The Marquee Club is unfortunately not open anymore – but it is still accepted as one of London’s most legendary live-music institutions.

Active between 1958 and 2008 at 6 different locations in London's West End (opening on Oxford Street and living the longest at Soho) operated by different patrons (one of them being Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart), it is synonymous with discovery and raw energy.

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A Stage Made for Risk and Rhythm

By the 1970s and early 1980s, the Marquee is known to be a meeting place for funk-rock, jazz-funk, soul, and blues.

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Bowie!

One of the -probably- most famous happenings in the Marquee’s history belongs to David Bowie and he is of course the one who repeatedly keeps adding funk, soul, and rhythm into his evolving musical identity. 

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The legendary 1980 Floor Show, rehearsed and filmed at the Marquee in 1973, shows Bowie at a time of transformation. Backed by musicians deeply rooted in groove, he leans into funk rhythms, tight arrangements, and physical performance (as always!).

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The Soul of Paul Young & Q-Tips

In the early 1980s, the Marquee also hosts performances by Q-Tips, the band then fronted by Paul Young before his solo success. The Q-Tips are rooted in soul, R&B, and funk but they create a danceable, groove-heavy sound in many live performance recordings.

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Funk’s Hidden Gems: FBI & Osibisa

There are so many other "groove" ghosts in the Marquee’s history such as the FBI (Funky Bands Inc.)—a 9-piece funk band from London—and the Icelandic fusion of Mezzoforte or the Afro-funk rhythms of Osibisa…

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Dr. John with Chris Barber Band

Talking about Marquee’s funk legacy, there is of course Dr. John performing live with The Chris Barber Band.

Live from London and Mardi Gras at the Marquee, both albums show Dr. John's full command of New Orleans-style funk. Together with Chris Barber’s seasoned band, these performances are full of joy and deeply rooted in groove tradition. When we listen to these recordings, we hear "Bayou Funk" at its finest – but it is a mix of London jazz and New Orleans funk; like a giant carnival!

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Gülben - 1/2026

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​​​ 📗 Marquee: The Story of the World’s Greatest Music Venue By Robert Sellers and Nick Pendleton

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