The result is a stunning reworking of not just the buildings exterior including the iconic copper dome roof, which was painstakingly restored and upgraded by Archer Humphryes Architects (of The Standard and Chiltern Firehouse fame) but also the interior. With that in mind I felt there needed to be a convergence of the physical and digital and to add a broadcast element because I felt streaming was coming and that musicians would want to stream to global audience and entertain their fans not just through the physical space but also through content. When you shuffle out of Mornington Station crescent, its hard not to be struck by one of Londons historic music venues as it towers over the streets of Camden. Discover our solutions for the hospitality and events industry. They initially hoped to remain closed for refurbishment for a year, but a fire breaking out at the site in 2020, followed by the Covid pandemic and colossal water damage ended up threatening the venues existence. Revolutionary booking and enquiry management software for bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. If you join, that'll give you exclusive access to several floors towards the top of the building including a new roof terrace and conservatory, a cocktail bar in the restored copper dome, a recording studio and a hidden speakeasy among other spaces. He said the space will pay homage to the venues artistic legacy dating back to its opening on Boxing Day 1900. Published 07 April 2022. Become a member and youll get access to the higher floors of the building including a secret speakeasy. Hazy memories, altered by time (the baggy jeans I wore to iconic rock night Feet First are back back back), alcohol (Pernod and Diet Coke please), or in the instance of my inaugural visit, hazy because I experienced the pounding 80s disco at what was then the Camden Palace through the shield of amniotic fluid, ensconced in my mothers eight-month pregnancy bump. Check out our most glorious London rooftops here. At ground level you might find DJ shows in the merch shop, or head upstairs for live jazz at the all-day pizzeria and tap room, or perhaps eat dinner at the rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. We are grateful and positive about everything.". In January 2020 a fire badly damaged the Camden venue's famous copper dome and delayed renovation works. It was set to reopen in the spring. Its great for us, but its also great for London and culture, he said. Koko in north London is a Grade II listed Victorian theatre. Were creating a huge platform for new artists with all the venues and spaces within the new building, says KOKO founder Olly Bengough, and were providing media and distribution for them to be heard. A new foundation, which will launch next year as a registered charity, hopes to empower future generations of artists and protect the environment and will begin by working on projects in Camden. Subsequent water damage then delayed the reopening even more. Opening acts will range from stadium-fillers like Arcade Fire, to homegrown majors like Jorja Smith, Pete Doherty and Tems. Its never been corporate and always owned by independents and entrepreneurs. From new wave and punk with seminal gigs by The Clash, The Jam, The Cure, to the new romantic era with Iggy Pop, Duran Duran, Ultravox, Boy George, and it was also a centre for the rave and acid-house scene in the late 80s and 90s. Dreaming of cocktails and a view now? Ne de la fusion des trois rgions : Alsace, Champagne-Ardennes et Lorraine, l'Association Rgionale des Missions Locales du Grand Est a vu le jour en . Koko, formerly known as Camden Palace and the Camden Hippodrome, closed for refurbishment in March last year and was set to reopen this spring as a "world-class music and hospitality. In the coming months, KOKO will see appearances from the likes of Pete Doherty, Jorja Smith, 2ManyDJs, d4vd is pops new DIY innovator: I can make 10 songs in one night!, Danny Kelleher has set music and gaming on a collision course, Melissa Barrera: As a Latino, most of the opportunities are to play immigrants, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds Council Skies review: brighter than before. Do Russians really hate the West? CREDIT: Lorne Thomson/Redferns. One of London's most famous music venues will reopen in spring after a 70m refurbishment. Regulated by IMRESS, the Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. The idea of creating something as daring as the original theatre built in 1900 was exciting to me, he says of the seven-year, 70 million project. Share this article: SUBSCRIBE TO THE QUIETUS KOKO Camden: The Venues History For over three years its been hidden behind hoardings, yet another spot on the list of Londons once world-beating live music destinations lying dark, forlorn, and uncharacteristically quiet. Camden's KOKO Is Finally Reopening, Complete With A Roof Terrace, Pizzeria And Secret Speakeasy, 1. We are as committed as ever to protect our 120 year cultural legacy and to support the next generation of musicians and Londons dynamic and ever growing music scene. Those plans were scuppered after a fire broke out at the venue in January 2020 with the coronavirus pandemic and colossal water damage further holding up progress. 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But for the best part of three years, KOKOs doors have been fastened shut to the usual punters lining up to to enjoy their usual roster of theatre and live music. Speaking of the meticulous three year restoration process, Lewis said that music fans would notice the years of love and effort that have gone into transforming the venue. You can munch on scrumptious New York-style pies and cheesecakes. Owner Olly Bengough said the project had faced. Music News, By Id like to take this opportunity to thank all the artists, agents, promoters and managers who weve been working with and have booked one of the first shows back with us, he added. 