869 it reinvented itself as a warehouse for storing gin. It was only in 1964 that the Roundhouse began its illustrious career as a cultural venue.

Eventim Apollo

The Eventim Apollo – otherwise known as the Hammersmith Apollo – is another venue that holds fond memories for James as an artist. The Apollo focusses primarily on music and comedy shows, and makes for an especially great night out when followed by a visit to one of the many pubs south of the venue.

Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Shepherd’s Bush is an area that also falls within the borough of Hammersmith, and is home to the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. This venue has a comparatively modest capacity of 2,000, but it makes for a more intimate setting to experience some of the world’s greatest artists. You can take in the turn-of-the-century architecture from both the standing floor area and the more relaxed seating on the balcony – which, bear in mind, you need specific tickets for. And there are enough bars throughout the venue to keep your glass perpetually topped up.

O2 Arena

London’s go-to venue for the real mega shows is the O2 Arena. This venue holds up to 20,000 and hosts enormous concerts and other events. Celine Dion and Prince famously performed multiple sold-out shows here, and these days you’ll find a variety of entertainment at the O2, including comedy shows, conferences and various sporting events.

London Palladium

The London Palladium is another of James’ favorite haunts. This West End theatre is known for hosting the Royal Variety Performances, a variety show that originated in the 1960s and is attended by members of the Royal Family. The Palladium has hosted this prestigious event 40 times with performers like Vesta Tilley, Laurel and Hardy, and The Beatles. In fact it’s where Beatlemania originated, after a particularly rousing performance in October 1963. You can be sure to find a roster of big names performing at the Palladium all year round. From where it sits in the middle of busy, cosmopolitan Soho, this venue is arguably one of London’s musical mainstays.

A Scotsman dreams of Paris

If you’re planning an arts-filled visit to London, James recommends booking your stay at the eclectic Malmaison, east of the Palladium. The hotel was founded by Scottish hotelier Ken McCulloch and named after the Château de Malmaison outside of Paris, which also inspired the design and style. The London hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Barbican performing arts complex and bustling Smithfield Market. The London Malmaison is one of several in a chain that spans the whole country. James favours it for its especially great service – “my go-to when choosing hotels in the UK”.