LONDON CLUB KIDS: The COCK is back for its 10-year Anniversary peeps! Sat 21 July

So, it is 10 years since the legendary club night The Cock started in a little Soho backstreet club, aptly called The Ghetto...

It is not surprising that the event page contains no details other than the date and place, after all, this was one of the hot spots of London underground culture and the place that heavily enhanced the return of the club-kid as we know it today.

For the London club-goers, it might need no introduction, but since this blog is being read worldwide, we feel that it deserves a little recoup of what it was all about.

The Cock happened every Friday night at Ghetto in Soho - a long established underground pleasure palace for denizens of Londons hip underground gay / mixed club scene. Unfortunately by the end of 2008 the club had to be closed as the area was under development for a new CrossRail line (being built to this moment). In an instant London had lost two of its West End establishments [the other one being Astoria - a live gig venue where Madonna, Kylie and pretty much every music act that we care about had performed throughout the years].

On the 5th December 2008, The Cock had their LAST EVER party in its birthplace.

Many big names have frequented the party over the six years it lasted. Most notably, the Scissor Sisters performed their debut UK gig here as well as countless other bands who have cut their teeth here such as Hot Chip, Clor and Pink Grease. Even London's underground disco royalty have graced the stage at Ghetto - Boy George, Marc Almond, Pete Burns, Siobhan Fahey and Princess Julia, while Yr Mum Ya Dad and other alternative live acts virtually started from here.

To begin to list DJs who have played at The Cock would be futile as they've all played - from all scenes and music disciplines!

DJ Tasty Tim

DJ Princess Julia

The club has charted a journey through the wild excesses of electronica and what a fantastic ride it was! The whole musical experience was held together by scene verteran DJs and premier divas Princess Julia and Tasty Tim.

The Cock has always been about bringing together all areas of gay nightlife but with the main emphasis being the alternative Friday night bender, indeed their original strapline read "For hookers, punks, dykes & queers". Of course the club has far exceeded that aim and it arrived at a time when nightlife was dominated by muscle clubs and over priced Soho bars playing wet music. So, now that 'do it yourself' club culture and 'difference' has been fully embraced, we mustn't forget that they contributed to this and each and every week until the inevitable demise of the Ghetto. It is featured in the book "New Club Kids: London Party Fashion In the Noughties" by Oggy Yordanov [who also started this blog] and has achieved a cult status. You can see why we must feel excited about the forthcoming anniversary party. See you there!