Independent music venues have been the backbone of the British cultural music scene for as long as there has been popular music. No world-famous British band would be where they are today without these vital institutions and generations of teens can recall hedonistic nights when they first heard their new favorite band in the sweaty backroom of a pub.
Many of these iconic venues are long gone and more continue to close under the strain of increasing overheads, gentrification and the sweeping changes in how we all consume our music. But fear not, a handful of independent music venues continue to fly the flag for this dying yet integral part of the British music scene.
Here are some of our favorite independent music venues in London – definitely take in a gig or two at these places while you’re here studying!
100 Club
Arguably one of London’s most famous music venues, the 100 Club first opened its doors in the 1940s and continued to cement its place into the very core of the British music scene.
The venue is most notable for hosting the gigs of Britain’s most famous punk bands during the 70s and early 80s, such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Dammed. One of the venue’s most notable gigs was The Rolling Stone’s secret show in 1982.
Today, the 100 Club’s decor remains unchanged, and so does its busy and vibrant schedule. After surviving near-closure in 2010, it has only gone from strength to strength. Step in this iconic Oxford Street venue and you can step into a small part of musical history.
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