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Our Guide To Live Music Venues In East London
There is certainly no shortage of live music venues in East London so knowing where to start might a problem. Take 5 to read our guide to live music venues and let us know if you find anymore to add to the list.
Bloc Party @ Birthdays – 33-35 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ (photo credit: Never Enough Notes)
If it is your birthday or not, Birthdays in Dalston hosts great parties and is just a five minute walk from Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland tube stations.
You’ll find Birthdays in the lower levels of an unassuming residential block, which has been transformed into a two-floor fun factory. It now houses a massive sound system, stage, lights and all the other stuff you’d expect to find at a music venue. In the bar you can enjoy cocktails and burgers if you get hungry. Entry to the bar is always free, but generally you’ll need to pay to get into the basement.
Artists that have previously played Birthdays: Iggy Azalea, Mykki Blanco, Trash Talk, Bloc Party, Pissed Jeans and The Cribs.
Cancer Bats @ The Old Blue Last – 38 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3ES (photo credit: The Old Blue Last)
Described as one of London’s best live music venues you’ll be sure to see some of the up and coming bands of the future right here.
This modern East End pub is a mecca for music, with the Arctic Monkeys, Florence and the Machine, Simian Mobile Disco and Disclosure all appearing here. Many events are free or if there is a charge its generally between £5 and £10. The Old Blue Last is a great place for music lovers looking for a cool hangout.
Artists that have previously played The Old Blue Last: George Ezra, Anti-Flag, The Menzingers, Slaves and Denzel Curry.
Sleigh Bells @ Village Underground – 54 Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ (photo credit: The Line of Best Fit)
This unique venue is housed in a renovated warehouse ready for everything from concerts and club nights to exhibitions, theatre, live art and other performances.
On top of this venue you’ll find four recycled Jubilee line train carriages and shipping containers. If you’re looking for a quirky event space for live music and amazing DJ sets in London, all located in the heart of Shoreditch, you just found it. Put your hands in the air and enjoy an authentic east London night of eclectic music – it’s a music venue/club definitely worth checking out.
Artists that have previously played Village Underground: Darwin Deez, George the Poet, Father John Misty, The Vaccines, Sleigh Bells, Slowdive, CHVRCHES
Travi$ Scott @ Oval Space – 29-32 The Oval, E2 9DT (photo credit: Place+Faces)
With 6000 square feet of space, the Oval Space is the place for live music and big nights out. You can find everything from live jazz, house and techno nights gathering the best acts on the contemporary music scene.
First opened in April 2012, the Oval is located in Bethnal Green, just a short distance from Cambridge Heath Rail Station. It’s well worth taking a look at what’s playing while you’re in East London.
Artists that have previously played Oval Space: Groove Armada, Bonobo, Everything Everything, Keaton Henson, Benga and Diplo
Marina & The Diamonds @ Oslo – 1A Amhurst Road, E8 1LL (photo credit: Oslo)
Oslo draws on a Nordic theme and is a day-to-night café, restaurant, bar and music venue in the heart of East London. The two-storey bar is located in the old Station Building in Hackney Central.
By day the Oslo offers tasty food and craft beers and by night a great place to socialise and listen to incredible live music. This exciting venue is open late throughout the week, and definitely fills the gap for great food and live music concept in Hackney.
Artists that have previously played Oslo: Foxes, Arcane Roots, Alabama Shakes, Marina and the Diamonds, Years and Years and Mumford and Sons
Suede @ Rough Trade East – The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL (photo credit: Every record tells a story)
This all singing and dancing music emporium is located in an old brewery and comes complete with a coffee shop. They also sells books and hosts in-store gigs.
So much more than a record shop, Rough Trade East welcomes performers of pretty much every persuasion to a purpose-built stage, with gigs happening early in the evening usually around 7pm. Keep a sharp eye on their social media feeds and website for the latest announcements and last minute shows!
Artists that have previously played Rough Trade: Public Enemy, Courtney Barnett, Royal Blood, Queens of the Stone Age and Suede.
There’s so much to do and see in London, why not download the Dictionary Hostel App for Apple and Android for even more events! Or, if you would like tips or advice on any of the other amazing stuff going on, just ask one of our team. Tweet us @thedictionary and we’ll help you find the right event for your stay!