100 Club

2026年8月14日2026年8月15日

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The History and Character of the 100 Club

The 100 Club, located at 100 Oxford Street in the City of Westminster, United Kingdom, has been a cornerstone of live music since its inception on October 24, 1942. Originally known as the Feldman Swing Club, it was renamed in 1964 when the father of the current owner took over. This venue has played a pivotal role in the evolution of music, particularly jazz and punk, hosting a wide array of performances that have left an indelible mark on the music scene.

In its early days, the 100 Club was a restaurant named Macks, which Robert Feldman rented every Sunday evening to host a jazz club. The Feldman Swing Club featured swing music and attracted American GIs who introduced jitterbug dancing, which was banned in most other venues. The club’s early performers included Frank Weir, Kenny Baker, and Jimmy Skidmore, with guest appearances by the Feldman Trio, featuring an eight-year-old Victor Feldman on drums. The club became a hub for both American and British jazz musicians, including Glenn Miller, who auditioned Victor Feldman, and Louis Armstrong, who performed there during Lyn Dutton’s management.

By the 1970s, the 100 Club had become synonymous with the punk rock movement. In September 1976, it hosted the first international punk festival, a landmark event that helped propel punk from the underground into the mainstream. Bands such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned performed, solidifying the club’s reputation as a punk haven. Under Ron Watts’ promotion, the club continued to feature punk bands, including hardcore acts from the 1980s.

Modern Era of the 100 Club

Despite its punk legacy, the 100 Club has maintained a diverse musical program. The decor remains unchanged since the 1970s, and the venue often hosts secret gigs by big-name bands, relying on word of mouth to fill its 350-capacity space. The club also continues to celebrate its jazz roots with events like the “Coda Club,” a monthly gathering of musicians from the Feldman Swing Club era. Additionally, the London Swing Dance Society’s “Stompin” nights bring swing dancing and live bands to the club every Monday.

In 2010, the 100 Club faced potential closure due to financial losses, but a campaign supported by musicians like Paul McCartney and a partnership with Nike subsidiary Converse ensured its survival. The club remains a vibrant part of London’s music scene, hosting acts like Alice Cooper, The Specials, and Idles. In recent years, it has continued to attract notable performances, including a residency by the U.K. Subs in 2023, underscoring its enduring appeal as a live music venue.