A CAMPAIGN has been started to get more recognition for Hanwell's links to a musical legend.
Jim Marshall OBE, 87, known as The Father of Loud, is an Acton-born pioneer of guitar amplification, whose first shop was set up in Uxbridge Road in the 1960s.
His iconic Marshall amplifiers are used by world-famous musicians across the globe but few people are aware of his links with the area, according to Hanwell resident Andrew McRobbie.
Mr McRobbie, 24, said he would like to see some kind of plaque installed outside his former shops at numbers 76 and 93 in the Uxbridge Road.
He said: "Hanwell Broadway is where Jim Marshall opened up his first ever shop, selling his famous amplifiers to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townsend. Marshall has now become a global phenomenon and is synonymous with loud rock 'n' roll. Why is there nothing there to let people know about this?"
Mr McRobbie said he was working with his friend Mathieu Rogers, head of the Hanwell regeneration programme, on the scheme.
If they are successful he would like to help organise a concert in the area using Marshall Amplifiers and headlined by west London-based musicians.
"North London had the Kinks, south London has its Dubstep, east London has its raves. West London has Jim Marshall, The Who and The Clash. Let's utilise this."
Mr McRobbie said he has contacted Marshall Amplifiers' marketing department in an attempt to get its staff on board.
He said he was urging the council and residents to add their support by canvassing Ealing Civic Society via info@ealingcivicsociety.org.
Hanwell already has a strong cultural heritage. Charlie Chaplin was a pupil at the town's Central London District School before it became Hanwell Community Centre.
Legendary British rock group Deep Purple also recorded sessions for their seminal album In Rock at the site.
