Helen King, a voice that holds its own against iconic brand names in the music industry performs at The Hope and Anchor.
Helen King is carving out her path as an emerging music writer and artist. Integral to her journey is leaving an impression at venues that have welcomed some of the most recognisable names in British music.
Helen King – The Gig
One of the things I adore about London is its vibrant sense of history; it envelops you at every turn. Nowhere is this unique character more apparent than in the city’s iconic music scene. Having followed the brand Helen King and her journey as an artist for over a year, I couldn’t wait to see her perform live.
We were like a couple of old friends catching up, which was so weird because we had only spoken on the phone over the year. Suffice to say, she has grown as an artist, with her style, confidence, and even the way she carries herself all the more present. You can’t help but feel proud watching from the sidelines.
Helen’s voice has this warm, honest quality that just draws you in. It’s got a gentle, slightly raspy edge that makes every lyric feel real and heartfelt, like she’s telling you a story over coffee. There’s something soothing about it, but it’s also full of character—totally unique and impossible to ignore.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing your friends succeed and feeling genuinely proud of how far they’ve come.”
The Genre
The indie genre is all about that independent spirit—artists creating music on their own terms, away from the big record labels and commercial pressures. It’s a scene where the DIY approach rules, with musicians often recording, producing, and releasing their songs themselves or through small, independent labels. That’s why indie music feels so personal and authentic; it’s raw, sometimes a bit rough around the edges, and always true to the artist’s vision.
What’s great about indie is that there’s no single sound. You’ll find everything from jangly guitars in indie rock bands like Arctic Monkeys or The Strokes, to dreamy indie pop from Florence + The Machine, or the heartfelt acoustic vibes of Bon Iver and Laura Marling. The focus is really on originality, creativity, and emotional honesty, making it a genre that’s constantly evolving and attracting listeners who want something real and different from the mainstream.
Photography
Among the creative forces shaping our magazine’s visual identity is the exceptionally talented photographer Iain Atkins. With a versatile portfolio spanning countless genres—from portraiture and fashion to studio work—Iain brings a unique eye to every assignment. Yet, it is in the dynamic world of live music photography where he truly shines, capturing the raw energy and emotion of performers on stage. His images do more than document an event; they tell the story of the music, the artists, and the atmosphere, bringing our features to life and offering readers an immersive window into the live performance experience.
I’m lucky enough to have Iain’s photos alongside my words—they really lift the whole piece. The way he plays with light, colour and exposure is seriously impressive. You’ll spot his details under each shot, so if you like what you see, definitely give him a follow on Instagram!
Iconic Brand Names
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Hope and Anchor became a legendary springboard for the British music scene, hosting a remarkable array of bands. From The Clash, The Cure and The Jam, to The Police, Dire Straits and The Specials, its stage became synonymous with musical innovation. U2 played one of their earliest London sets here—famously to an audience of just eight—while Joy Division’s frontman, Ian Curtis, experienced his first epileptic seizure after performing. The Stranglers, The Damned, Dr Feelgood, X-Ray Spex, Eurythmics, Elvis Costello, and Madness all added to the venue’s electric legacy.
The Hope and Anchor
The Hope and Anchor’s reputation soared, culminating in the 1977 Front Row Festival, which featured XTC, Shakin’ Stevens and Tom Robinson. The festival was immortalised as a live double album, rising to number 28 in the UK Album Charts and firmly establishing the venue’s place in British music folklore. Helen King stepping onto this stage wasn’t just another gig—it was a real statement. Her presence here put her name alongside some of music’s true legends, showing that she’s an artist who belongs in that kind of company.
“Everybody who is involved in music will tell you that there’s no such thing as a finished record, only an abandoned one.” – Music producer Brian Eno.
Memories
The Hope and Anchor’s walls hold more than just memories. Live albums by The Stranglers, Elvis Costello and The Saints were recorded here, and Madness filmed their classic “One Step Beyond” video within its walls. The lively bar even inspired Splodgenessabounds’ cult single, “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please”—a playful nod to the struggle of being served—which reached number seven in the UK Singles Chart. The spirit of independence thrived here, too: Stiff Records, a pioneering label, was founded at the Hope.
Recent Years
In more recent years, acts such as The Libertines and Enter Shikari have continued the tradition, ensuring the Hope and Anchor remains a cornerstone of live music.
The Hope and Anchor has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, boasting a state-of-the-art PA system, an enlarged stage, new lighting, and a full backline for performers. True to tradition, the stage now occupies its original, iconic spot—just as it did in the venue’s golden era.
The Grade II-listed Hope and Anchor appeals to music lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Step inside and you can almost hear the echoes of legendary gigs and visualise the musical icons who have graced its doors.
Credits
The information used in this article is based on the content from “The Hope and Anchor website”.
Helen King on Spotify.
Editorial photography by Iain Atkins Photography.
Band
Tom Barlow on Guitar @colbyoverdrive
Matt Pittkin drummer @mattpittkin
Base Guitar – @Ike Monteiro
Contact the magazine.