1,610 people follow this. One of London's most famous music venues will reopen in spring after a 70m refurbishment. The venue was set to reopen in the spring after a "major state-of-the-art" refurbishment, after the purchase of two . One third of the roof of Koko in Camden was on fire at one point, the London Fire Brigade said in January 2020, "But obviously it was monumental and working through the pandemic was tough. That was where we started. Tom March 15, 2021 comments off Koko, Camden's most well-known nightclub, has lastly confirmed it is going to be reopening after it was hit by a significant fire final yr after which submerged within the coronavirus disaster. Youll just have to wait a little while longer to do exactly that. Speaking to NME, he said that it the latest iteration pieces together 222 years of London history while looking to the future in taking in the neighbouring former Hope & Anchor pub at the rear (built in 1860) to become Cafe KOKO and a former piano factory from 1800 to become the new five-storey House Of KOKO members club. The Camden venue was initially shut in 2019 for a year-long refurbishment, which was then pushed back after a fire broke out in the venue in 2020. 7 January 2020 One third of the roof of Koko in Camden was on fire at one point, the London Fire Brigade said One of London's most famous music venues has been badly damaged in a blaze. When Arcade Fire played KOKO on the 29 th of April, they joined a long list of legendary artists to rock the storied venue in Camden, North London.. Weve increased artists creative perimeter, so they can come and perform big shows, small shows, they can stream and create limited edition content. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Its this connective power of music and the arts that Olly and his team are harnessing as they develop Koko into Londons first next generation global entertainment experience, she continues. Its changed identity and names multiple times before, and this new era of the KOKO is a tale of the survival of one of Londons great venues that demands be celebrated. Sell e-gift vouchers to your customers; whether it be a packaged up experience or a monetary value. VideoDo Russians really hate the West? Moreover, an entire new experience will be offered to the public. KOKOs always there and people can always buy a ticket to a show. Following the grand re-opening of KOKO in London, the bosses behind the iconic venue have spoken to NME about the improvements made and what it means for music fans, artists and culture in the city. #KOKOLondon is #open, Photos 1-7 @levenephoto | 8-10 @AntAdamsUK#Arcadefire #Koko #WE pic.twitter.com/w4AugevBnI. This site uses cookies to enhance your experience - you can manage these in your browser settings. There are also going to be two restaurants in the private area, led byAndreas Engberg (previously Head Chef at La Petite Maison). This has been achieved by developing new tourist approaches, a true concentration of economic, cultural and heritage tourism activities while ensuring an urban/rural regional balance. It hit the headlines when fire ripped through the historic dome, raising fears the celebrated building may perhaps be lost forever and then came Covid. The Cock The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures Front Beach Pasar Tanjung Tawau Viaport Marina Kiddie Park Broad Acres Flea Market US 1 Mile Marker 0 Silver Glen Springs Rudy's Bar & Grill Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda Arequipa - Yura: Capua Waterfall and Thermal Baths Hike MIAMI Ultimate Everglades Experience MORNING or AFTERNOON Indoor Shooting Range in Beirut Lebanon 2 Hour . Koko is being reopened with content company Sister, which has worked on TV series such as Chernobyl and the forthcoming adaptation of This is Going to Hurt. Koko reopens on 29 Apr (koko.co.uk). The ambition for the completely revamped venue means its going to be a huge deal for the local music and culture landscape, and that makes us genuinely excited for what lies ahead. Not feeling the savoury vibes? Koko, previously Camden Palace, is currently closed for "major state-of-the-art transformation," according to its website. Weve got this incredible townhouse where you can go and watch shows in the theatre, or you can go to our new small gig space Ellens and watch a show, you can go to the studio where well have listening parties and events, radio station facilities to showcase emerging talent, plus weve got vinyl-listening booths for anyone who really enjoys and loves music. The venue is the perfect size, she says, intimate but grand, opulent yet rough around the edges. We believe that the behind-the-scenes storytelling opportunities for artists which allows them to take their fans on a journey with them in a way which hasnt been done before is truly unique and the opportunities for creativity are huge. About 60 firefighters helped tackle the fire at Koko in Camden High Street. Maybe they want to take over our new KOKO shop for the day as part of their album launch, or livestream their performance to their fans worldwide, or perhaps create a VIP show to a select few fans in our new fly tower venue within the theatre. Following the grand re-opening of KOKO in London, the bosses behind the iconic venue have spoken to NME about the improvements made and what it means for music fans, artists and culture in the. By Kavita Singh. Credit: Lesley Lau. Take a look at the venue's new layout via the diagram below. Every theatre has one, and its where stage-hands pull the scenography between scenes. This week (Friday April 29) saw Arcade Fire play the first gig back at the newly renovated Camden venue to launch their upcoming album WE, before Luciano headlined the first KOKO Electronic night the following evening to celebrate the venues major 70million renovation. Quite the star power if you ask us. