From Victorian theatre to punk-rock playground, legendary nightclub and world-famous music venue, KOKO celebrates 125 years at the heart of Camden’s cultural story.
There are few buildings in Camden Town that have witnessed as much history, reinvention and musical magic as KOKO. Standing proudly on the corner of Camden High Street and Crowndale Road, this extraordinary venue has entertained generations, welcomed some of the biggest names in music and played a part in shaping London’s cultural identity.
Now celebrating 125 years of history, KOKO is much more than a music venue. It is a living piece of Camden’s heritage, a place where musical movements have been born, careers have taken off and unforgettable nights have become part of local folklore.
And remarkably, its story began long before rock ‘n’ roll, punk or electronic dance music had even been imagined.
From Victorian theatre to Camden landmark
The story begins in 1901, when the Camden Theatre opened its doors, although the building’s formal opening took place on Boxing Day 1900. Designed by renowned theatre architect WGR Sprague, the magnificent building was originally created to bring high-quality theatrical entertainment to north London.
Its opening was marked by the appearance of celebrated actress Ellen Terry, one of the great theatrical stars of the Victorian era.
With its ornate interiors, impressive auditorium and distinctive architecture, the theatre quickly became an important entertainment destination. It was renamed the Camden Hippodrome in 1909, welcoming a variety of performances and entertainers, including the legendary Charlie Chaplin.
As tastes changed, the building enjoyed another incarnation as a cinema before an entirely new chapter began.
The BBC years and the birth of broadcasting history
In 1945, the BBC acquired the building and transformed it into a broadcasting and recording facility.
For the next three decades, the former theatre became an important part of British broadcasting history. It was here that the hugely popular radio comedy series The Goon Show was recorded, helping to establish a generation of comedy talent and entertaining millions of listeners across the country.
The venue also attracted major musical talent. In 1964, The Rolling Stones performed and recorded there, adding another significant chapter to the building’s remarkable story.
But the biggest transformation was still to come.
The Music Machine: Camden embraces punk
By 1977, Camden was becoming a centre of London’s emerging alternative music scene, and the building reopened as The Music Machine.
The timing could hardly have been better. Punk and new wave were challenging the established musical order, and Camden was becoming a gathering place for people who wanted something different.
The Music Machine quickly developed a reputation as one of London’s most exciting live music venues. The Clash, The Sex Pistols and Adam Ant were among the acts associated with its vibrant musical scene.
The Clash’s legendary four-night residency in 1978 became part of the venue’s mythology, capturing the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the era.
It was a place where music, fashion and attitude collided – and Camden was right at the centre of it all.
Camden Palace: The New Romantic revolution
In 1982, the venue underwent another transformation, reopening as the Camden Palace.
This was the beginning of perhaps its most legendary period.
The early 1980s saw the emergence of the New Romantic movement, with its flamboyant fashion, dramatic hairstyles, extravagant make-up and adventurous electronic music. Camden Palace became one of the movement’s most important destinations.
Under the influence of Steve Strange and Rusty Egan, the venue became synonymous with the excitement and theatricality of the era.
Culture Club, Spandau Ballet and Grace Jones were among the artists associated with this extraordinary period.
Then came a moment that would become part of music history. In 1983, a young Madonna performed her first UK show at Camden Palace, introducing British audiences to an artist who would go on to become one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
The venue continued to attract international talent, with Prince performing there in 1988 and returning for further appearances during his career.
Through the late 1980s and 1990s, Camden Palace remained a major destination for clubbers and music lovers, embracing the evolution of dance music and London’s ever-changing nightlife.
For many people, simply saying they were going to ‘Camden’ was enough. Everyone knew where they meant.
The arrival of KOKO
In 2004, the venue was reinvented once again, taking on the name KOKO.
The new identity brought a renewed focus on live music, emerging artists and international performers, while retaining the character and atmosphere that had made the building so special.
Over the following years, KOKO welcomed an extraordinary range of musical talent. Amy Winehouse, Prince, Madonna, Coldplay, Kanye West and countless other performers have all been associated with its stage.
Importantly, KOKO also continued to provide a platform for emerging musicians. For artists at the beginning of their careers, performing in such a historic venue offered an opportunity to connect with audiences and become part of Camden’s musical legacy.
That combination of established international names and exciting new talent has remained central to its identity.
Rising from the ashes
In 2019, KOKO closed its doors for an ambitious redevelopment and restoration project, intended to give the historic building a new lease of life.
But the journey back was far from straightforward.
In January 2020, a major fire broke out, damaging the building’s famous copper dome. The subsequent restoration faced further challenges, including significant water damage and the disruption caused by the global pandemic.
Rather than marking the end of KOKO’s story, these setbacks became part of its remarkable comeback.
Following a reported £70 million investment, the venue reopened in April 2022 after an extensive restoration and redevelopment.
The transformation brought together the original theatre with neighbouring historic buildings, creating a much larger cultural destination while preserving the architectural character of the original venue.
Alongside its celebrated main auditorium, the new KOKO incorporates additional performance spaces, recording and broadcasting facilities, restaurants, bars, a rooftop terrace and The House of KOKO members’ club.
It is a remarkable example of how a historic building can be given a new purpose without losing the spirit of its past.
125 years of music, memories and Camden magic
Today, KOKO continues to evolve, with live performances, club nights and its KOKO Electronic programme bringing together different generations and musical communities.
Its story is particularly special because it reflects the changing identity of Camden itself.
From Victorian theatre audiences and BBC broadcasting legends to punk rockers, New Romantics, ravers and today’s music fans, the building has continually adapted to the times while remaining a constant presence in the neighbourhood.
Few venues can claim to have hosted such a diverse range of performers, witnessed so many musical revolutions and reinvented themselves so successfully over more than a century.
And perhaps that is the real secret of KOKO.
It has never stood still. Every generation has found something different within its walls, and every new chapter has added to its extraordinary history.
As KOKO celebrates 125 years, one thing is certain: this Camden institution is not simply looking back at its past. It is continuing to create the musical memories that will define its future.
Here’s to the next 125 years of KOKO.
Read More on KOKO Camden
Coming to Camden Town and hoking for a hotel? Try voco London Camden Lock
