On 21st March 2018, Globe joined forces with Intelligence Squared and Abbey Road Studios for Songs That Changed the World; an evening of expert debate and amazing live music.
Taking place in Abbey Road’s legendary Studio One, the evening was a celebration of music and its power to connect and engage across cultures, generations, and demographics. Songs That Changed the World focused on the moments in history when music spoke to millions, shifted the world on its axis and changed the world for the better…or worse.
The evening was hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Miranda Sawyer, who oversaw the debate between music journalist, Sylvia Patterson and music historian, Daniel Rachel. The speakers explained their thinking behind each of their proposed tracks, sharing their insight and passion for the music they felt had the most impact musically, socially and culturally.
Daniel Rachel chose these 5 tracks as ones which he believed changed the world:
Bob Dylan – Blowin’ in the Wind
Millie Small – My Boy Lollipop
The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever
Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side
Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the UK
Sylvia Patterson’s track choices were:
The Sugarhill Gang - Rapper’s Delight
Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough
Band Aid - Do They Know it’s Christmas
Spice Girls - Wannabe
Beyoncé - Crazy in Love
Each track was presented with a unique and impassioned argument from the speakers, interspersed with incredible live performances.
To kick off the night, celebrated poet Hussain Manawar delivered his own spoken-word performance, a unique reflection on the songs that changed the world.
The night also featured live performances from one of Universal's hottest new artists, Lewis Capaldi, who covered Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind and one of the UK's most exciting new female artists, Raye, who covered Crazy in Love.
The night continued with a cocktail reception in Studio Two, the room made famous by The Beatles and Pink Floyd, as the guests continued to debate the songs that had their world, long into the night.