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. At Sister were really excited to partner with Koko and to use our collective expertise, networks and shared independence to forge creative collaborations and empower artists and audiences around the world.. Favouring get-togethers, sharing . All tickets and further details can be found here. London's KOKO is making a comeback with tunes and tipples. Table management, pre-orders, payments and more. Lianne La Havas added: KOKO has been truly missed. Paak , Kate Bush and FKA Twigs followed by a Brainfeeder Club Night, Lewis said that the venues mission in booking shows was to honouring the theatres rich history whilst also innovating across all genres. The plan is to come back and deliver a truly unique music experience that has never been seen before.. We are grateful and positive about everything.. Owner Olly Bengough said the project had faced monumental challenges from a rooftop fire and the coronavirus pandemic but the space was coming out better than ever. Centre EUROPE DIRECT : documentation, informations, changes et vnements sur l'Union europenne N George Michael came along and played third wheel, so we spent all night trying to get rid of him! Since its closure, it hasnt been an easy ride for the beloved venue which has previously housed artists like The Rolling Stones, Prince, and Camden-local Amy Winehouse. London music venue Koko will reopen in spring 2022 after a 70 million redevelopment aimed at creating a truly unique music experience. Included in the new KOKO will be a venue within a venue called Fly Tower, a 200-cap room housed in a 50ft tall shaft which will see the performance experience shifted, with artists on the floor and fans on the stage. Music Unfortunately, in January 2020,the building caught fire, taking 60 fire fighters five hours to get it under control. Now an artist can play an analogue show where they dont have to stream, or if they want to stream and distribute their show or backstage elements to their audience globally, they can now do it at the push of a button, said Bengough. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. Everyone knows about my first date with Shirlie [of pop act Pepsi and Shirlie] there. "We work closely with some great crafts people, our architects, and then obviously English Heritage and the Victorian Society," he said. Its one of my favourite London venues and many of my favourite artists have played there. "KOKO will re open next spring as a state of the art venue and broadcast studio with a new acoustic venue, penthouse, roof terrace, radio station, Dome cocktail bar and members area with the mission to support the future of music and independent artists! When I founded the theatre in 2003, Amy Winehouse was just coming through, we were lucky enough to do Coldplays X & Y album launch and Madonna came back for her Confessions On A Dance Floor album. KOKO has revealed plans for high-spec streaming capabilities integrated throughout [the venue], alongside their aim to deliver an unrivalled experience for live music fans. Beautiful South American Steakhouse To Open Its First All You Can Eat Restaurant In London. KOKO is an iconic venue and I am so excited to play there, Jorja Smith said in a statement. Use our targeted marketing packages to instantly push your venue to a young professional audience. Its very tall but the public never see it. The private dining room in House of KOKO. As for the main venue, Bengough said that many improvements had been made to satisfy gig-goers and audiophiles. We stripped back the theatre to its brickwork, which took three years because it hasnt been renovated like this since 1900, he said. And if you can't wait to check out all the hubbub, head to its grand opening party on the 30th of April for show-stopping performances from Luciano and Isaac Carter. Well be doing that by supporting the most exciting, emerging, local talent throughout the building, including in the ground floor Caf KOKO as well as our new stages in the members areas, he said. managed to stop being redeveloped into flats, Setlist: How a 1980s Prince photo impacts on AI, CMU Digest 28.05.23: Sony Music, BOSS ACT, TikTok, YouTube, Irelands drug harm-reduction scheme for festivals, US prosectors go after R Kellys label and publishing royalties to pay off fines and restitution, Music industry organisations provide perspectives on the economics of streaming debate. Camden's Iconic KOKO Venue Is Finally Reopening Next Year With A Brand New Rooftop Terrace Don't call it a comeback. 'There's no one way to be autistic' Video, Utah schools ban Bible for 'vulgarity and violence', British Vogue editor Edward Enninful steps down, Three Israeli soldiers killed near Egypt border, Man arrested at Wembley over '97' football shirt, Parents clash in Pride protest at US primary school. Prince performing Purple Rain in the middle of one of his historic and impromptu nights up at Koko is a favourite, says Bengough. The beloved Camden music venue was a real crowdpleaser for Londoners - especially considering the many artists who graced its wonderous stage, from Kanye to Prince and The Rolling Stones. But this week the team behind it revealed their plans to reopen in Spring following quite the makeover. . Having always wanted to do my own show at KOKO, Im excited that I now have the opportunity to do that. When the theatre first opened in 1901, Charlie Chaplin performed on its stage, then later Monty Python and The Goon Show were broadcast from the building when it was owned by the BBC from 1945-1975. Whats fun is that now artists can play KOKO, they can play the fly tower, or some artists are talking to us about playing both in the round. Explore one or more from the below. So, when I heard that Koko was nearly ready to eschew its scaffolding cocoon and finally take on new life, bringing heart and soul back to an anodyne, sanitised Camden, I jumped at the chance to be one of the first members of the public to be allowed in for a sneak peek. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. It will reopen next spring as a 50,000sq ft multi-use space featuring livestreaming facilities, a radio station, shops, a late-night pizzeria and a bar. KOKO has witnessed so many musical movements throughout its history which is really quite special, he said. can take advantage of our full suite of products. Music fans around the world can also now enjoy KOKO with 4K streaming enabled throughout the building. It will reopen next spring as a 50,000sq ft multi-use space featuring livestreaming facilities, a radio station, shops, a late-night pizzeria and a bar.