Home to the performances led by the 80s, punk-ministers, The Clash and The Sex Pistols. Daveid Phillips, KOKO's Head of Music reveals to Reminiscin' the legacy of the renowned haunt and why it is the perfect live venue.

It comes as no surprise that KOKO is every musician's goldmine. With its stage being the foundation for many iconic acts, KOKO's past is one of many musical mementos, as Daveid briefly explains, "Before it was Camden Palace, it was the Music Machine in the Seventies which was the home to the sort of UK Punk Rock; bands like The Clash and The Pistols played there."

Despite being the grounds for many pioneering bands and artists in the 70s, 80s and 90s, KOKO's yesteryears bred a mélange of genres. With headliners pinned to various musical sects- Pop, Rock, Punk and Dance, KOKO historically became a venue of assorted talent, as Daveid recalls, "It was really the home for that scene, Punk Rock. It got rid of all the Prog rockers and Punk Rock crept up at The Music Machine. He continues, "In the 80s it became Camden Palace and catered to the burgeoning new romantic scene, then it kinda ended up being used as a venue mostly hosting all night raves."

Akin to its past, the building continues it's tradition to be versatile in its breadth of eclectic music and style. As Daveid would agree, whether it is Camden Palace, Music Machine or the recently adapted KOKO there are no boundaries where genres are concerned. He adds, "I love the fact that we are diverse here. We recently hosted a KASHPOINT night, Gilles Peterson, Four Tet Live and the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards then the following night it was Paul Weller, nice to have everybody is looked after."

Although KOKO's music is its weapon for success, don't be duped to believe it is its only attribute. Having been reborn as the luscious victorian theatre it always was when hiding under the disco excesses of the 1980's. Revellers are always hit with more than just the musical experience. But what are they? "It's down to the effect that the building has on peoples senses" Daveid clarifies, " In the past the venue has at times seemed like a stepping stone for bands, but now it's a destination where a lot of bands want to come and play, and that's basically due to architecture making it such a great place to perform in, it was like that when Charlie Chaplin was on stage in 1910 and it was like that last year when Madonna played here".

In retrospect, KOKO is (and has always been) an epic venue for unending talent, but having already achieved an incredulous repertoire, could KOKO raise its profile even further? Daveid muses, " On a scale of pop hugeness alone it would be hard to beat the Madonna show". He concludes, "A lot of people walk through our door and say they are gonna put us on the map but you can say that one might just of done it".

Related Link:
> www.koko.uk.com