Live London Gig Guide, and an introduction to Erin
Time to introduce the latest addition to our team of intrepid Groupon bloggers – meet Erin, an Australian-born London newcomer who plays some seriously dodgy guitar, dresses like a children’s entertainer and has tried every kind of performance art under the sun. And all whilst seeking out stella local highlights to share with her Groupon fans.
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As the London weather gets darker and colder, the time comes to pack up those picnic rugs and plastic wine glasses and venture inside for your weekly dose of entertainment. Winter is almost upon us and now seems as good a time as any to start scoping out some of London’s best music and entertainment venues.
The Roundhouse, Camden
Established in 1846, the Roundhouse is home to some of the most diverse and off-the-wall events that London has to offer. Recent highlights include The Dead Weather absolutely shredding it to a 3000-strong crowd in July to rave reviews, and I’m already pre-empting the brilliance of their upcoming Frank Zappa 70th Birthday Celebration, featuring Dweezil Zappa, The Mighty Boosh Band and The London Symphony orchestra.
This venue tends to be maligned for being pretentious and “try-hard alternative” but I saw Penn and Teller here in July and it definitely stood out for me as one of the best gigs I have ever seen, largely because the performance space is viewable from every inch of the auditorium. No front-row elitists here. Ticket prices are also very affordable for such a well-known venue. A new favourite indeed.
Rough Trade East, Brick Lane
First and foremost a world-renowned music store, Rough Trade East is one of Brick Lane’s many hidden gems. This is THE place to go for anything a little bit more “underground “than your average HMV. This cafe/bar/bookshop/live performance space boasts one of the largest vinyl collections in London. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly (even letting me in for free one night when I turned up toward the end of a Tame Impala set), with every one of them working in the music industry in their spare time, be it in bands, behind the mixing desk or doing PR for the latest unsigned acts. If you’re coming to see a live band, though, be sure to turn up early or you’ll spend the evening standing halfway down Brick Lane. It’s the kind of place where you turn up for a gig you think no-one has heard about only to discover that half of East London had the same idea. For those who enjoy something a little different.
Heaven London
Whilst primarily one of London’s premier gay nightclubs, Heaven plays host to a range of artists and events for any taste, type or interest. I had my reservations about going to ‘club’ gigs initially, but was dragged along to see Deerhunter during my first week in London. What made it more enjoyable than anything else is that the gigs are standing room only, and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. As long as you can afford the entry, you’ll be moshing with everyone from penniless students to Shoreditch trendies and suited professionals. Not for the faint-hearted, and fyi – wear comfortable shoes.
KOKO London
I will be honest here. I’ve never been to Koko as the bands that play here aren’t really my cup of tea. However, I’ve lost count of the number of friends who’ve been to live gigs here and had an absolute blast. Whilst many other London nightclubs remain open during the week for casual drinks and unsigned local bands, Koko operates primarily as a live music venue with club facilities. Located immediately by Mornington Crescent Tube station, this is THE place to see some of the newest and hippest bands of the moment, including Casette Jam, Happy Birthday and Soulfly. To keep up with what’s on at Koko, pick up any issue of NME and turn to the ‘Club NME’ pages to see the most popular London gigs for the week. I guarantee, at least 40% of the best gigs that week will be taking place at Koko. It’s THAT cool.
The Roadtrip Live Bar and DJ Deli
Located in the heart of Old St, Roadtrips new underground space The Workshop, has probably been my favourite London live performance space to date. Intimate and a little grimy, this basement venue is one on the way up. Open for less than two months, it definitely engenders the feeling of “London Underground.”
While it’s always fun to see huge artists in venues like the O2 and Hammersmith Apollo, spaces like these allow live music fans to see bands that may never get to grace the stage at venues like Koko or the Roundhouse. Only last week I discovered a brand new electro duo, Psycho Delia and the Ward, whom I will definitely be seeing again, simply by turning up to one of these amazing club nights. Following the gig there’s usually a series of DJ sets by a mixture of the artists themselves and well-known London DJs. £5.00 on the door, drinks aren’t expensive, and the worst that will happen is that you’ll see a band that’s not your cup of tea.You can dance as moronically as you like as well – in fact, it’s encouraged. Good old-fashioned fun.
Photography: fpaulus and Café du Monde’s
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