Landing in the heart of Camden’s world-famous market and a stone’s throw away from the stomping ground of Amy Winehouse and Madness, a bit of rock ‘n’ roll nirvana opens on 22 May. Covering some of the most important artists of the last six decades, Live Odyssey is billed as ‘The Ultimate Live Music Experience’ and MetalTalk were there to take a sneak peek at what was in store for music fans of all ages.
In a prime location overlooking the market, the Live Odyssey experience is a multi-media show that brings together unique memorabilia, holograms and live music for an immersive event that combines elements of exhibitions and gigs in a fascinating and visceral way.
Starting at the beginning, the collection has been curated by artist James Wilkinson. The first room focuses on Beatle John Lennon and a recreation of his bedroom and various key moments of his life and career, with videos and text revealing previously little-known stories to the general public. For anyone even remotely interested in the Fab Four, this is a fascinating selection and some stunning one-of-a-kind original exhibits. This is a must-see.
From there, you head into the first of two live rooms where you’re treated to a selection of hits from over the decades, played by some of the best session musicians in London. They somehow manage to capture the spirit and fire of the originals without dipping into the bland jukebox stylings of other outfits.
The central room is filled with yet more one-of-a-kind memorabilia that centres around the artists who played a certain huge global event in the mid-80s, and both this and the first room contain a bar where you can have a drink, or two, as you leisurely take in the displays.
With yet more live music in room four to bring that visceral excitement fully to life, the band here being particularly on fire during their rapturously received set last night, it was onto the last section of the experience.
Using the same technology that’s brought countless thousands swarming to Stratford for ABBA Voyage, we’re treated to a holographic ‘live’ performance by The Libertines that appears so much more true than the de-aged ones of Sweden’s own Fab Four because it’s purely them as they are now.
Finishing off the visit, a well-stocked gift shop offers a number of items from books and clothing to posters, enabling visitors to take a bit of the music home. This area also contains another bar, giving the opportunity to sip whilst selecting, with the seating on the terrace outside offering the chance to enjoy the sun before heading back into the market for food and further browsing.
With the promise that there will be fresh exhibits every few months, along with the live bands expanding their setlists, there will be plenty of opportunity for repeat visits to Live Odyssey. 
What has been achieved at Live Odyssey is a thoughtfully put-together experience that has enough for both the casual and the committed. Whilst the hologram is visually impressive and the bands are a lot more fun than most West End shows, it’s in the memorabilia that Live Odyssey scores the highest.
Being able to not just see the fascinating pieces of music history with your own eyes, but also hear the stories behind them, is worth the price of entrance alone.
With a star-studded launch that saw John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird, Madness frontman Suggs, Altered Images’ Clare Grogan, Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet, tennis ace Pat Cash, Kajagoogoo singer Limahl, Libertines drummer Gary Powell and television/radio presenter Sarah Cawood amongst others joining the fun, the champagne flowed alongside the anecdotes and memories.
With a party atmosphere that typified the eras the event captures, it was a great way to open as old friends caught up, new friendships were made and the two bands provided the soundtracks to everyone’s lives.
Much more than just a wallow in nostalgia, the buzz provided crackled with the genuine universal spirit of music and how it brings people together across generations.
Wreathed in smiles and with songs in their hearts, all who left this guest night seemed to be walking just a little taller as they danced down the steps to the courtyard below.
Holding a unique position in a crowded market of events and exhibitions all vying for the footfall, this blend of viewing historic items and the truly interactive experience of an up-close and in-your-face live show has much more to offer than most. Here’s to the future and keeping it live.
Get your tickets HERE
