The Barfly, the iconic Camden venue where Adele, Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse, The Strokes, Coldplay, and The Killers played some of their earliest shows, officially reopens today after a 10-year hiatus. The relaunch marks a significant boost to London's nightlife and grassroots music scene.
Venue's History and Relaunch
The venue, located a 10-minute walk from Camden's gift shops and goths, is being brought back under its original Barfly name. Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, who is relaunching the venue, said: 'I went to my first gig here, I had my 18th birthday party here, I have even DJed here. It's such a full circle moment to be bringing it back.' He added: 'I hated walking past it, seeing that it was no longer Barfly.'
For the last decade, the venue operated as the Camden Assembly, hosting acts like Yungblud, Olivia Dean, and the Last Dinner Party, but without the legendary Barfly name. Be Rozzo, one of the founders, said: 'This place was very much my life at one point. My flat was literally metres away, and I was always on hand when help was needed. So when I walked past it and saw it wasn't running as Barfly, it was quite sad really.' He has been consulted on many decisions for the relaunch to capture what made it great.
Artists' Memories and Future Shows
Chris McCormack, guitarist for 3 Colours Red, played at Barfly 'more times than he can count' and called it home to his favourite shows. The room, which fits around 220 people, offered sound quality often seen on higher-brow stages. He recalled being signed by an agent standing on the staircase: 'It was one of those things where he asked to sign me. I said a ridiculously high price as a joke, and he agreed.'
Frank Turner will take the stage tonight to officially reopen the venue. Upcoming shows include Violet Grohl in September. Dan said: 'Barfly means so much to us all, and we're honoured to be starting a new chapter in its story. We'll be announcing more very special shows shortly, but Frank Turner is the perfect artist to relaunch the Barfly stage. He embodies everything Barfly stands for.'
Backstage Upgrades
Metro was given an exclusive look backstage, where dressing rooms have been modernised with a flat-screen TV and a mini snooker table. The rooms, previously used by Adele and Amy Winehouse, now offer updated amenities for artists.
