Inside the Camden's huge new music-themed immersive attraction

Time Out

3 days ago

From its dusty vinyl shops to its punks sitting on the bridge sporting bright mohawks, music has always been a huge part of the identity of Camden. Already home to several brilliant live music venues, the north London area has now welcomed a brand-new music-themed attraction at Camden Lock.
The venue, which is named Live Odyssey, calls itself an immersive 'celebration of British music past, present and future'. Developed by landowners LabTech in partnership with long-time Camden music promoter Gary Prosser, the venue features live music spaces and a stage for holographic performances of iconic UK bands, with acts like Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, The Smiths and The Libertines appearing in never-seen-before digital form.
Located in the Stables Market, Live Odyssey spans six themed rooms, each representing a different era in British music – from the swinging 60s and Beatlemania to the Britpop boom of the 90s, the rise of grime and Amy Winehouse's Camden years. Visitors can also walk through the exhibit drink in hand, thanks to bars placed throughout the attraction.
Beyond the holographic performances, guests get to see rotating displays of heritage items from music legends, including David Bowie's Glastonbury microphone from his 2000 headline set, leads from John Lennon's Imagine recording sessions, and original album art from the likes of Kate Bush and the Rolling Stones.
The attraction opened in May, but it hasn't gone down a treat with all of Camden's local community.
Before it opened, Camden New Journal reported on concerns that Live Odyssey might impact the local community and its small businesses, noting that around 70 percent of the traders in the block where Live Odyssey opened owed overdue rent. Market traders also described the project as an attempt to turn the market into a 'Britpop theme park'.
The venue also brings to surface ongoing concerns about the gentrification of Camden, where rising rents and tourist-focused developments are forcing out independent traders and long-time residents. Last month traders at Camden's street food market voiced anger over Camden Market Management's choice to turn the space into a more upmarket eating area at their expense.
Live Odyssey, however, says it is committed to supporting the broader music ecosystem, and a portion of ticket sales will go to the Music Venue Trust to help sustain grassroots venues across London and the UK.
Mark Davyd, CEO, Music Venue Trust confirmed this: 'British music has always drawn strength from its roots, and we are grateful that Live Odyssey will be supporting MVT in their mission to protect the spaces where countless artists have honed their craft. Together, we're ensuring that British music, from its historic roots to its future potential, remains accessible and celebrated for years to come.'
You can find out about Live Odyssey's events on the official website here.