Last week, Plymouth was the stage for one of the most iconic moments in British cultural and automotive history. To mark the centenary of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the luxury brand chose the stunning Tinside Lido as the backdrop for a celebration that combined music, myth and sophistication – culminating in the daring submersion of a £500,000 Phantom limousine.
The stunt was inspired by one of rock ’n’ roll’s most legendary stories: when, at 21 years old, The Who’s drummer Keith Moon is said to have driven his Rolls-Royce into a hotel swimming pool in the United States.
To honour both the mythical feat and what would have been the musician’s 79th birthday, Rolls-Royce decided to bring the legend to life by submerging a Phantom at the Tinside Lido.
The event was more than just a marketing move. Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure temporarily closed the Lido, but instead of turning regular visitors away, local swimmers were invited to take part in the experience.
The result was a unique moment that brought the community together with global luxury, firmly placing Plymouth on the world map.
The resulting images and videos will be shared globally, showcasing the city’s beauty, creativity and ambition, with the potential to attract future collaborations from prestigious brands.
+ Video: Phantom submerged in Plymouth for the centenary of the legend
‘Pure Plymouth magic’
Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, highlighted the importance of the moment:
“This is pure Plymouth magic. Rolls-Royce choosing the Tinside Lido to celebrate the Phantom’s centenary is an unforgettable event. Plymouth has deep connections with bands like the Beatles, who played here in the 1960s and were photographed on the Hoe during the filming of *The Magical Mystery Tour*, as well as with icons such as David Bowie and Pink Floyd. Music runs in our veins.”
Like the Phantom, the Lido is a symbol of timeless style and British character. Recently restored with multimillion-pound investment, the Art Deco landmark is more dazzling than ever, making it the perfect setting for a tribute that blends culture, design and maritime spirit.
+ Chinese HIMARS replicas appear in social media videos
The Phantom and its link with music
The relationship between Rolls-Royce and popular music is almost as old as the recording industry itself. Long before John Lennon, Elvis Presley or Pharrell Williams, artists such as Duke Ellington, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Ravi Shankar, Édith Piaf and Sam Cooke saw the marque as the ultimate symbol of success and artistic expression.
Producers and music moguls like Brian Epstein, Berry Gordy and Ahmet Ertegun were also among Rolls-Royce’s most notable owners.
Of all the models, the Phantom is the one most closely associated with the world of music. Across eight generations and 100 years – a centenary celebrated in 2025 – this extraordinary automobile has consistently been chosen by some of the most creative and influential figures in music history, cementing its reputation as the ultimate reward for creative brilliance.
The Phantom continues to represent the pinnacle of engineering excellence, fine materials and exquisite craftsmanship, maintaining its status as the world’s most iconic luxury product – and as a blank canvas for its owners’ identity.
Source and images: Hellorayo | Rolls-Royce. This content was created with the support of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
