The List

The Old Blue Last

The Old Blue Last has a raffish history and is proud of it. It was built in 1700 on the site of the first purpose-built theatre in Britain since the Roman era: James Burbage's The Theatre, subsequently dismantled and rebuilt across the river as the Globe, in the world's most spectacular attempt to avoid paying rent. The Last was named after a cobbler's tool, subsequently renamed The Old Blue Last and enduring through the Victorian era as a working-class pub, only to branch in the 20th century into being a brothel and one of the most notorious bars in Shoreditch. It was bought by Vice magazine in 2004 and they still own it, promising that 'literally no one has shot anyone here since we took over'. The shenanigans are now limited to live music, of which they have a legendarily good booking record: Arctic Monkeys, Amy Winehouse, Florence + the Machine, The La's and many others have played here. It's not about great food, beer connoisseurship or child-friendliness (it's very much 18+): it's about atmosphere, which it has to spare, and dedication to live music. The nearest Tube stations are Shoreditch High Street (Overground), Old Street (Northern) and Liverpool Street (Hammersmith & City/Central/Circle/Metropolitan).

What's On @ The Old Blue Last

Snapped Ankles

Snapped Ankles

9 Jun 2025 - 9 Jun 2025

They came from the trees. Now settled in fertile east London, Snapped Ankles maintain the feral energy of the forest. Fight or flight. Primal motorik rhythms, the rush of white noise and post-punk angles; an aural onslaught played out on homemade log synths, electrified guitars and sticks beating hell on taut animal skin. Snapped Ankles have flourished in the sub-tropical climes of warehouse and squat parties, moving onto performance art collaborations with filmmakers and shows in unlikely locations such as barber shops, games arcades and the forests they once called home. They plough a singular furrow at improbable angles. The woodwose have discovered electricity and they’re not afraid to use it.
Live Latin Jazz: Trio Cadência

Live Latin Jazz: Trio Cadência

20 Jun 2025 - 15 Aug 2025

Join us downstairs for an upbeat selection of latin jazz classics, played to perfection by Old Blue Last regulars, Trio Cadência Please note this free ticket doesn't guarantee a seat, so get down early! Presented by The Old Blue Last. This is an 18+ event
Pub Quiz

Pub Quiz

2 Jun 2025 - 18 Aug 2025

Every single Monday at 7pm on the top floor of The Old Blue Last we welcome you and your friends to the brand new Old Blue Last quiz night. Fantastic prizes, A ROLLING CASH JACKPOT and all important bragging rights! Round up some mates & put your knowledge to the test. Max 6 players to a team, one ticket per person. Presented by The Old Blue Last This is an 18+ event
Shtepi

Shtepi

13 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025

Pink Dot presents Shtepi with support from Mx and Divorce Attorney 18+ Presented by Pink Dot This is an 18+ event
Shtëpi

Shtëpi

6 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025

Shtëpi are a five-piece art-punk band with a chaotic live show. Their relentless performances involve making bird noises with a theremin and shouting into an orange trim phone They've gigged extensively across the south of England, with bands including Geese, Personal Trainer, The Lounge Society, and Saloon Dion. 'Like a melting pot of Viagra Boys and The Birthday Party, Shtëpi’s frenetic searing brilliance was an exhilarating and maniacal sweat-storm' - Hard of Hearing 'Refreshing, bizarre, and truly unique' - NOIZZE UK 'If your singer is committed to that level of smashing-his-head-against-a-tambourine intensity, then the music better match, and it certainly did' - No Distance Records Presented by Psychedelia. This is an 18+ event
Wiper Magazine Launch 'dying Young Slowly' W/ Karma Sheen, Dan Lyons + Espuma
Wiper is an independent print magazine designed to celebrate and reinvent the connection between music, photography and fashion and is dedicated to alternative rock bands on the international scene. For the launch of its second issue, "Dying Young Slowly," Wiper is partnering with The Old Blue Last on 20th June to host a showcase of artists featured in the upcoming issue, adorning the east London venue with the magazine's colours and sound. Presented by Wiper Magazine. This is an 18+ event
Nicky Blackmarket + Ragga Twins + Mc Vapour + More
FIRST FLOOR (160, jungle, drum & bass) from 9pm Nicky blackmarket / ragga twins & DJ therapy / ru & drumphill GROUND FLOOR (garage, house, techno, grime) from 5pm Mc vapour / ed case / tobias / silam / mike drop / tlizzy / sledger Nelly fest is the result of nearly a decade of parties run by Dj Tobias (aka Toby Taylor) and ex Fabric resident and music industry veteran. It started as a simple concept - Get the dj’s that dj’s want to hear, it has to be free and it has to be fun. last entry 2am // ticket does not guarantee entry if we're at capacity Presented by Nelly Fest This is an 18+ event
Eades

