30 Facts About Heaven Nightclub London

Source: Theguardian.com

What makes Heaven Nightclub in London so iconic? Heaven Nightclub, nestled beneath Charing Cross Station, has been a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ nightlife since its opening in December 1979. Founded by Jeremy Norman, it transformed from a roller disco into a high-tech haven for music and dance. With its groundbreaking sound system and dazzling light shows, Heaven quickly became a hub for emerging music scenes, from Hi-NRG to acid house. Over the years, it has hosted legendary performances by artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga. Today, Heaven remains a vibrant part of London's nightlife, continually evolving while honoring its rich history.

Key Takeaways:

Heaven Nightclub, a cornerstone of London's LGBTQ+ nightlife, has evolved from a run-down roller disco into a high-tech nightclub, hosting iconic DJs and legendary performances, and continuously reinventing itself over four decades.
With a central location beneath Charing Cross Station, Heaven Nightclub has shaped the UK's gay clubbing scene, hosting diverse music genres, nurturing the rave culture, and maintaining its status as a premier nightlife destination.

Table of Contents

The Birth of Heaven Nightclub

Heaven Nightclub has been a cornerstone of London's LGBTQ+ nightlife since its inception. Let's dive into its fascinating history and evolution.

Founding and Opening: Jeremy Norman founded Heaven Nightclub in December 1979. It transformed from a run-down roller disco called Global Village into a high-tech nightclub.
Location: Situated beneath the arches of Charing Cross Station, Heaven's central location has been key to its accessibility and visibility.
Initial Concept: Inspired by the flamboyant hedonism of Studio 54 in New York, Heaven was designed as a multi-room playground with high-tech lighting and a roaring sound system.

Pioneering Music and DJs

Heaven has always been at the forefront of music innovation, hosting some of the most influential DJs and music scenes.

First Resident DJ: Ian Levine, the first resident DJ, pioneered the emerging sounds of Hi-NRG, a faster style of disco or electronic music popular in gay clubs in the 80s.
Original Interior Design: Derek Frost, Jeremy Norman's partner, designed the original hi-tech interior, featuring a 5000-watt sound system, overhead tweeters, and bass horns built into the floor.
Impact on Gay Nightlife: Heaven brought gay clubbing into the UK mainstream, giving London a club to rival New York's gay super clubs.

Controversy and Evolution

Despite its success, Heaven faced its share of controversies and evolved significantly over the years.

Controversy and Tabloid Press: Heaven frequently appeared in the tabloid press due to its controversial nature and homophobic headlines.
Music Evolution: Over the years, Heaven's musical choice and clientele have evolved, hosting various genres including house, techno, jungle, and drum and bass.
Live Music Performances: Heaven has hosted numerous live music performances, including iconic acts like New Order, Nick Cave, Throbbing Gristle, Sade, Madonna, and Cher.

The Rave Scene and Iconic Club Nights

Heaven played a pivotal role in nurturing the UK's rave scene and hosted some legendary club nights.

Acid House and Rave Scenes: In the late 80s and early 90s, Heaven nurtured emerging UK rave subcultures, pushing forward house music's subgenre, acid house.
Wednesday Night Pyramid: One of the first nights to play house music from Chicago, Pyramid became a significant platform for emerging house music.
Monday Night Spectrum: Spectrum pushed forward acid house, shaping the club's reputation as a hub for underground electronic music.
Thursday Night Rage: Rage featured the futuristic, breakbeat-heavy sounds of hardcore, laying the foundations for jungle and drum and bass.

Renowned DJs and Ownership Changes

Heaven has seen a variety of renowned DJs and significant changes in ownership over the years.

DJ Lineup: Heaven has hosted renowned DJs like Tony De Vit, Colin Holsgrove, Marc Andrews, and Frankie Knuckles.
Acquisition by Virgin Group: In 1982, Richard Branson's Virgin Group acquired Heaven, seeing it as an investment opportunity.
Kevin Millins' Club Nights: Under Kevin Millins' direction, Heaven sought groundbreaking DJs, with club night Asylum starting in 1983.

Modern Era and Recognition

Heaven continues to thrive in the modern era, gaining recognition and maintaining its status as a premier nightlife destination.

Pyramid Night: By 1985, Asylum had evolved into Pyramid, one of the first clubs in the country to play emerging House music from Chicago.
2000s Music Policy: At the beginning of the 2000s, Heaven adopted a more mainstream Tribal house and Disco-influenced sound.
Progressive and Underground Sounds: Towards the mid-2000s, the music policy became more underground-oriented, with Progressive, Tech, and Deep House on Saturday nights.
Great Gay Buildings: In 2017, the building was chosen as one of the Great Gay Buildings according to the BBC channel 4.

