You must have heard about how in the last 10 years the council has shot down legendary UK venues such as the 12 bar and Madame Jojo’s in the Soho area, where UK subculture thrived for hundreds of years before.
Maybe you have thought that soon, there won’t be a place where you can hang out after a tiring day at work. Because if things keep changing so fast, the beating heart of London will soon be replaced by retail money grabbers of soulless corporations.
What they don’t know is that the highest bidder won’t keep London alive. It’s something that local people do. And here’s some proof of that.
The UK’s Tin Pan Alley – A Place Once Home To Anyone
We are, of course talking about Denmark Street, where The Rolling Stones, The Sex Pistols, David Bowie and Small Faces used to hang out, getting their first demos ready or just having fun.
Up until recently, you could see bands, DJs, cabaret and all kinds of unusual entertainment. It was a place where people could enjoy complete creative and sexual freedom and break away from the stigmas of everyday society.
It was a place well and alive with music gigs of all kinds to choose from. But if you visit a few years from now, the only choice you’re gonna get is to shop at Tesco or enjoy a drink ’til 11pm, then it’s off to bed with you.
It’s like someone up there declared that this disease of individuality must be stopped once and for all…to give way to mindless consumption and a force-fed, boring middle-class lifestyle.
But There’s Still Hope For Alternative Culture
Even though the council shut down local venues, they can’t get rid of its people so easily. We are still out there, even though somewhat scattered and sometimes directionless.
At FFR UK, we want to gather under one banner anyone who’s into different subcultures, let that be punk, folk, goth, reggae, hardcore or anything that goes against the norm. The goal is, to get together so we can organize amazing, fun music nights with live bands anywhere.
We also want to keep some memories of our favorite venues and share them with you. So we (Tara Rez of The Duel and Segs Jennings of The Ruts/Ruts DC) went out to interview some fine people who were still active in the music life of Soho before the end.
On our Youtube Channel dedicated to counter-culture reports, interviews, and live music gigs you can check out and share what may be the last records of something great and unique.
You will remember to never give in to the pressure of big businesses and their wicked allies. Stick to where your heart is at. The sound of our guitars will break through the silence and our people will be free to enjoy life once again.
