The View open Gibson Studio

The View opened the British Music Experience exhibition at London's O2 Arena by playing an intimate acoustic gig today (March 4).

The permanent music exhibition, which opens to the public next Monday (March 9) contains a range of exclusive personal artefacts from some of British rock's most famous names.

Items at the exhibition include Noel Gallagher's Union Jack Epiphone guitar, David Bowie's handwritten lyrics to 'Five Years' and Mick Jagger's '70s white jumpsuit.

The View (minus drummer Steven Morrison) played a short acoustic set in the exhibition's Gibson Interactive Studio, before answering questions at an impromptu press conference.

Speaking during the session, bassist Keiren Webster offered fans some advice on how to become a rockstar.

"Keep away from the beer," the bassist joked. He then pointed at bandmate Kyle Falconer and said "Make sure you keep your lead singer away from the beer too!"

The View played:

'Face For The Radio'
'Shock Horror'
'One Off Pretender'
'Superstar Tradesman'


Part of the new exhibition, the Gibson Interactive Studio gives fans the chance to learn how to play songs by the likes of The Magic Numbers and KT Tunstall, who have pre-recorded video instructions.

Those wanting to take part can choose from a variety of instruments including a large selection of Epiphone guitars, drumkits, keyboards and basses.

Among the other items on show at the British Music Experience are:

Clothing worn by:
Jimi Hendrix
Mick Jagger
Keith Richards
David Bowie
Roger Daltrey
Jimmy Page
Marc Bolan
Johnny Rotten
Mani
Jarvis Cocker
Kate Nash

Guitars used by:
Keith Richards
Bill Wyman
Pete Townshend
Brian May
Paul Weller
Peter Hook
Mani
Noel Gallagher
Graham Coxon
Jamie Cook

Handwritten lyrics to:
'Five Years' by David Bowie
'Why?' by The Specials
'Blue Monday' by New Order
'The Drowners' by Suede

NME.com 4th March 2009