AMP Oral Histories

A core underpinning of AMP Kingston’s research was our body of oral history interviews, conducted with a wide range of people who could speak to Kingston’s rich arts and music heritage.

Our 24 oral histories cover a wide range of stories, including David Bowie launching Ziggy Stardust at the Toby Jug, activity at Kingston Polytechnic’s Students’ Union as they organised concerts from The Smiths to U2, and the challenges or running venues that are still going today, whether The Grey Horse, The Fighting Cocks, or Bacchus night bar.

They tap into a broad variety of perspectives: from venue owners and promoters, to artists on famous vinyl artwork and musicians who gigged in the area, through to Kingston’s network of local residents and gig goers.

We thank all of our oral history interviewees for helping to bring these stories to life.