The British equivalent of the Fillmore—a space that did not just host bands but defined entire eras of music. Originally opened in 1958 as a jazz club at 165 Oxford Street, its move to 90 Wardour Street in Soho in 1964 placed it at the physical and cultural center of "Swinging London." The Marquee is where British rock was forged, from the R&B boom through psychedelia to punk and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
The most historic night occurred on July 12, 1962, when The Rolling Stones played their first-ever gig, filling in for Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated. The venue nurtured The Yardbirds (featuring Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page) and The Who, who held a legendary Tuesday night residency known as "Maximum R&B." On January 24, 1967, hosted a showcase for Jimi Hendrix attended by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton. Key venue for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), hosting Iron Maiden and Def Leppard before they ascended to arenas.
Historically the proving ground for British rock talent. Hosted regular residencies that allowed bands to develop their sound and following. Famous for nurturing emerging artists who would become superstars.
London, United Kingdom
Nashville, United States
Austin, United States
Austin, United States
New York, United States
Austin, United States
We're collecting stories from musicians who performed at The Marquee Club