In a heartfelt show of support, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has joined the campaign to protect the Moth Club, a beloved music venue in Hackney, London, from a proposed development that could jeopardise its future. As the club faces the possibility of being overshadowed by new flats, Corbyn warns that the UK risks losing a vital creative space for emerging musicians.
A Historic Venue Under Threat
Since its transformation into a live music venue in 2015, the Moth Club has carved out a significant niche in London’s vibrant cultural landscape. Originally established in 1972 as a servicemen’s club, it has since hosted an array of renowned artists, including Lady Gaga and Dave Grohl. The venue, which can accommodate approximately 300 spectators, has become a cornerstone of Hackney’s nightlife and artistic community.
However, the club’s future is now at risk due to plans for a new block of flats set to be built adjacent to the venue. The owners argue that this development would lead to increased noise complaints, potentially jeopardising their operating licence. They have rallied local residents, artists, and fans, garnering support from over 30,000 people, including notable musicians like Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip and the punk band Amyl and the Sniffers.
Corbyn’s Call to Action
Speaking at a recent event held at the Moth Club, Corbyn emphasised the importance of protecting live music venues, stating, “If we don’t defend live music venues and keep them, we lose out on a whole generation of musicians.” He expressed concern that the closure of such venues would impact not only the current artistic community but also the musicians of tomorrow. “We will be even more intensely stuck at home looking at computer screens rather than going out and socialising with people and making music together,” he lamented.
Corbyn also critiqued the government’s approach to music venue preservation. He remarked, “I don’t hear many of my colleagues in the members’ tea room in parliament talking about it.” While acknowledging some progress, such as the reduction of business rates, he argued that more robust measures are necessary. He advocated for local authorities to be empowered to legally protect music venues as cultural entities, ensuring they cannot be easily displaced by new developments.
Community Support and Local Government Response
The Moth Club’s campaign has not gone unnoticed by local government officials. Hackney’s mayor, Caroline Woodley, maintains that the venue is essential to the community’s cultural fabric. While she has not seen planning proposals that indicate a direct threat to the club, she acknowledged that new developments should take into account the existing nightlife landscape.
“The proposals for new development close to Moth Club have been put forward by private developers on land that they own,” she explained. “Hackney’s planning policies include an ‘agent of change’ principle, placing responsibility on new developments to mitigate noise issues.” This principle aims to protect established venues from the repercussions of new residential buildings.
Edie Kench-Andrewes, who manages the Moth Club, expressed concern that the council may not fully understand the implications of the proposed development. “It’s not just about us; it’s about the wider community and the many venues that have closed over the years,” she said. “The closure of these places is incredibly important.”
The Bigger Picture for London’s Nightlife
The fight to save Moth Club coincides with broader concerns for London’s nightlife, as Mayor Sadiq Khan recently announced increased investment in the sector. The Nightlife Taskforce report highlighted Hackney as a vibrant “hot spot,” recognising its venues as key contributors to the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Despite the optimism surrounding ongoing discussions with local authorities and the Music Venue Trust, the threat of closure looms large. In 2025 alone, 30 music venues across the UK permanently shut their doors, reflecting a troubling trend that has alarmed many in the industry.
Justine Simons OBE, London’s deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, emphasised the Moth Club’s importance, noting its role in supporting both emerging artists and established names. “City Hall has raised concerns about the impact of the nearby planning applications on this renowned venue,” she stated. “We will continue to work with all parties to support this important venue.”
Why it Matters
The struggle to protect the Moth Club is emblematic of a much larger issue facing grassroots music venues across the UK. These spaces are not just places for entertainment; they are vital incubators for creativity and community connection. As the pressures of urban development threaten the existence of such venues, it becomes crucial for government bodies to implement protective measures. The outcome of this campaign may well set a precedent for the future of music venues nationwide, impacting the cultural landscape for generations to come.
