On this two-hour walking tour of the Upper West Side, you will see where some of the most important rock hits were born, learn about the talented and driven people who made the music come alive, and visit the places where these performers, producers, songwriters and record industry legends made their mark.
The Upper West Side has welcomed great musicians for more than a century and it has become the neighborhood of choice for such rockers as Bono, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Sting, Paul Simon and John Lennon.
Bob Sarlin will tell you his very personal stories of how this neighborhood has sheltered performers and songwriters whose legendary creations have sold hundreds of millions of records and won the hearts of rock lovers around the world.
On this tour:
The Upper West Side has welcomed great musicians for more than a century and it has become the neighborhood of choice for such rockers as Bono, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Sting, Paul Simon and John Lennon.
Bob Sarlin will tell you his very personal stories of how this neighborhood has sheltered performers and songwriters whose legendary creations have sold hundreds of millions of records and won the hearts of rock lovers around the world.
On this tour:
- You'll see the eccentric temple where the first great international rock hit was recorded and the location where today's biggest rock star was raised.
- You'll hear about the crippled kid from Brooklyn who re-invented himself as the world's first white blues shouter and wrote hits that have been played on the radio more than half a billion times.
- You'll visit the site of the gay baths where one of pop music's legends got her start and the theatre that is a shrine to Allman Brothers fans.
- You''ll see the spot where rock's greatest party was held and where many of its most important concerts were played.
Meeting Location
Upper West Side near 70th Street (New York, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour runs rain or shine, regardless of the weather conditions. But keep in mind that some of our best tours have taken place in not so perfect weather.
- Will my kids enjoy this tour?
- We've had children from 8 and up say they've loved this tour. Thanks to the internet, today's kids have a broad knowledge of rock and roll.
- What kind of ticket should I purchase for a child?
- We don't recommend this tour for kids under the age of 8, as it is not really appropriate for younger kids and toddlers. But all children are required to have a full-price ticket.
- Will we go inside any of the locations on the tour?
- No, the tour takes place outside and we do not actually enter any of the buildings.
- Should I bring anything with me for the tour?
- The tour takes place outside. So, if it is a sunny summer day, you might want to bring a bottle of water, as well as sunglasses or a hat.
- How long is the tour and how much walking is involved?
- The tour takes about two hours and is an easy walk of approximately one mile.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, the tour route is wheelchair accessible.
- How many people are on each tour?
- Because Bob Sarlin wants these tours to be personal and memorable, there are never more than ten people on a tour. Many people say it's like having your own private tour guide.
- Do the tours start and end in the same place?
- No, the tour ends about 4 blocks away from the meeting location.
- Is there a restroom available during the tour?
- There are numerous places to visit a restroom along the tour route.
- Are cameras allowed on the tour?
- Absolutely! Please be sure to bring your camera, as there will be a number of different photo opportunities.
- Will I be able to shop and buy souvenirs during the tour?
- No, there isn't time for any shopping on this tour, but you can always go back to any place we pass to shop on your own after the tour.
- Will I be able to purchase any food and drinks during the tour? Can I bring my own?
- There isn't really time to purchase food or drinks during the tour. But, you are welcome to bring a snack or a bottle of water with you.
- Are the tours conducted in English only?
- Yes, at this time all tours are conducted in English.
- Is there parking available nearby?
- Parking can be difficult in New York City and therefore we encourage people to use mass transportation. If you are driving, we suggest parking in a nearby parking garage. Specific parking information will be provided after purchasing your tickets.
- Are gift certificates available for the tour?
- Yes. If you would like to purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact RockWalks" link and let us know what you are interested in.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes! We also offer private tours. Please use the “Contact RockWalks” link on the left of the page to inquire further about private group tours.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.
- The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
Other Policies
- Children under 8 are not recommended.
- Due to the adult subject matter of the tour, children under 8 are not recommended. If you choose to bring children, they must have a full priced ticket in order to attend.
Rock Around the Block Tours
Bob Sarlin has helped guide the careers of everyone from Michael Jackson to Bruce Springsteen, James Brown and Don McLean.
Bob was there the day Bruce Springsteen signed his record contract with Columbia Records and he organized the announcement of Michael Jackson’s signing to Epic Records. He publicized Sly Stone’s wedding on stage at Madison Square Garden and Patti Labelle’s groundbreaking concert at the Metropolitan Opera.
On your Rock Around the Block tour, Bob will share intimate stories from his days as Director of Publicity for Epic, Polydor and Lifesong Records, and as a rock journalist covering superstars for Rolling Stone. Bob’s book, Turn It Up (I Can’t Hear the Words) is considered the definitive study of '60s and '70s singer-songwriters.
Bob has seen it, heard it, and lived it all. In fact, as a young fan, he was even in the audience when Elvis made his television debut! Now it’s your turn to discover Bob’s amazing insider secrets of what’s behind the music you love best.
Bob was there the day Bruce Springsteen signed his record contract with Columbia Records and he organized the announcement of Michael Jackson’s signing to Epic Records. He publicized Sly Stone’s wedding on stage at Madison Square Garden and Patti Labelle’s groundbreaking concert at the Metropolitan Opera.
On your Rock Around the Block tour, Bob will share intimate stories from his days as Director of Publicity for Epic, Polydor and Lifesong Records, and as a rock journalist covering superstars for Rolling Stone. Bob’s book, Turn It Up (I Can’t Hear the Words) is considered the definitive study of '60s and '70s singer-songwriters.
Bob has seen it, heard it, and lived it all. In fact, as a young fan, he was even in the audience when Elvis made his television debut! Now it’s your turn to discover Bob’s amazing insider secrets of what’s behind the music you love best.