G-A-Y Takeover and Iconic Nights

The G-A-Y takeover brought new energy to Heaven, with iconic performances and popular club nights.

G-A-Y Takeover: In 2013, Jeremy Joseph, the founder of G-A-Y, took over sole ownership of Heaven, moving G-A-Y from the Astoria.
Popcorn Night: Popcorn, the UK's busiest Monday night, continues to pack in crowds each week with a rousing all-nighter featuring the best house and R&B.
Capacity and Sound System: Heaven is now central London’s only one-thousand capacity venue for live music, with a top-notch sound and lighting system.

Unique Atmosphere and Historical Significance

Heaven's unique atmosphere and historical significance make it a standout venue in London's nightlife scene.

Unique Atmosphere: The atmosphere created for live music in this basement space, full of history right underneath Charing Cross station, is unique.
Historical Significance: Heaven has been a cornerstone of queer culture and nightlife since its inception, witnessing and helping steer history.
Community Involvement: During the AIDS epidemic, Heaven opened its doors in the daytime to serve the needs of the community, co-organizing public meetings about GRID.

Notable Performances and Legacy

Heaven's legacy is cemented by its notable performances and recognition for its contributions to LGBTQ+ culture.

Notable Performances: New Order played their first London show here in 1981, and Throbbing Gristle returned in 2009 for their last London show before splitting.
Legacy and Recognition: Heaven has been recognized for its significant contributions to LGBTQ+ culture, named one of the Great Gay Buildings by the BBC channel 4 in 2017.
Current Status: Today, Heaven continues to offer a diverse program of live music, student nights, and long-running queer parties.
Continued Innovation: Despite being over four decades old, Heaven remains restless and moody, constantly reinventing itself and pushing boundaries.

Heaven Nightclub: A Legacy of LGBTQ+ Culture

Heaven Nightclub, nestled beneath Charing Cross Station, has been a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ nightlife since 1979. Founded by Jeremy Norman, it quickly became a hub for groundbreaking music and vibrant community events. From its early days with resident DJ Ian Levine to hosting iconic acts like Madonna and Lady Gaga, Heaven has always been at the forefront of music and culture. The club's evolution through various music genres, from Hi-NRG to house and drum and bass, showcases its adaptability and enduring appeal. Acquired by Virgin Group in 1982 and later by G-A-Y's Jeremy Joseph, Heaven continues to thrive. Its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the AIDS epidemic, highlights its role beyond just a nightclub. Today, Heaven remains a premier destination, constantly reinventing itself while honoring its rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat exactly is Heaven Nightclub London?

Heaven Nightclub London stands out as a legendary spot in the heart of the city, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance in the LGBTQ+ community. Since its opening in 1979, this venue has been a haven for music lovers, hosting a variety of events from live concerts to thrilling DJ nights.

QHow can someone get to Heaven Nightclub?

Nestled near Charing Cross Station, getting to Heaven Nightclub is a breeze. Whether you're hopping on the Tube, catching a bus, or even walking from nearby landmarks, you'll find it conveniently located. Just look for the iconic arches of the Arches Retail Space, and you're there.

QWhat kind of music can guests expect?

At Heaven, the beats never stop. From chart-topping pop hits and classic anthems to cutting-edge electronic and dance music, there's something for every ear. The club prides itself on its diverse lineup, ensuring every night offers a unique auditory experience.

QAre there any special events or theme nights?

Absolutely! Heaven is famous for its themed events and special nights, ranging from the legendary G-A-Y nights to unique performances and guest DJ sets. Each event is crafted to offer a memorable experience, so checking their schedule in advance is a smart move.

QWhat should visitors know about the dress code?

Heaven encourages self-expression, so you'll find its dress code pretty relaxed. Whether you're in casual wear or dressed to impress, all that matters is you're ready to have a good time. Just remember, some special events might have specific themes, so it's worth checking ahead.

QCan anyone visit Heaven Nightclub, or is it exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community?

While Heaven holds a special place in the LGBTQ+ community's heart, its doors are open to everyone looking to enjoy a night of great music and positive vibes. Respect and inclusivity are key, making it a welcoming space for all.

QWhat's the best way to ensure entry?

Given its popularity, securing your spot at Heaven can sometimes be a challenge. Buying tickets in advance for special events is wise, and arriving early helps too. Keep in mind, entry is at the discretion of the door staff, so a friendly attitude goes a long way.

QIs there a cover charge to get into Heaven Nightclub?

Entry fees can vary depending on the night and event. Regular club nights might have a cover charge, while special events could be ticketed. For the most accurate information, it's best to check Heaven's official website or social media channels before planning your visit.

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