The British Music Guide.
In March 2009, Absolute Radio compiled a list of the most musical cities in the UK, based on UK Album Chart number ones since 1960. Browse the map to see a breakdown of UK music by city, and click to discover the artists and albums that made each city great.
We decided to help the least musical cities too, by donating Guitars For Schools.
Most musical UK cities
Ranking based on the total UK number 1 albums per capita. We call it the Hit Factor.
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Hit Factor = 88.8
23 number 1 hit albums by 9 artists from Newcastle.
Manchester
Hit Factor = 80.9
34 number 1 hit albums by 16 artists from Manchester.
Liverpool
Hit Factor = 72.7
32 number 1 hit albums by 16 artists from Liverpool.
Most UK number 1 albums
Ranking based on total UK number 1 albums.
The Beatles
15 number 1 hit albums totalling 174 weeks at top spot. Including
'Please Please Me'.
The Rolling Stones
10 number 1 hit albums totalling 44 weeks at top spot. Including
'The Rolling Stones'.
Queen
9 number 1 hit albums totalling 17 weeks at top spot. Including
'A Night At The Opera'.
See all artists with UK number 1 albums.