Eades

16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

Yorkshire outfit Eades are known for their pulsating alternative indie. Don't miss them take on the iconic Old Blue Last in London this October. Presented by CloseUp. This is an 18+ event
Maharani + Htmljones

Maharani + Htmljones

17 Jun 2025 - 17 Jun 2025

aznszn is a multi-genre night that centers british asian and/or LGBT+ artists, running since 2021. A recent gig was recorded by the British Library for "cultural posterity". In a sea of all-white DIY lineups, we welcome audience members of all backgrounds to come party with us and widen the platform available to people of colour. Headlined by the incredibly talented Maharani, a Tamil RnB icon who’s caught the eye of Timbaland and MTV. Support from htmljones and two very special guests TBC. Presented by aznszn This is an 18+ event
Sheepish + Goldheart + Samuel Austin

Sheepish + Goldheart + Samuel Austin

11 Jun 2025 - 11 Jun 2025

We're delighted to welcome London newcomers Sheepish to The Old Blue Last in June for a very special headline show. Once the solo project of Charlie Bowles, now a robust post-punk/ psych-pop quintet. "The debut EP from London five-piece Sheepish is at once charmingly accessible and wickedly inventive. The collection is filled with grooves worthy of Orange Juice at their most dancefloor-oriented." - Hard of Hearing Magazine Support by Goldheart + Samuel Austin Presented by Outfit x faith This is an 18+ event
Cuckoo Spit / Magda / Eli Carvajal

Cuckoo Spit / Magda / Eli Carvajal

10 Jun 2025 - 10 Jun 2025

SCREAM/SHOUT#104: London's renowned shoegazers Cuckoo Spit, Brighton-born art-rockers Magda and the wonderful solo talents of Eli Carvajal are popping down to the Old Blue Last for a special occasion under the banner of Scream/Shout. You really don't wanna miss out on this one. Presented by Scream/Shout. This is an 18+ event
Sunday Jazz

Sunday Jazz

8 Jun 2025 - 27 Jul 2025

Join us downstairs at The Old Blue Last for a cosy, candle-lit evening with live jazz all night from The Dom Hall Trio Presented by The Old Blue Last. This is an 18+ event
Ofc Dj: New Wave, Indie, Post-punk

Ofc Dj: New Wave, Indie, Post-punk

14 Jun 2025 - 14 Jun 2025

OFC legend DJ Daddy Long Legs takes over the decks downstairs at The Old Blue playing non-stop post-punk, new wave and beyond. last entry 2am Presented by OFC This is an 18+ event
Abdoulayé Kayoute / Pink Shabab

Abdoulayé Kayoute / Pink Shabab

1 Jul 2025 - 1 Jul 2025

SCREAM/SHOUT#122: Following a packed out show at Old Blue Last at the start of this year, Abdoulaye Kouyaté returns to the stage for more afro-pop / jazz goodness, alongside his trusty guitar, kora & the rest of the band. Joining him on opening support is London funk legend Pink Shabab. Not to be missed, whatsoever. Presented by Scream/Shout. This is an 18+ event.
Big Fossa + Big Long Sun + Golden Toad
CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH. Presents Big Fossa Big Long Sun Golden Toad Big Fossa are a 4 piece band from South London making music that has been described as gothic, grungy and ethereal post-punk. Formed in 2022 from the wreckage of other London-based bands, they formed over a central love of making weird music for each other, which turned into pushing themselves to find weirder, darker corners to reach into and pull out ideas from. Their music has been compared to, and often inspired by, the likes of the Cocteau Twins and The Cure to contemporaneous peers like Wu Lu and Mount Kimbie. The beck and call of relentless city life flows through the music - tense, aggressive beats become waves of cathartic euphoria. A paranoia that someone is watching you, but you choose to be seen instead of paralysed by fear. Noise with restraint, an unsettled tenderness. Big Fossa is music born from pressure. It is music for a bright day with rolling fog. It is music for the night bus. Presented by CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH. This is an 18+ event
Abdoulaye Kouyaté / Pink Shabab

Abdoulaye Kouyaté / Pink Shabab

1 Jul 2025 - 1 Jul 2025

SCREAM/SHOUT#122: Abdoulaye Kouyaté returns to the UK for another blinding show at Old Blue Last - his last event was a dance-filled party with world, afropop and jazz influences, we're aiming to bring the vibes back this time! Support comes from the wonderful Pink Shabab who plays a mix of dream-pop & disco, all solo. Not to be missed, an excellent and varied cultural excursion. Presented by Scream/Shout. This is an 18+ event
Beat Connection: Nyc Indie Disco

