‘One of London’s best music venues’: Madness’ Suggs backs reopening of troubled Brixton Academy
Madness frontman Suggs has backed the reopening of Brixton Academy, calling it “one of the best music venues in London”.
The venue, which can hold 4,921 standing, had its license suspended last December after a fatal crowd crush left two people dead and one in critical condition.
Last month, Lambeth Council said it can re-open once the venue has met 77 “extensive and robust” conditions “designed to promote public safety”.
This includes stronger doors, new crowd management systems and a new ticketing system.
Although 70s ska and pop band Madness are more synonymous with Camden, where they are set to play a homecoming gig at KOKO on October 18 in support of their 13th album Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie, musician Suggs – real name Graham McPherson – says they have played Brixton “a couple of times” and are “pleased” it might soon be welcoming back music fans.
“It’s really great,” he told the Standard. “It’s just that bit smaller than an arena. I mean, I like playing any venue but it’s just the perfect size for an audience. I’m so pleased because venues have been struggling anyway since the lockdown [and] it’s a great venue.”
Madness’ new album, Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie, is released on November 17. Fans who pre-order the record from the official album store will receive access to the exclusive ticket pre-sale for the KOKO show. The pre-sale will run from 9.30am on Thursday October 5 until the general sale which starts at 9.30am on Friday October 6.
