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 May 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.
The 113 + Special Guests

The 113 + Special Guests

8 May 2025 - 8 May 2025

The four members of The 113 from Leeds cloak themselves in darkness like a Death Eater. Their immersive, dark, and raw post-punk fuses heavy guitars and driving rhythms. The brooding intensity of Protomartyr can be heard in their sound. Along with the support from Steve Lamacq and BBC Radio 6, The 113 has already notched up several impressive support slots with acts including Egyptian Blue and Hotel Lux. This free entry ticket doesn't guarantee entry if we're at capacity, please arrive early. Presented by The Old Blue Last. This is an 18+ event
Beat Connection: Nyc Indie Disco

Beat Connection: Nyc Indie Disco

3 May 2025 - 17 May 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
Live Latin Jazz: Trio Cadência

Live Latin Jazz: Trio Cadência

2 May 2025 - 30 May 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

5 May 2025 - 2 Jun 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
Live Latin Jazz: Dom Hall Trio

Live Latin Jazz: Dom Hall Trio

2 May 2025 - 16 May 2025

Join us downstairs for an upbeat selection of latin jazz classics, played to perfection by Old Blue Last regulars, the Dom Hall Trio. 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
Live Celtic Folk

Live Celtic Folk

1 May 2025 - 22 May 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
Live Celtic Folk

Live Celtic Folk

8 May 2025 - 8 May 2025

Live Celtic folk band from 8-11pm 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
Shtepi

Shtepi

13 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025

Pink Dot presents Shtepi + Mx 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
Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine + Pedestrian Band
We're delighted to present the first edition of warpath; a new music mini-festival running over three days in May at The Old Blue Last, showcasing some of our favourite new artists on the planet. 22nd: YAANG + The New Cut + Teleforme 23rd: Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine + Pedestrian Band 24th: Patio (NYC) + Gloop Unit + Civil Partnership Limited free entry tickets available, RSVP now. Presented by Outfit This is an 18+ event
Patio (nyc) + Gloop Unit + Civil Partnership
We're delighted to present the first edition of warpath; a new music mini-festival running over three days in May at The Old Blue Last, showcasing some of our favourite new artists on the planet. 22nd: YAANG + The New Cut + Teleforme 23rd: Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine + Pedestrian Band 24th: Patio (NYC) + Gloop Unit + Civil Partnership Limited free entry tickets available, RSVP now. Presented by faith x Outfit 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
Pyncher

Pyncher

5 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Pyncher are a high-energy, genre-blurring quartet from Manchester, quickly establishing themselves as one of the UK's most electrifying acts.
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
Clt Drp + Ellis·d + Big Long Sun

Clt Drp + Ellis·d + Big Long Sun

7 May 2025 - 7 May 2025

The Great Escape Festival and Hard of Hearing Magazine unite to bring you the offical TGE25 pre-party at The Old Blue Last - showcasing an array of new talent set to make 2025 their own. ★Free entry tickets do not guarantee entry if we're at capacity - please arrive early to avoid dissapointment★ Presented by TGE x Hard of Hearing Magazine This is an 18+ event
Baby Berserk, Tape Toy, Tigers & Flies, Astraba
Indie in Town is thrilled to announce our next double bill line-up. For this May edition, Baby Berserk and TAPE TOY will travel all the way from The Netherlands to grace our stage. They are joined by Tigers & Flies and Astraba. Tickets will be £3,50 on Dice and £5,50 on the door. Make sure to grab a ticket now! Baby Berserk: Known for their seamless blend of music and fashion, Baby Berserk captures the essence of contemporary nightlife, balancing the raw energy of a live band with the infectious pulse of club music. Their latest work offers a refreshing and invigorating boost for the mind, body, and soul. Tape Toy: With a rich palette of effect pedals and synthesizers, TAPE TOY sounds more melodic than ever. Their overwhelming live performances should not only make you jump but also make you feel. They grab you with the catchiness of a summer hit, hook you with the bravado and suave of your favourite rapper, and make you want to destroy things like Woodstock '99. Tigers & Flies: Cowbell-wielding horn-blowing Manchester based 5-piece Tigers and Flies provide energy without sacrificing melody. They make wonky guitar music with a hearty post-punk affliction and have an inclination towards the absurd/lighthearted/mundane. Expect songs about Margate, workplace grievances, and the mechanisation of labour. Astraba: Hailing from London, Astraba is a five-piece weaving together alt-rock with threads of psychedelic rock, jazz, and folk. Formed just over a year ago, they’ve captivated audiences with their enigmatic and unique live performances at key grassroots venues across London. Having already caught the attention of BBC 6 Music, Soho Radio and KEXP radio in the US with their debut Sink The Moon, Astraba’s unique sound beckons fans to delve into the depths of their artistry, leaving them curious for what lies ahead. Presented by The Old Blue Last. This is an 18+ event
Yaang + The New Cut + Teleforme

Yaang + The New Cut + Teleforme

22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

We're delighted to present the first edition of warpath; a new music mini-festival running over three days in May at The Old Blue Last, showcasing some of our favourite new artists on the planet. 22nd: YAANG + The New Cut + Teleforme 23rd: Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine + Pedestrian Band 24th: Patio (NYC) + Gloop Unit + Civil Partnership Limited free entry tickets available, RSVP now. Presented by faith x Outfit This is an 18+ event
Sheepish + Goldheart

Sheepish + Goldheart

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 Presented by Outfit x faith This is an 18+ event
Room Service / Full Cab / 1000 Legs
SCREAM/SHOUT#114: We're bringing London's "multi-instrument band" Room Service to the Old Blue Last for a smasher, alongside Spain's shoegaze sensation Full Cab and the wonderful 1000 Legs from Bristol opening it up with some post crunk / jazz naughtiness. Don't miss out on this one! Presented by Scream/Shout. This is an 18+ event
Chainman / Donkee / Lou Wya

Chainman / Donkee / Lou Wya

15 May 2025 - 15 May 2025

SCREAM/SHOUT#117: Having played OBL before, we figured we'd bring Chainman back for another loud night, this time with a few friends on board. Joining the bill are post punk band Donkee and experimental electronic artist Lou Wya. Don't miss out on this one. Presented by Scream/Shout. This is an 18+ event

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