Beat Connection: Nyc Indie Disco

21 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025

beat connection: A NYC INDIE DISCO CLUB NIGHT Danceworthy post-punk, electro, indie and everything that made the NYC music scene the force it is today. You'll likely hear.. Interpol // lcd soundsystem // the strokes // the national // vampire weekend // the rapture // yeah yeah yeahs // blondie // talking heads // diiv // moby // darwin deez // bodega // hercules & the love affair // ramones // the velvet underground // MGMT // the walkmen // the drums // parquet courts // beastie boys 11pm-3am / free entry / last entry 2am Presented by beat connection This is an 18+ event
Burnt Orange Presents: Gumflowr / Noni-mouse / Outer Dark
Burnt Orange is a club night, monthly radio show on Bloop London and record label for the curious and adventurous. Run by DJs Portamento (Nervous records) and Gludo (Mikrosono), Burnt Orange is a place for sharing their common love for excellent, eclectic underground Electronic music. This month: - Gumflowr - Noni-Mouse - Outer Dark Presented by Burnt Orange. This is an 18+ event
Jason Kwan + Hongza + Htmljones + Billie-angela
aznszn is a multi-genre night that centers british asian and LGBT+ artists, running since 2021. A recent gig was recorded by the British Library for "cultural posterity". In a sea of all-white DIY lineups, we welcome audience members of all backgrounds to come party with us and widen the platform available to people of colour. The headliner is Jason Kwan, an extraordinary pop performer and a vibrant stage personality, opening for Rina Sawayama at Electrowerkz and known for his show-stopping performances at Glastonbury Festival & London Pride. Also featuring: Indie darling Hongza fresh off his headliner run of sell-out shows. Hyperpop MC htmljones from Tottenham, co-signed by Tinashe. Billie-Angela, Rwanda's own heart racer and soft girl pop sensation. Come early to see all the acts and be included in a charity merch raffle! Presented by #aznszn This is an 18+ event
Be Civil / Emerson

Be Civil / Emerson

12 Jun 2025 - 12 Jun 2025

SCREAM/SHOUT#126: Bringing some big 00s indie / shoegaze vibes for you in a week or two. We've got Be Civil back in the house with support from Emerson + one more band TBA. Don't miss this! Presented by Scream/Shout. This is an 18+ event
Ignoring Izzy

Ignoring Izzy

14 Jun 2025 - 14 Jun 2025

Ignoring Izzy touches down in Shoreditch for their debut at The Old Blue Last. Expect witchy Bond-girl vocals combined with fast-paced gypsy jazz flair, psychedelia, and electronic instrumentals. With support from Defender and Norman D. Loco. Presented by Ignoring Izzy. This is an 18+ event
Owls

Owls

27 Jun 2025 - 27 Jun 2025

OWLS is a macabre synthpunk artist hailing from Longford, Ireland. Drawing inspiration from post-punk and goth genres, OWLS explores themes of death, impermanence, and the inevitable end that awaits. The music blends elements of darkwave and electronic sounds, creating a brooding, atmospheric soundscape that delves into the darker aspects of human experience. OWLS has shared the stage with influential acts such as Selofan and Patriarchy, further establishing a presence in the alternative and darkwave music scenes. Presented by CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH. This is an 18+ event
Crimewave / Urchin / Doom Club

Crimewave / Urchin / Doom Club

5 Jul 2025 - 5 Jul 2025

Big Richard is BACK at the Old Blue Last once more. This time we're bringing some friends old & new to the fold, Crimewave joins us for a big headline with support from Urchin and Doom Club. Don't miss out on this one! Presented by Big Richard Records. This is an 18+ event
Live Celtic Folk

Live Celtic Folk

12 Jun 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

Live Celtic folk band from 7-10pm every Thursday ~ playing an upbeat mixture of traditional Irish and Scottish tunes. Please note this free ticket doesn't guarantee a seat, so get down early! Presented by The Old Blue Last. This is an 18+ event
Murman + Soft + Ranger

Murman + Soft + Ranger

28 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025

Murman with special guests SOFT & Ranger Hailing from Brighton and London, MURMAN are a four-piece band known for their electrifying songs and dynamic live performances. Formed in 2018, the group consists of frontman David Murdoch, guitarist Dom Corapi, bassist Felix Paillette, and drummer Kieran Giles. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists, such as Joy Division, The Cure, and Bruce Springsteen, their music uniquely blends Rock n' Roll with Classic English indie-punk. The band members came together through a GumTree ad and have made a big impact on London's music scene. Marked by the frontman's Zorro-esque mask and tassel-adorned shirt the band consistently sells out shows in some of the most legendary venues of the capital. MURMAN has collaborated with notable industry figures like David M. Allen (The Cure, Neneh Cherry) and Josh Hayward of The Horrors, and continues to gain traction with their raw, scuzzy energy and unforgettable garage-rock sound. In March 2023 they released their latest EP “Dazzle” which includes previously released singles “Baptism” and “Falling Down” as well as the two new tracks “I Want To Dance Like Patrick Swayze” and “Billie Holiday”. Presented by The Old Blue Last. This is an 18+ event

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