Weird and Wonderful Tales from Lincoln: Music Legends, Local Myths and Unlikely Moments

Lincoln might be best known for its magnificent cathedral, Medieval streets, and Roman roots; but dig a little deeper, and you'll find it’s also home to some seriously strange, surprising, and legendary stories. From global music stars playing tiny venues, to rock royalty growing up nearby, and acts of pure northern generosity. Here are some of Lincolnshire’s most weird and wonderful tales.

The Killers Played Their First UK Gig... in Lincoln?!

Yes, really. Long before they were headlining Glastonbury and topping charts with Mr. Brightside, The Killers played their first ever UK gig right here in Lincoln. The year was 2004, and the venue? The now-legendary Bivouac Club, a tiny, beloved indie venue tucked away just off the city centre.

This was no glamorous debut. It was a sweaty, low-ceilinged room packed with a handful of lucky fans, and it was pure magic. The gig was arranged by a local promoter who spotted the band’s potential just as their debut album Hot Fuss was about to explode.

And The Killers weren’t the only big names to pass through. Pulp, years before their Britpop fame, also played the same stage, just one of many iconic acts to tread the boards of this unassuming venue. Today, the building is home to Optima Graphic Design, but for those in the know, it still holds the echo of guitar feedback and the memory of music history in the making.

Bernie Taupin: Elton's Lyricist from Market Rasen

You may not recognise his face, but you’ve definitely sung his words. Bernie Taupin, the lyrical genius behind Elton John’s biggest hits, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Your Song, to name just a few, grew up in Market Rasen, just outside Lincoln.

Born in 1950, Taupin spent his formative years in the Lincolnshire countryside, often writing poetry and exploring the landscape that would later inspire his lyrics. His fateful partnership with Elton began when they both responded to a job ad from a record company, Taupin with the words, Elton with the melodies.

Today, the Castle Hotel in Lincoln have a suite named after Taupin who stayed at the hotel whilst in the city. The rest is pop music history. And to think, it all started just a short train ride from Lincoln.

Paul Heaton Puts Money Behind the Bar at the Morning Star Inn

When it comes to heart-warming gestures, few beat this one. In 2022, singer-songwriter Paul Heaton the former frontman and founding member of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, put money behind the bar of The Morning Star Inn on Greetwell Gate to mark his 60th birthday.

But this wasn’t just a Lincoln thing. Heaton selected 60 pubs across the UK, each of which had supported his music over the years, and left cash behind the bar for fans and locals to enjoy a pint or two on him. The Morning Star Inn was the Lincolnshire pick, a classic pub that’s been a staple of the city for generations. The act was pure Heaton: generous, grounded, and a proper celebration of community spirit.

Want to be Part of Lincoln's Next Music Story?

Alan Fletcher, the actor who plays Karl Kennedy in the Aussie hit soap Neighbours, will be playing in Lincoln on 11th September at the SouthSide community, heritage and music venue. Tickets are available on their website.

Bonus Oddities and Local Lore

If those stories weren’t enough to prove Lincoln’s got its own brand of weird and wonderful, here are a few more curious tales:

The Imp in the Cathedral: Legend has it a mischievous imp was turned to stone by an angel, and you can still spot him high on the walls inside Lincoln Cathedral.

The Ghost of Greestone Steps: Locals say a spectral monk haunts these historic steps at night. Whether you're a believer or not, it's a spooky walk after dark.

Lincoln and its surrounding towns may not always shout about their stories, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a city full of strange moments, secret gigs, music history, and magical folklore. From international stars playing pubs to legends born in nearby fields, Lincoln’s weird and wonderful tales are part of what makes it so uniquely unforgettable.

Have a strange Lincoln story of your own? Please do share it with us. You can get in touch by emailing: lincolnfreewalkingtour@gmail.com