Swapping haggis and ceilidhs for pints and 80s hits, on 25th January East London came together to celebrate the life of our favourite Scot – David Byrne (did you know he was born in Dumbarton?!). Bringing big suits, kilts, bagpipes and synths, Byrne’s night is truly the winning combo no one knew we needed. Now in its’ third year, the collective have taken the show to Wide Awake and Green Man and have now returned to MOTH Club for another round on Burns night itself.
Excitement builds as crowd filters their way inside. The line-up is bigger and better than ever, made up of supergroups detailing the who’s who of the London music scene. With a packed showcase featuring members from the likes of The Last Dinner Party, Lambrini Girls, Human Interest and Alien Chicks (to name a few), the night soon gets underway with an early start – they’ve a lot to fit in after all.
From the offset, the rotating stage of musicians deliver hit after hit. The crowd are immediately all in as smiles emanate around the room. With snappy hooks and scream-worthy choruses, Byrne's ever impressive back-catalogue exudes a timeless charm that's got the whole room singing along.
While the venue feels full, up on stage seems even more tightly packed. Brimming with the best talent London has to offer, it’s hard to imaging bringing this all together. There’s a chaotic element to it all which only adds to the atmosphere. Above all else, there’s an emphasis on all things fun, with the bands themselves enjoying the night every bit as much as the crowd.
As the crowd dance along, the joy that fills the room is contagious. Above all else, this night is a celebration of the vibrant community surrounding the London music scene, with venues like MOTH club at the very heart of it.
The iconic glittered ceilings have become a mecca for the East London music scene – but with the arrival of nearby building developments, it now sees itself under threat. As the night comes to a close, MC for the evening Ash Kenazi reiterates, “Please sign the petition. Remember this feeling, because that’s what it’s all about.”
Please sign the petition to save MOTH Club here: https://www.change.org/p/moth-club-faces-second-building-planning-application
