While we're all sitting around twiddling our thumbs waiting to see if and when music venues will be opening up again, a fascinating new book takes a look back at some of London's legendary venues and finds out what's become of them.
The first release from the book publishing arm of London garage-punk label Damaged Goods, London's Lost Music Venues takes a look back at over 60 years of the capital's live music scene and the places that made it happen.
Historian, sometime promoter and brains behind the superb DerelictLondon.com website, across 240-plus pages, author Paul Talling focuses on more than 130 clubs, pubs, theatres, often providing firsthand recollection, pinpointing key moments, gigs and their impact on the various scenes down the years, ranging from jazz, skiffle, rock'n'roll and folk through mod, psych, pub rock, punk, indie, Britpop and more. Each entry is highlighted with present day photos as well as contemporary fliers and and memorabilia.
Memories likely to be rekindled include The Bull & Gate, The Tally Ho, Middle Earth, The Roxy, The 12 Bar, The Astoria and no fewer than four versions of the legendary Marquee, plus dozens more besides.
Priced £14.99, London's Lost Music Venues is published by Damaged Goods Books on 25 June, and is available to pre-order here.
Damaged Goods Books on Facebook
Pic by Paul Talling