MICK JAGGER and Boris Johnson are on different sides of the barricades when it comes to the future of the 100 Club, one of London’s most treasured music venues, but also one on the verge of closure.
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The Rolling Stones singer has today backed the campaign to save the Oxford Street club , saying that “what is important is that you have places where bands can cut their teeth and places of a certain intimacy and size, that new bands can experiment in”.
“There aren’t that many great places in London, or indeed any city, that you can say that about,” he added.
But Johnson seems determined not to lift a finger to save the legendary venue.
“The mayor understands the importance of the 100 Club,” read a statement put out on his orders.
“Unfortunately, the Greater London Authority has no statutory powers to intervene in commercial rental costs.”
When Johnson’s words were read out last night at a meeting of campaigners trying to save the 100 Club, there were jeers all round and shouts of “w***er!”.
By way of contrast, Ken Kivingstone, who runs against Johnson for the London Mayor job in 2012, says he would have “drawn up proposals to protect such venues through planning law”.
The 100 Club has been the launch-pad for many a rock career, including the Sex Pistols, The Clash and Oasis. The campaign to keep it open is supported by a host of leading musicians including Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell, Bobby Gillespie from Primal Scream and Paul Weller.
The idea is to raise £500,000 by the end of this year to pay off debts and then to set up the club as a not-for-profit venue.
Join the campaign to save the 100 Club here .
