Inspired by a recent display on Eddie Cochran at Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre this blog entry is all about Wiltshire’s links past and present with the world of rock and pop.

 
Eddie Cochran

To commemorate 50 years since the famous rock and roll pioneer died in a car crash on Rowden Hill in Chippenham, earlier this year Chippenham museum put on a display of Eddie Cochran memorabilia. 'Read more' to find out how many other pop stars have been associated with Wiltshire over the years...

The Eddie Cochran Memorial Stone, Rowden Hill, Chippenham

This got me thinking about other famous musicians with links to Wiltshire.

So, inspired by Chippenham Museum, here is my list of Wiltshire linked musicians.

I am sure there are lots more, so do let us know who I’ve missed

James Blunt – singer/songwriter

            Born in Tidworth in 1974

Eddie Cochran – rock and roll pioneer

Died in car crash on Rowden Hill, Chippenham, April 16, 1960

Julian Cope – solo artist and lead singer with The Teardrop Explodes

            Lives at Yatesbury

Jamie Cullum – jazz singer/songwriter

            Brought up in Hullavington

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich

Wiltshire hit band of the 1960s whose members were all from the Salisbury area. Dave Dee (David John Harman) as a young police cadet was one of the first on the scene at Eddie Cochran’s 1960 car crash

Rick Davies – keyboard player and singer in Supertramp

            Born in Swindon in 1944

Delphic – Manchester based band

            Lead singer James Cook was brought up in Chippenham

Pete Doherty – solo artist and lead singer with the Libertines and Babyshambles

            Living at Sturmy House, near Marlborough since 2007   

Peter Gabriel – solo artist and lead singer with Genesis

            Owns RealWorld recording studio in Box

Justin Hayward – solo artist and lead singer of the Moody Blues

            Born in Swindon in 1946

Phil Lynott – lead singer and bassist with Thin Lizzy

            Died in Salisbury hospital, January 4, 1986

Madonna – American singer

            Owned Ashcombe House, near Salisbury from 2001-2008

Sting – solo artist, lead singer and bassist with the Police

            Owns Lake House near Amesbury

Subhumans/Culture Shock/Citizen Fish – Influential punk bands

            Based in Warminster, Trowbridge and Melksham

The Timelords – Video for 1988 hit single Doctorin’ the Tardis filmed at Yatesbury airfield

Robbie Williams – solo artist and member of Take That

            Owned Compton Bassett House near Calne during 2009

XTC - Swindon based band active from 1976-2005