Pub rock (United Kingdom)
Pub rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the early to mid-1970s in the United Kingdom. A back-to-basics movement, which incorporated roots rock, pub rock was a reaction against the expensively-recorded and produced progressive rock and flashy glam rock scenes at the time. Although short-lived, pub rock was played live in small traditional venues like pubs and clubs.[1] Since major labels showed no interest in pub rock groups, pub bands sought out independent record labels such as Stiff Records. Indie labels used relatively inexpensive recording processes, so they had a much lower break-even point for a record than a major label.
Pub rock
With pub rock's emphasis on small venues, simple, fairly inexpensive recordings and indie record labels, it was the catalyst for the development of the British punk rock scene. Despite these shared elements, though, there was a difference between the genres: while pub rock harked back to early rock and roll and R&B, punk was iconoclastic, and sought to break with the past musical traditions.
History[edit]
American country-rock band Eggs over Easy were the precursors of the movement when they broke the jazz-only policy of the "Tally Ho" pub in Kentish Town, in May 1971.[12] They were impressive enough to inspire local musicians such as Nick Lowe.[13] They were soon joined by a handful of London acts such as Brinsley Schwarz who had been victims of the prevailing big-venue system.[6] Along with Max Merritt and the Meteors who were originally from Australia and had moved to London, Kilburn and the High Roads, Bees Make Honey, Ace, Eggs Over Easy, Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers, Dr. Feelgood, Ducks Deluxe, Rockpile, Any Trouble, The Pirates, The Mortors, F.B.I., Gozales, Wreckless Eric, The Inmates, Roogalator, and Kokomo.[14]
Most of the venues were in large Victorian pubs "north of Regents Park", where there were plenty of suitable establishments.[15] One of the most notable venues was the Hope and Anchor pub on Islington's Upper Street, still a venue.[5]
Following the Tally Ho and the Hope and Anchor came the Cock, the Brecknock, the Lord Nelson, the Greyhound in Fulham, the Red Lion, the Rochester Castle, the Nashville in West Kensington, the Pegasus Pub on Green Lanes, The Torrington in North Finchley, Dingwalls and the Dublin Castle in Camden Town, the Pied Bull at Angel, Bull and Gate in Kentish Town, the Kensington near Olympia, the Newlands Tavern in Nunhead, the Cricketers at Kennington Oval, Half Moon in Putney and Half Moon in Herne Hill (south London outposts) and The Sir George Robey in Finsbury Park. Out of London, venues included the Dagenham Roundhouse, the Grand in Leigh on Sea and the Admiral Jellicoe on Canvey Island.[6] This network of venues later formed a ready-made launch pad for the punk scene.[4]
In 1974, pub rock was the hottest scene in London.[16] At that point it seemed that nearly every large pub in London was supplying live music, along with hot snacks and the occasional stripper.[6] The figureheads were Essex-based R&B outfit Dr. Feelgood.[2] By Autumn 1975, they were joined by acts such as Hammersmith Gorillas, Joe Strummer's 101ers, Eddie and the Hot Rods, and The Count Bishops.[17]
Pub rock was rapidly overtaken by the UK punk explosion after spawning what are now seen as several proto-punk bands. Some artists were able to make the transition by jumping ship to new outfits, notably Joe Strummer, Ian Dury and Elvis Costello.[6] A few stalwarts were later able to realise Top 40 chart success, but the moment was gone. Many of the actual pubs themselves survived as punk venues (especially the Nashville and The Hope & Anchor),[6] but a range of notable pubs such as the George Robey and the Pied Bull have since been closed or demolished. The Newlands Tavern survived. Now called The Ivy House, in 2023 it is once again a thriving music venue showcasing many new bands.