London

In recent years the crucible for up-and-coming bands has shifted from Camden in the north to Shoreditch in the east. Brick Lane is home of London's best new record store, Rough Trade East, while just down the road Vice Magazine's Old Blue Last pub has a rep for getting fantasyland secret gigs, with the Arctic Monkeys, Foals and Klaxons all choosing to test new material here - plus a free jukebox of immense proportions.
Alumni: Amy Winehouse, Klaxons, The Libertines, The Clash.
Pub fact: The album cover of David Bowie's 'Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars' was shot on Heddon St, just off Regent Street. You can still see the phone box.