‘Sweaty Ceilings’ will dive into the stories behind celebrated spaces including 100 Club, fabric, Moth Club, KOKO, Corsica Studios, Cafe OTO and more.
A crowdfunder for a new book, Sweaty Ceilings, which celebrates London’s independent and grassroots music venues, has launched today (1 October).
The book will focus on 30 different venues and their stories, via the communities and musicians who have passed through their doors, with fabled spaces including 100 Club, Roundhouse, Moth Club, KOKO, The Windmill, Cafe OTO, fabric, Corsica Sudios and more being examined.
Made in conjunction with charity Music Venue Trust, the book project is led by artist and designer Sophie Mo and Independent Music Manager Tash Cutts. Each chapter will be written by a different music journalist, including Robin Murray, Tristan Gatward, John Doran, Stuart Stubbs and Will Richards, while its foreword will be penned by Carl Barât of The Libertines.
It comes as music venues in the UK are facing a tough and uncertain future. According to Music Venue Trust, 125 venues closed in 2023 – more than two a week – in what was the worst year for venue closures in a decade.
Proceeds of the book will go towards the book’s creation and production costs, as well as to Music Venue Trust. Beverley Witrick, COO of Music Venue Trust, said: “The loss of grassroots music venues in recent years was the catalyst for the creation of UK charity Music Venue Trust, which works to protect, secure, and improve these venues.
“Sweaty Ceilings celebrates London’s landmark independent music venues,” she continued. “Delving into the stories of musicians who started their careers in these venues demonstrates why they need to be championed and protected – for artists, audiences and communities.”
Felix White, guitarist of The Maccabees and 86TVs, said: “There will never be a better or more important time to document and celebrate independent venues across London. Even reading the list of the featured venues for Sweaty Ceilings is like a flashback to meeting lifelong friends, or seeing all kinds of special bands for the same time. I’m sure every fan will feel the same.”
For more information on the crowdfunder and to pre-order a book, click here.