Lost in Music: A Journey Through 1970s British Gay Clubs

The 1970s in Britain - a decade of flared trousers, glam rock, and a burgeoning sense of liberation. For the gay community, it was a time of finding their voice, their identity, and most importantly, their space on the dance floor.

Beyond the political activism and the fight for equality, a vibrant nightlife scene was blossoming, offering sanctuary and celebration in equal measure. Forget the whispers and shadows; the 70s saw the rise of British gay clubs that dared to be loud, proud, and utterly unforgettable.

The Soundtrack of a Generation: Soul, Funk, and the Dawn of Disco

What tunes defined the decade on the underground gay scene?

Forget your predictable Top 40. DJs like Talullah (aka Martin Allum) and Chris Lucas were spinning gold - rare soul, funky imports, and proto-disco tracks that pulsed through the veins of clubs like Shanes in West Hampstead and The Catacombs in Earls Court. These weren't just clubs; they were sonic laboratories, experimenting with sounds that would soon conquer the world.

And let's not forget Tricky Dicky, a true innovator who understood the power of the one-nighter.

Imagine a pub or bar, transformed for one glorious night into a haven of gay energy, fueled by disco beats. It was a revolutionary concept, amplified by Tricky Dicky's music reviews in Gay News, a publication typically focused on more serious matters.

Who knew a disco chart could be so subversive?

From Humble Beginnings to Superclub Status

The year 1976 marked a turning point with the arrival of Bang!, London's first gay superclub. This wasn't just a bigger space; it was a declaration.

It was a bold step away from the smaller, more discreet venues and a plunge into a world of amplified sound and shared euphoria. But what made these clubs so special? Was it the music? The people? Or something more?

Intimate Vibes and Underground Sounds

While Bang!

was raising the bar, many venues retained their raw, edgy appeal. El Sombrero, affectionately known as Yours or Mine, on Kensington High Street, offered a more intimate and diverse experience. Picture this: Euro-queens, black soul boys, rich Arabs, pop stars, antique dealers, and rent boys, all united under the flashing lights of an underlit dance floor.

It was a melting pot of identities, a place where boundaries blurred and inhibitions dissolved. As makeup artist Kenny Campbell recalls, "We were buzzing so much we walked all the way home to Tottenham!"

Other notable spots included:

• The Rainbow Disco: Located beneath the Rainbow Rooms in Manor House, promising the best in American soul and funk, with a dash of disco magic.
• Chaguaramas: Later reborn as The Roxy (a legendary punk venue), this Neal Street club was a haven for soul and disco, guided by the steady hand of DJ Norman Scott.
• Monkberrys: A chic Mayfair cabaret and disco club, graced by the London debut of the iconic Grace Jones.
• Adams: A Leicester Square staple, pumping out the latest disco sounds to eager crowds.

Clone Culture and the Rise of Hi-NRG

As the decade progressed, the scene evolved.

Glades, for instance, cultivated a sexually charged atmosphere. One American visitor, previously unimpressed with London's gay scene, was thrilled to find men dancing shirtless. The Copa paved the way for the emerging London clone scene, a visual statement as bold as any protest march.

The Embassy Club, arriving on Bond Street, injected a dose of glamour into the gay disco landscape.

Designed for an upscale clientele, it offered a sophisticated alternative to the more provincial venues. With its state-of-the-art sound system and lighting, it became a magnet for visiting Americans and Europeans, eager to experience the vibrant London scene.

The Influence of Ian Levine

A pivotal figure in this evolution was Ian Levine.

Having cut his teeth in the Northern Soul scene at the Blackpool Mecca, Levine brought his mixing skills and eclectic taste to the gay clubs. He embraced disco after being inspired by New York, and became a key influencer. Levine ditched the Motown medleys and emphasized seamless mixing.

What about the move away from live music? Was it good for the scene?

By the late 70s, leather and uniforms were in, flamboyant expression waned (except during drag shows). The music became more electronic, the beats faster. Backrooms catered to specific tastes.

The scene was changing, morphing into something new. By the 80s, electronic and Hi-NRG sounds had taken over, signaling the end of disco's reign.

Brighton's Parallel Scene: Activism, Community, and the Fight for Acceptance

While London pulsed with disco energy, Brighton fostered a unique gay community.

In 1967, the Sexual Offences Act partially decriminalized male homosexual activity. Flower Power and revolution were in the air. Young people challenged homophobic attitudes.

Gay pubs and clubs in Brighton became less intimate, jukeboxes and disco replaced pianos. Politics took center stage.

Groups like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) emerged, advocating for "coming out" and working toward social change. In 1972 the first gay demonstration took place in Brighton, but a larger pride parade was delayed until 1991.

Were the politics of the time at odds with the culture?

The Brighton Lavender Line started in 1975, offering a telephone service for isolated individuals. Meanwhile, the Women's Liberation Movement (WLM) advocated for female liberation and a separation from men.

This led to the creation of lesbian groups like Devil's Dykes and the Bright Girls, who used music and theatre to critique women's position in the world.

The Brighton Lesbian Group (BLG) provided a middle ground between the radical WLM and the secretive pub and club scene.

What was the catalyst for the creation of the Brighton Lesbian group?

The mid-70s were a time of progress, backlash, and protest. When Tony Whitehead was fired from British Home Stores for kissing his boyfriend goodbye, the community rallied in support.

A Gay Community Centre was proposed, but the project lost steam as the clubs regained their licenses. Dymples Disco continued to run as a popular lesbian event.

In the face of the emerging AIDS crisis, activists in Brighton mobilized to provide support and education.

Brighton Gay Switchboard produced leaflets explaining the facts about the disease. In what ways did Switchboard take the lead on AIDS information?

More Than Just Clubs: A Legacy of Liberation

The 1970s British gay club scene was more than just a collection of discos and bars.

It was a crucible of identity, a space for self-expression, and a vital part of the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights. These clubs provided a space to dance, to celebrate, and to be unapologetically themselves.

What began as small, underground gatherings evolved into a cultural phenomenon, shaping the sound and style of a generation.

From the soul-infused nights at Shanes to the glamorous parties at the Embassy Club, these venues left an indelible mark on British history. And their legacy continues to inspire us today.