Firstly I have to say, the Beetles have a zebra crossing on Abbey Road, the Libertines have a cracked out alley way inbetween Bethnal Green and Hackney, its literally called “up the bracket Alley” it used to be called Grove Passage, but someone stole the road sign and now probably has it hung up their mothers wall. the reason for this is because it was the location of the Up The Bracket Music Video.
Heres a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u_g6zNuP_I
This alley has become a shrine to the band, with people writing on the wall about their memories of the band and the impact they had, its actually an amazing alley for that reason, but what makes it even better is the fact it stinks on piss and covered in smashed beer bottles. It kind of makes it that little bit more special. that fact you have to walk through a black cab repairs garage under some dark bridge off of the main road, definitely adds a bit of an uneasy atmosphere to the whole thing.
I was at the gig a few years back where a guy stripped off naked and climbed the lighting rig, for no reason what so ever, accept they are at a libertines gig and thats what happens.
I genuinely don’t think my writing skills are good enough to describe this alley way and what it feels like to walk down it, Ill have to get my friend matt green and his “creative writing degree” to help me out on that one.
but trust me if there is one thing you HAVE todo next time your in London, take the adventure over to “Up the Bracket Alley” and check it out, don’t take your phone or go there after dark though it might not be the same experience.
Heres my photos of Up The Bracket Alley!
joshfspear.com 