The Borderline: A Retrospective In Words & Photography

by | May 16, 2019

It was with great sadness that we recently learned the Borderline, a mainstay of the live music scene in central London, will permanently close its doors this summer. It seems that spiralling Soho ground rents coupled with the seemingly never ending disruption caused by the wholesale redevelopment of the Tottenham Court Road area (plus Crossrail, when it eventually arrives) has finally taken its toll on this iconic and historic live music institution.

Mollie Marriott live @ The Borderline, London, 1st June 2017 (Edyta Krzesak)

Mollie Marriott live at the Borderline (Edyta Krzesak)

The Borderline closure will see it join other Soho venues such as Madame JoJo’sThe Astoria and The Marquee as a relic of the past and will leave Oxford Street’s 100 Club as practically the only small central London venue with any claim to history. This is perfect for people who don’t think there are enough shops and offices in the West End and for people who prefer their new music talent to be honed by Simon Cowell via banal Saturday evening light entertainment programmes. For the rest of us, it’s very depressing news.

Jon Stevens live @ Borderline (Edyta Krzesak)

Jon Stevens live at the Borderline (Edyta Krzesak)

The list of artists who made the Borderline their home before they became ubiquitous in the public conscience is a roll call of rock and pop royalty. Opening its doors for regular live music in the mid 1980s, the last thirty-five years has seen amongst others: Texas, Debbie Harry, The La’s, Blur, The Lightning Seeds, Kula Shaker, R.E.M., The Verve, Counting Crows, ZZ Top, Feeder, Squeeze, Crowded House, Stereophonics, Muse, P J Harvey, Sheryl Crow, Jeff Buckley, Belle & Sebastian, Bloc PartyThe CribsRazorlightMumford & SonsThe WombatsRyan AdamsFrank TurnerAmy WinehouseThe 1975Scouting For Girls and Catfish & The Bottlemen grace the Borderline’s cramped subterranean sweatbox of a stage.

The Temperance Movement performing at The Borderline, London on 20 November 2017 (Simon Reed)

The Temperance Movement live at the Borderline (Simon Reed)

As RockShot Mag likes to champion new music as well as established artists, our writers and photographers have practically made the Borderline their second home in recent years and here follows a selection of photographs from some of our favourite nights out.

For many years the backdrop had been a simple red velour curtain and the lighting was often sparse. Strip lights above the curtain served up blue washes of colour. If you were lucky, you got a white spotlight. If you weren’t, the talent took on the appearance of performing blueberries.

The Larry Miller Band performing at The Borderline ondon on 8 May 2015 (Simon Reed/RockShot)

The Larry Miller Band (Simon Reed)

M O T H X R at The Borderline, 23/11/2015 (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

M O T H X R (Thanira Rates)

Joseph Arthur at The Borderline, London, Sunday 17th April 2016. (Edyta K)

Joseph Arthur (Edyta Krzesak)

Heartless Bastards performing live at their sell-out gig at The Borderline, London on 01 September 2015 (Simon Reed/RockShot)

Heartless Bastards (Simon Reed)

The Fratellis (Simon Reed)

One enduring feature of the Borderline and a top landing spot for urban band portraits was the backstage ‘autograph alley’ graffiti corridor. These walls contain many famous (and ultimately not so famous) names.

Aaron Keylock Band (Al Stuart)

In 2016 the venue was purchased by DHP Family (festival curators, national tour promoters and the name behind other legendary venues such as Rock City in Nottingham and Thekla in Bristol). A major investment was made in the Borderline, resulting in a period of closure whilst significant refurbishment works were carried out. The result was a space that had more of a night club feel than the dive rock venue it replaced. Many felt that the spirit of the place had been lost, but whilst upgrading the lighting and sound systems made for a less nostalgic live music experience, it arguably became a more dynamic one.

