Hull’s centuries of musical heritage
POP LEGENDS: The Regal Cinema, later the ABC Cinema, twice played host to The Beatles
The Way it Was
By Neil Chadwick, librarian and archivist at Hull History Centre
Hull’s music history is rich and diverse, spanning genres from rock, pop, electronic to classical. While modern names like The Housemartins and Everything But the Girl are well-known, Hull’s musical heritage dates back even further, some of which may surprise you.
Hull’s musical history likely predates the town itself. Viking settlers, who arrived in the eighth century, brought their own musical traditions, including instruments like flutes and lyres. An Arabic traveller in the 900s described hearing terrible songs in a Baltic town.
These Norse influences likely shaped the early musical landscape of the region. Place names of those early settlers still exist today which include Anlaby, Willerby and Skidby. Sculcoates is named after a Scandinavian settler, Skuli. Skuli may have brought his own flute or lyre.
During the medieval period, music was closely tied to the church. Plainchant, sung a-cappella in Latin, was a common form of religious music performed in chapels like the one in Myton, which was located close to the former Mytongate roundabout.
By the late 13th century, construction began on Holy Trinity Church (now Hull Minster). Like the chapel in Myton, it would have used plainchant for religious services. The church also had an organ, and a new one was acquired in 1490.
STAYING POWER: The Hull Philharmonic Society was founded in 1809 and is still in existence 215 years later
Additionally, the Carmelite friary on Whitefriargate, established in 1289, would have used plainchant for both religious services and prayers for the deceased. However, in 1538-9, the White Friars and Augustine’s monasteries were dissolved, ending their chanting practices.
Music wasn’t just for religious purposes; secular music like ballads was also popular. Ballads like Robin Hood and the Monk were likely known and sung by Hull’s residents. Instruments like the lute, which originated in Arabia, arrived in Europe through ports like Hull.
Music played a significant role in civic events and entertainment in Hull. Waits, or minstrels, were employed by the town to perform at various occasions and events. Records indicate their presence from the 14th to the 18th centuries, with individuals like John Beane and Francis Cleavin being specifically mentioned.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, public morals were a concern in Hull. Authorities restricted alcohol consumption and prevented gambling, likely discouraging music as a form of entertainment in inns and alehouses at the same time.
In the 18th century, music as a form of entertainment became more prevalent in Hull. Tate Wilkinson established the Theatre Royal, where music likely featured alongside plays. Numerous musical societies, such as the Hull Harmonic Society and the Hull Philharmonic Society, were formed in the 19th century and continue to exist today.
DATING BACK CENTURIES: The King’s Head would have hosted music
Significant musical acts have graced Hull’s stages. Niccolo Paganini, a celebrated violinist, performed at the Theatre Royal in 1832. Hull’s Assembly Rooms (opened in 1834) and City Hall (opened in 1911) have hosted numerous musical performances, including those by the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hull School of Music Operatic Recital, and Needler’s Musical Society’s Musical Carnaval. Elgar performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the City Hall in late 1909.
The Beatles, arguably the most famous musical act to visit Hull, performed at the Majestic and ABC venues in 1963 and 1964. The ABC was later demolished in 2004. Folk music, popularised by Bob Dylan, thrived in Hull during the 1960s. The Watersons, a renowned folk group, released their debut album in 1965. The Ye Olde Blue Bell, a popular venue, became the centre of Hull’s folk scene with the formation of the Folk One Union Club.
Hull’s Fairview Studios has played a significant role in the British music scene. The Rats, a local band, recorded their debut album there, launching the careers of Mick Ronson and Trevor Boulder. Other notable artists like Robert Palmer, Marty Wilde, Def Leppard, and Rod Temperton (better known for writing Michael Jackson’s Thriller) also recorded at Fairview.
David Bowie formed The Hype in 1970 with Mick Ronson, John Cambridge and Mick Woodmansey. They recorded with Bowie on the album The Man Who Sold the World. Later, Bowie released The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust with The Spiders from Mars. The Spiders from Mars included Mick Ronson, Trevor Boulder and Mick Woodmansey. Ronson’s guitar riff on Ziggy Stardust is one of the most recognised.
Mick Ronson achieved significant success not only as a musician but also as a producer. He co-produced Lou Reed’s Transformer album, featuring the hit singles Take a Walk on the Wild Side and Perfect Day. Ronson released three solo albums and collaborated with David Bowie again in 1993. His final album, Heaven and Hull, was released posthumously in 1994.
SCANDINAVIAN ORIGINS: Joseph Osbourne’s 1668 map showing Sculcoates
The 1980s saw an explosion in Hull’s popular music scene. Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt, students at the University of Hull, formed the duo Everything But the Girl. Their 1988 cover I don’t want to talk about it reached number three on the UK charts, whilst they are perhaps best remembered for their 1994-95 global hit, Missing. The Gargoyles, another popular Hull band, also emerged during the 1980s.
The Housemartins, formed in 1983, achieved UK success with their debut album, London 0 Hull 4, which included Happy Hour. Caravan of Love released in late 1986 went to number one in December of that year. Norman Cook, later known as Fat Boy Slim, was the band’s bassist. The Housemartins disbanded in 1988, but Paul Heaton and Dave Hemmingway continued their musical careers forming the Beautiful South.
The Fine Young Cannibals, led by Roland Gift (formerly of Akrylykz), released their successful album The Raw and The Cooked in 1989. The single She Drives Me Crazy topped charts worldwide, and the album also featured other hits like Good Thing.
Hull has hosted numerous renowned musicians at venues like the MKM Stadium and Connexin Live. Notable acts include Sir Elton John, Bryan Adams, Neil Diamond, R.E.M., Bon Jovi, The Who, Bob Dylan, Ne-Yeo, Blondie, and Noel Gallagher. Additionally, the Adelphi and Welly clubs are iconic parts of Hull’s music scene.
Hull’s Albemarle Music Centre, opened in 2007, provides a space for young musicians and music education. The Humber Street Sesh, a music festival established in 2012, showcases local talent. The Stage@The Dock, an extension of the Sesh, offers a venue for diverse performances, including hip-hop and DJ sets.
This research and resulting timeline highlight how Hull is music, it is in the DNA of the city. Hull bidding to become a designated UNESCO Creative City and to join the international music network continues to build on the hundred’s years of music heritage.
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Email: hullhistorycentre@hcandl.co.uk
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