London Gig Venues

The UK has produced some of the most original, exciting and influential bands in the world and most of them have cut their teeth in one of the myriad music venues that criss-cross the capital. In this comprehensive and compelling book, author and photographer Carl Allen, the ‘Pevsner of Rock ‘n’ roll’, explores every nook and cranny of London’s vast network of live venues, from grand old Victorian music halls to skanky backstreet boozers with barely enough room to swing a mic stand. Along the way he unearths some hidden gems, highlighting those venues that have achieved a mythical status and remembering those that have fallen by the wayside.

Illustrated with full-colour photography, this is a complete history of the live music venues in London from the 1930s to the present day. Each entry includes basic details such as how to get there, as well as all the key background information, including live recordings, noteworthy gigs and infamous incidents and a history of the building before its life as a live venue. This book is a must for all self-respecting music lovers living in or visiting our great capital city.