William The Conqueror opening for Matt Andersen Live at The Borderline, 25th May 2017 (Edyta Krzesak)

William The Conqueror (Edyta Krzesak)

The Sheepdogs performing at The Borderline, London on 5 November 2018 (Simon Reed)

The Sheepdogs (Simon Reed)

Matt Andersen Live at The Borderline, 25th May 2017 (Edyta Krzesak)

Matt Andersen (Edyta Krzesak)

Seb Byford of Naked Six: Jump shot during their support to The Temperance Movement at The Borderline, London 20 November 2017 (Simon Reed)

Naked Six (Simon Reed)

The Temperance Movement performing at The Borderline, London on 20 November 2017 (Simon Reed)

Paul Sayer (Simon Reed)

Saint Leonard's Horses @ The Borderline - London 03/05/2017 (Edyta K)

Saint Leonard’s Horses (Edyta Krzesak)

One feature of the refurbishment was a disorientating corridor that led to the toilets, which was equipped with concentric lighting . This was soon nicknamed the ‘toilet tunnel’ and became a new rich vein for interesting band portraiture.

RIVRS (Katie Frost)

Managing director of DHP Family, George Akins said of the Borderline closure: “This has been a difficult decision, but given intentions by the landlord to increase the rent significantly for a second time since we took it over in 2016 as well as plans to redevelop the building housing the Borderline, we now know the venue doesn’t have a long term future so it makes no sense for us to continue to invest.

“We’ve had an amazing two years at Borderline with some fantastic shows and want to thank everyone for their support from agents, promoters and artists to all the thousands who have come to the gigs and club nights. We’ve put our all into trying to revive this iconic venue but unfortunately, it has been impossible to turn into a sustainable operation due to so many external factors. This is a sad day for all of us who love live music and believe in grassroots venues.”

“DHP is still committed to creating and running the best grassroots music venues in the country. However I don’t see how it is possible in the West End when faced with all the difficulties from business rates, increasing rents and licensing pressure.”

The Borderline 1985 – 2019 RIP (Nils van der Linden)

DHP Family have retained the Borderline name and it is possible that they may find another location for the venue, but sadly yet another major slice of London’s live music heritage and history will soon be lost for good.

John Butler (Kane Hibberd)

John Butler Reignites As A Solo Powerhouse With New Album PRISM & UK Tour Dates

Australian roots-rock icon John Butler is set to make a bold international return with his brand-new solo album PRISM, arriving on 5th September via Because Music. The record marks a pivotal moment in Butler’s career—his first full-length release since moving away from the John Butler Trio banner. Alongside the announcement, Butler has dropped the album’s soaring lead single, So Sorry, and confirmed a string of UK tour dates this autumn.

Rise Against (Mynxii White)

Rise Against Announce Fiery New Album ‘Ricochet’ With Lead Single ‘I Want It All’

Four years after their last full-length release, punk veterans Rise Against return with a vengeance. Their upcoming...
Poptones (Rune Gro-Nielsen)

Poptones Announce Second Album ‘Pure’ & Share Expansive New Single ‘Skin Of Sea’

Danish experimental rock trio Poptones have announced the arrival of their sophomore album Pure, due out September 26, 2025, via Happy Metal Records. The news lands alongside the release of the album’s first single, “Skin of Sea”—a sweeping and atmospheric track that marks a bold evolution in the band’s sound.

Lizzie Esau for Rockshot Magazine (Kalpesh Patel)

“Always Dreaming Of Something, And Not On This Planet” — Lizzie Esau Has Sky-High Ambitions

It’s a grey day in Newcastle, but Lizzie Esau is all colour. Not just in her sound — an intoxicating blend of indie...
The Royston Club (Sam Crowston)

The Royston Club Announce New Album ‘Songs For The Spine’ And Biggest Tour Yet Ciematic

After the Top 20 success of their debut album, The Royston Club are pushing into bold new territory with the announcement of their second full-length record, Songs For The Spine, due out 8th August. Alongside the album reveal comes the emotionally charged new single Glued To The Bed, premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, and news of their biggest UK headline tour to date—culminating in a major London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Lissie (Madison Speer)

Rockshot Favourite Lissie Returns With Tender New EP Promises, Sharing Heartfelt Cover Of ‘I’ll Stand By You’

A long-time favourite here at Rockshot Magazine, American singer-songwriter Lissie makes a welcome return with her...
Skerryvore (Press)

Skerryvore Unveil Uplifting New Single ‘The Sea That Sings’ Ahead of Biggest Show Yet At Floors Castle

Scottish folk-rock trailblazers Skerryvore are celebrating 20 years of music, memories, and massive live moments with...
Will Linley (Press)

Will Linley Channels Heartache Into Euphoria On New Single ‘Cinematic’

South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing