Hosted by a Grade II listed former railway engine shed built in 1847, in Chalk Farm, The Roundhouse opened as a performing arts venue after twenty-five years of disuse, in 1964.
The legendary UFO Club moved to the Roundhouse – from its Tottenham Court Road former home – from the 4th of August 1967 to the 29th of September of the same year, and it hosted The Doors‘ only two London appearances with Jim Morrison on the 6th and the 7th of September 1968, along with the Jefferson Airplane (who headlined the first night and supported on the second). The Doors drummer John Densmore was missing on the night of the 7th, The Doors’ main night, and the gig started two hours later than scheduled, i.e. when he was found, whereas DJ Jeff Dexter kept things moving with records and Pete Drummond gave him a hand, trying to keep quiet a crowd of 2,000 fans. These shows, some of the most memorable of the psychedelic era, have gone down in history as a landmark moment.
During the next decade the building became a significant venue for UK Underground music events, many of which were hosted and promoted by Jeff Dexter.
The night The Ramones played the Roundhouse on 4th July 1976 (and the Dingwalls the following day), in particular, has gone down in punk history as the day 0 of punk music in the UK. They were supporting The Flamin’ Groovies, with The Stranglers third on the bill. The likes of Mark Perry (creator of the zine Sniffin’ Glue), Brian James of The Damned, Shane MacGowan, and Marco Pirroni were all in the audience. The same night The Clash played their debut gig supporting the Sex Pistols at Sheffield’s Black Swan pub, so had to settle to see the NYC legends the following day at the Dingwalls.
Address: Chalk Farm Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 8EH
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