Independent Venue Week Spotlight: Koko
As part of our independent venue week coverage, we're taking a look at one of London's most recognisable venues; Koko.
Last updated: 25th Jan 2024
Originally published: 9th Jan 2023
Independent Venue Week is the time of the year where we celebrate everything that our local independent venues provide for us. Often the spaces that help launch new artists and their careers, they are often the places where we fall in love with a new music discovery. We're highlighting some of our favourite venues and this time around we're focussing on London's Koko.
Located in Camden, it isn't the sort of venue that you can easily miss due to the dome that sits on the roof and the black and white exterior. Inside the venue, you'll find one of the most extravagant interiors of any venue in London. With multiple balcony levels and a standing floor space you can view performances from a wide variety of angles.
On the floor, it feels close and intimate with the stage not being too far away from you. You can tell that the venue was originally opened in 1900 as a theatre due to the decor and layout of the building. It also spent some time as a cinema before being owned by the BBC. Later it was named the Camden Palace and opened as a music venue.
(Find tickets for the upcoming Peach- re-union 2024 here)
It thrived as a venue for music and club nights and was eventually renamed Koko in 2004. Throughout its history, the venue has had some of the most famous names come through its doors such as the mighty Prince and Amy Winehouse. There's no doubt that Koko has earnt its place within London's musical folklore as it has contributed many memorable shows.
(Photo credit: Sam Neill)
It was as important in the 80's as it was in the indie boom of the 00's. Its influence was dented for a time when at the start of 2020 the venue was heavily damaged in a fire. Reopening in 2022, the new look Koko arrived and it has, to the delight of many, been putting on shows since.
Now Koko has an incredibly diverse calendar, with artists of all genres able to find a home here. It is still the gem of Camden and will have plenty more rowdy nights in the future. You can book tickets to some of the through Skiddle such as Bella Shmurda, Frantic Timeless Trance, Stone Foundation and Peach- Re-union 2024.
(Find tickets for Bella Shmurda here)
It is a pleasure to see a landmark venue back in full swing and we advise you to attend a gig or club night here as soon as you can. There's always something happening in a building that is stacked with history. It is one of the finest independent venues in the country. To see what's happening soon at Koko take a look here.
If you want to attend some Independent Venue Week events then take a look at our Inspire Me - here.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
Header image credit: Koko London (Facebook)