The Speakeasy Club

The Speakeasy Club, also known as The Speak, was a club situated at 48 Margaret Street, London, England and served as a late-night meeting place for the music industry from 1966 to June 1978. The club took its name and theme from the speakeasies of the American Prohibition era. The club was owned by Iraqi-born entrepreneur David Shamoon, along with Blaises and The Revolution Club.

History

The club Opened on 15 December 1966 and was managed by Roy Flynn. In May 1969 Tony Howard, who had been the main artist booker for The Bryan Morrison Agency and NEMS became the manager of the club. Howard was joined by Laurie O'Leary, previously the manager of Sibylla's nightclub near Piccadilly Circus in London.[1] Jim Carter-Fea worked as the general day and night manager and was also associated with the other two Shamoon London clubs.

Clientele

The Speakeasy was frequented by record industry and artist agency executives. It also attracted bands who played for low fees in the hope of being spotted and form the basis of the then emerging British rock scene. The club also attracted international touring bands and established artists.[1]

Musicians

Musicians and bands who played at the club (often after recording sessions include Elton John, Cockney Rebel, The Rolling Stones,[2] The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Pink Floyd (who first appeared on 19 September 1967), Arthur Lee and Love, King Crimson, The Marmalade, The Mothers of Invention (October 1967), Yes, Jimi Hendrix (1966), The Beatles, David Bowie,[1] Deep Purple (10 July 1969),[3] The Velvet Underground (6 October 1971, Loaded Tour), and Bob Marley (May 1973 Catch a Fire Tour). Others such as Jeff Beck, Reg Isidore, Ginger Baker, Jan Hammer, The Gass and Bobby Tench.[1]

Legacy

The Who refer to the club in their album The Who Sell Out ("Speakeasy, drink easy, pull easy") (1967),[1] referencing the club in the "Radio London/Speakeasy/Rotosound Strings" commercial insert for the same album.[3] Elvis Costello mentioned the club in his song "London's Brilliant Parade"[4] inclded on the album Brutal Youth (1994). The Beatles also threw a party for The Monkees during their 1967 visit to England, which later became the basis for the song "Randy Scouse Git"

Notes
  1. "The Speakeasy Club remembered". thespeakeasyclub.com. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  2. "Laurie O'Leary promoter at the Speakeasy Club". laurieoleary.co.uk. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  3. "Deeple Purple Atlas. 48 Margaret Street, London". deep-purple.net. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  4. "Evis Costello. Lyrics to "London's Brilliant Parade"". sing365.com. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
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