In the late 70’s and early part of the 80’s as the Specials Two Tone influence began to grip the country, and all eyes were on Coventry to see who would follow as the next big thing. There certainly wasn’t any lack of contenders, to some bands it was a distant dream but others like …

Now it’s Stereo Nation and The Enemy‘s time, with many unique items from Coventry’s current hitmakers here on display.

In the 90’s we go all Bhangra, then we celebrate Dave Willetts in Phantom of the Opera (we even have his original Phantom mask).

Many of our guests recognise this room straight away, thats because it was the same as theirs! This is a reconstruction bedroom of a typical Specials, Madness, Selecter, Beat fan circa 1981. See what you can spot, and see why it’s once of our most popular education areas of the museum.

Remember these? Many of our guests do, here you will learn of how impresario Larry Page strived to create a “Coventry” sound to rival “Mersey Beat” and “Brum Beat”

For eighteen glorious months2-Tone Records dominated the charts, with its roster of ska infused talent with the likes of The and The Selecter from Coventry, Birmingham’s The Beat, and Madness and The Bodysnatchers from London. Their infectious rhythms, and finger-on-the-pulse lyrics, inspired not only the great record buying public, but critics and journalists alike. The …

There’s the 70’s, when Coventry ruled the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Our 80’s area celebrates Hazel O’Connor, The Primitives and of course, King.

In June 1968, Beatle John and his new partner, artist Yoko Ono, travelled to Coventry in his white Rolls-Royce to submit a piece of art to a sculpture exhibition at the Cathedral. Their display included a circular white wrought-iron seat that slotted together to surround two acorns, which would then grow inside the bench. On …

Delia Derbyshire was born in Coventry, England, in 1937. Educated at Coventry Grammar School and Girton College, Cambridge, where she was awarded a degree in mathematics and music.

One artist that was bigger than most was Coventry’s first musical mega star T.E. Dunville. Born Thomas Edward Wallen in Coventry 29th July1867 at 32 New St. Educated at Bablake School. He was the son of a tailor and his father had plans for him to enter into the silk trade. Teddie had other ideas …