The Roxy Club

ABOUT

A seminal punk rock club, considered the first exclusive punk venue in London. Located in a former gay club "Chaguaramas", The Roxy provided a home for the nascent punk scene when mainstream clubs wouldn't touch it. Its most significant period was its "100 nights" from January 1 to April 23, 1977. A "right old dump" with "disgusting toilets," it perfectly captured the raw, DIY ethos of early punk. It was a place where attendees could "be who you wanted to be and no one gave a damn".

SIGNIFICANCE

Launched numerous punk bands, including The Clash (opening night Jan 1, 1977), The Damned, Generation X, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Slits, Buzzcocks, and X-Ray Spex. It was a crucial meeting place for the early punk scene, where fashion and fanzine culture flourished alongside the music. DJ Don Letts famously played dub reggae between punk sets, influencing the scene. The live album The Roxy London WC2 documented this era. The original management was ousted after the initial "100 nights" (Jan-Apr 1977). The club continued under new ownership but lost its punk focus and closed by end of 1977. The site is now a bakery. Its brief, intense existence cemented its legendary status.

MUSIC & CHARACTER

SOURCES

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