The Speakeasy Club


The Speakeasy Club, also known as The Speak, was a club situated at 48 Margaret Street, London, England and served as a late-night meeting place for the music industry from 1966 to June 1978. The club took its name and theme from the speakeasies of the American Prohibition era. The club was owned by Iraqi-born entrepreneur David Shamoon, along with Blaises and The Revolution Club.

History

The club Opened on 15 December 1966 and was managed by Roy Flynn. In May 1969 Tony Howard, who had been the main artist booker for The Bryan Morrison Agency and NEMS became the manager of the club. Howard was joined by Laurie O'Leary, previously the manager of Sibylla's nightclub near Piccadilly Circus in London. Jim Carter-Fea worked as the general day and night manager and was also associated with the other two Shamoon London clubs.

Clientele

The Speakeasy was frequented by record industry and artist agency executives. It also attracted bands who played for low fees in the hope of being spotted and form the basis of the then emerging British rock scene. The club also attracted international touring bands and established artists.

Musicians

Musicians and bands who played at the club, Arthur Lee and Love, King Crimson, The Marmalade, The Mothers of Invention, Yes, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, David Bowie, Deep Purple, The Velvet Underground, and Bob Marley. Others such as Jeff Beck, Reg Isidore, Ginger Baker, Jan Hammer, The Gass and Bobby Tench.

Legacy

refer to the club in their album The Who Sell Out , referencing the club in the "Radio London/Speakeasy/Rotosound Strings" commercial insert for the same album. Elvis Costello mentioned the club in his song "London's Brilliant Parade" inclded on the album Brutal Youth. The Beatles also threw a party for The Monkees during their 1967 visit to England, which later became the basis for the song "Randy Scouse Git"