70s british gay clubs

Lost in Music: A Night Out in 1970s British Gay Clubs

Imagine stepping back in time, the year is 1975. Bell bottoms are the height of fashion, disco balls are spinning, and a revolutionary spirit fills the air. For gay men and women in Britain, the 1970s weren't just about glam rock and economic woes; they were about carving out spaces for community, self-expression, and a whole lot of dancing. But what was it *really* like to experience this burgeoning scene? Let's dive in.

The Pulse of the Underground

Beyond the mainstream, a vibrant underground scene thrived. Think of those intimate, almost secretive clubs, tucked away in basements or above unassuming pubs. Places where the music wasn't dictated by record labels, but by the DJs themselves. DJs like Talullah (aka Martin Allum) at Shanes in West Hampstead, who might also be taking your coat at the cloakroom. Or Chris Lucas at The Catacombs in Earls Court. These were the unsung heroes, spinning the latest soul, funk, and proto-disco imports, often on 7-inch vinyl.

One-Night Wonders and Musical Mavericks

Then there were the pioneers of the "one-nighter" – promoters like DJ Tricky Dicky, who rented out pubs and bars for a single night of unadulterated gay celebration. Tricky Dicky understood the power of music, even contributing pop and soul reviews to Gay News, a publication typically focused on politics and the arts. His Fangs night in Paddington became legendary, proving that all you needed was good music, a space to dance, and a crowd eager to let loose.

1976 was a pivotal year, marked by the arrival of the commercially available 12-inch single. This meant higher audio quality and extended track lengths. Venues like Bang, which operated out of the Sundown Club (later LA2) on Charing Cross Road, capitalized on this advancement. Bang became a major event, pushing the boundaries of what a gay club could be.

A Kaleidoscope of Characters and Sounds

But not every club chased the superclub vibe. Many held onto their raw, underground edge. El Sombrero, also known as Yours or Mine, on Kensington High Street, offered a more intimate and eclectic experience. Picture this: a racially diverse crowd of European queens, black soul boys, wealthy Arabs, pop stars, antique dealers, and rent boys, all united by the flashing lights of the underlit dance floor. Makeup artist Kenny Campbell fondly remembers those nights, fueled by music and camaraderie, ending with an epic walk home to Tottenham.

Other notable mentions include:

From Soulful Sounds to Hi-NRG Beats

The musical landscape itself was evolving. Ian Levine, formerly a key figure in the Northern Soul scene, brought his mixing skills to clubs like The Embassy, creating a seamless dance experience. Levine’s influence helped transition away from the Motown medleys prevalent in clubs like Bang and Scandals. The Copa also embraced this new sound, becoming a hub for the emerging London "clone" scene.

The Embassy Club in Bond Street represented a shift towards glamour and sophistication. Designed for an upscale clientele, it offered a spacious dance floor, a state-of-the-art sound system, and cutting-edge lighting. It quickly became a must-visit destination for tourists, eager to experience London's vibrant gay nightlife.

Beyond the Dance Floor: Activism and Community

The Sexual Offences Act of 1967 had decriminalized male homosexual activity (with significant limitations), and the 1970s saw a growing push for greater equality and acceptance. While politics and pleasure often intersected, the scene wasn’t without its challenges.

In Brighton, for example, various groups worked to foster community and advocate for change. Brighton Gay Switchboard, started in 1975, provided crucial support and information. Brighton Lesbian Line offered an alternative space for women. The Brighton Gay Liberation Front organized the first gay demonstration and Pride march in the city.

However, these efforts faced resistance. A showing of "Word is Out" a gay positive film, was attacked by skinheads, thought to be National Front sympathisers. Brighton Police clamped down on gay clubs. Despite these challenges, activists persevered, striving to create safe spaces and build a stronger community.

The End of an Era

As the 1980s dawned, the disco era began to fade. Electronic music and Hi-NRG sounds took over, transforming the dance floor. The leather-clad "clone" look replaced the flamboyance of earlier years.

The 1970s British gay club scene was more than just a collection of venues; it was a cultural phenomenon. It was a space for self-discovery, community building, and uninhibited expression. It was a time of musical innovation, evolving fashion, and growing political awareness. It laid the foundation for the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ scene we know today. So, next time you hear a classic disco track, remember the pioneers who danced the night away in those dimly lit clubs, paving the way for a more inclusive future.