The HRC's are to be found in many
countries and many cities. They must
have the biggest collection of rock
memorabilia ever - guitars, clothes,
drums, photographs, posters etc.
The great thing is the memorabilia is free. Just
go buy yourself a beer or a meal, and
browse their walls and watch the videos.
Hard Rock Cafe - London
(the first HRC in the world !)
THe HRC has a vast collection of musical instruments. A special 60th Anniversary exhibition has been established in the Fender Visitor Center in collaboration with Hard Rock.
Located in the vault of a former bank,
below the HRC store and adjacent to
the Hard Rock Cafe in London.
The Vault is not large, just one room
behind a twelve inch thick steel door,
but it is the rock and roll equivalent
of the candy store.
It is also touchy feely - which means
if you want to touch Keith Richards'
guitar or wear Bob Dylan's hat or try
Jerry Lee's boots - you can. if you
want to hold Jimi Hendrix's guitar that's
worth millions you can and you can play
it too (hopefully if you know how).
The only thing that is missing is a
bloody great Marshall amp to plug it
into.
Our guide Jimmy looked like he had
just left the Hell's Angels but he was
a really nice guy and informative about
the collection. A fan's fan.
But try steeling his prize exhibits
and I think the steel door will shut
on you - and if you make it to the stairs,
he will be calling his former mates
to come and sort you out !
In the Vault
Jimi Hendrix's custom guitar
reputedly played at the Isle of Wight.
This is a must-visit rock museum.
It was revamped in 2008 so there may be different memorabilia. And it's free and open every day - courtesy of HRC.
