Metro today features a special Tube map celebrating London’s grassroots music scene, spotlighting iconic venues and artists across the capital.
Skiddle Staff
Date published: 13th May 2025
If you picked up a copy of today’s Metro, you might have noticed something a little different. The iconic London Underground map has been reimagined – swapping station names for artists, venues, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of the capital’s grassroots music scene.
Commissioned in collaboration with the Mayor of London, the Music Venue Trust, Universal Music, and the Featured Artists Coalition, the project forms part of Transport for London’s 25th anniversary celebrations and aims to highlight the cultural importance of independent music venues across the city.
The map landmarks the stops next to some of the city’s most iconic venues and important grassroots spaces. It also features artists placed at locations connected to their origin or musical legacy.
The Piccadilly line includes contemporary names like Loyle Carner, Arlo Parks and SAULT, while the Northern line features acts such as Adele, Billy Bragg, Madness, and Pink Floyd – the latter appearing near Battersea Power Station, famously depicted on their Animals album cover.
You can also find lines for the 25 artists to see in 2025, Independent Record Labels, Albums, Subcultures, and Genres, with further markers on the map identifying Independent Record Shops, Nightclubs, and Historic Music Locations
It features venues like the 100 Club on Oxford Street, which has hosted live music for more than 80 years; the legendary Fabric, which over 25 years has established itself amongst the best in the world; and Heaven, the iconic LGBTQ+ nightclub that’s long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape, are also celebrated.
In 2024, around a quarter of the 810 venues supported nationally by the Music Venue Trust sought emergency assistance to avoid permanent closure.
With only 179 grassroots music venues left in London, the map serves as a bold reminder that these spaces aren’t just places to hear music – they’re where scenes are born, artists get their start, and community thrives.
As part of TfL’s 25th anniversary celebrations, this cultural Tube map isn’t just a novelty. It’s a tribute to London’s soundscape – and a reminder to protect its future.
Check out our What’s On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
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