London legends The Kinks are joining acts from David Bowie to Amy Winehouse on London’s Music Walk of Fame.
The band from Muswell Hill, whose hits include Waterloo Sunset and You Really Got Me, are among 11 acts who will join the trail across Camden, including Janis Joplin, Eddy Grant, Buzzcocks and UB40.
Also being recognised is Billy Bragg, Shalamar, promoter Harvey Goldsmith, Kiss FM founder Gordon Mac, rap pioneers The Sugarhill Gang and DJ Paul “Trouble” Anderson.
Their Walk of Fame stones will be unveiled across a week from September 4, culminating in the the first ever free all day Camden Music Festival.
Grant said: “It will be great to be back in Camden, where I grew up. To be honoured with a stone plaque which will be laid in the street where I walked, rode and drove from childhood to manhood.
“It is especially satisfying to be receiving this honour in 2023, the year of my 75th birthday and the 40th anniversary of my ground-breaking album Killer on the Rampage.
“My grandmother, who gave me all my sensibilities after coming out of the womb, always told me that when someone gives you something and it’s something good the most important thing to say is thank you.”
Joplin, who died in 1970 aged 27, became a star with Big Brother and the Holding Company before striking out on her own with her powerful vocals making hits of songs including Me and Bobby McGee, Piece of My Heart and Ball and Chain.
Her siblings Laura and Michael Joplin said it was “really special” to see her recognised in London.
They said: “Janis’s music resonated with a generation hungry for authenticity. Her legacy is a reminder that vulnerability can be a source of strength, and her voice continues to inspire countless others to embrace their true selves. At moments like this, it’s a pleasure to see her legacy being honored in this way."
