Journalist and writer Dave Haslam is well-placed to document the history of UK nightlife. A former resident DJ at seminal Manchester club The Haçienda, he's also spent decades researching the subject. We asked him to tell us more about three rare photos, taken from his book, showing London clubs from across the decades.
‘Life After Dark: A History of British Nightclubs & Music Venues’ is published on Thursday August 13 by Simon & Schuster
‘Trojan, Nicola Bateman and Leigh Bowery at Bowery’s Taboo club in 1985. To gain entry, he said: “Dress as though your life depends on it, or don’t bother.” Later in the decade, the rave revolutionaries would, for better or worse, dress down, partly as a reaction against the style-heavy clubs.’
‘In the basement of a building in Ham Yard, clarinettist Cy Laurie hosted all-nighters. This was 1954. George Melly and his friends called these events “raves”. Ten years later the basement housed the Scene club, “A focal point for the mod movement”, according to Pete Townshend of The Who.’
Whatever your taste in music, whatever kind of party you’re looking for, our guide to the best clubs in London has everything you need to find an awesome night out in the capital.
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