“Venues are not just crucial to London’s grassroots music scene, but also to its formation of public opinion”
The Independent suggests that about 40% of London’s music venues closed in the years between 2004 to 2014.
London activists say that the reasons for the closures include disproportionately tough licensing scrutiny, soaring rent prices and property owners who aggressively develop urban space with zero regard for the cultural institutions they’re trampling on. In other words, gentrification is doing a number on London’s safe, cultural spaces.
Londoners are still up in arms about this issue, because apart from giving musicians…
You've used your free article this month
Continue reading with a free account, or subscribe for unlimited access to all of our news, features and reports.
Already have an account? Sign in
London-based music writer Alex Smith picks five of his favourite grassroots venues
Comment 29 June 2018