Basildon, Essex. It is one of a number of new towns built after WWII to take people out of inner-city areas. Some of the residents affectionately call it Bas Vegas (pronounced Baz Vegas). But that is probably more to do with strong sense of self deprecating irony than with any believed similarities with the more famous place in Nevada.

Like the other new towns, Basildon in not particularly noted for it's art or culture. The strongest claim is that it is the hometown of Depeche Mode, and that is about it. Recently though the local council decided to raise the profile of the town by erecting a Hollywood style sign near one of the main roads.

I'm sure if he'd seen it once Jello Biafra would sing about it.

Well, Depeche Mode is a real excuse. I know a lot of cities like that in Germany and their most famous musicians did not survive the casting of Germany seeks the Superstar :-)) GKorts · 2010-04-16: 14:15

First two I like best. Ryana · 2010-04-16: 14:22

Viva I forgot Nice interpretation from DK but as I am more Rock(y) than Punk(y) I like this version better :-)) GKorts · 2010-04-16: 14:24

All of the best of our contemporary culture spreading through out the world... (yes, i mean that with humor ;-). Good shots though. thebronzebow · 2010-04-16: 14:58

I'm sure The King didn't know what he was missing. There's something almost neurotic about a town that needs to assert itself with signpost of its own name - and here Hollywood and Basildon are identical. revenant · 2010-04-16: 15:31

Great set! ????? · 2010-04-16: 15:41

....nice! borogovoi · 2010-04-16: 17:30

My pc is slower and slower... and reading BAS I thought of women's stockings... preparing to see a lot of women's legs... Can you imagine my surprise afterwards... No. 2 is so hilarious... Poor town... It seems a horrible advert of supermarket with a cemetery sensation... Great finding of you! ????? · 2010-04-16: 17:47

Very sad ... hate the Hollywood sign ... it's tacky ... photos are interesting though. ????? · 2010-04-16: 17:59

Nothing wrong with Depeche Mode. Nice. smbunation · 2010-04-17: 00:03

1 is a great angle! jet28 · 2010-04-17: 06:27

Basildonwood is super cool!:D:D LOL onlyricky · 2010-04-17: 06:39

I think it's very interesting; something to be said about trying to help the people. Our country left them in the cities. I appreciate the info you post, really helps understand the pics better!!~ urmysunshine · 2010-04-17: 09:34

Great set! manuele · 2010-04-17: 10:22

thanks for sharing!! vterezia · 2010-04-17: 10:49

Hahahaaa...I saw this on the TV recently :-)) ????? · 2010-04-18: 15:25

:)) बॉलीवुड (bollywood) somogyvari · 2010-04-18: 17:51

LOL, Hollywood eat your heart out! :-) girafferacing · 2010-04-19: 16:32

Tagged: basildon essex las bas vegas hollywood sign