The dance music community was dealt a heavy blow yesterday when legendary nightclub fabric was forced to close down after losing its licence. Over the last couple months, two people suffered drug-related deaths after visiting the London hotspot, prompting an investigation. Numerous DJs, promoters and industry powerhouses attempted to save the club through an online petition that gained over 150,000 signatures, but their effort was not enough. After a deliberation that lasted well into the night, the local council decided the venue had been “inadequate and in breach of the licence”. According to the council:
“Staff intervention and security was grossly inadequate in light of the overwhelming evidence that it was abundantly obvious that patrons in the club were on drugs and manifesting symptoms showing that they were. This included sweating, glazed red eyes and staring into space, and people asking for help.”
Shortly after the news, fabric issued an official statement:
“fabric is extremely disappointed with Islington Council’s decision to revoke our license. This is an especially sad day for those who have supported us, particularly the 250 staff who will now lose their jobs. Closing fabric is not the answer to the drug-related problems. Clubs like ours are working to prevent, and sets a troubling precedent for the future of London’s night time economy.”
In addition to the nightclub’s response, London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, also shared his thoughts on the closure:
“London’s iconic clubs are an essential part of our cultural landscape. Clubbing needs to be safe but I’m disappointed that Fabric, Islington Council and the Metropolitan Police were unable to reach agreement on how to address concerns about public safety. As a result of this decision, thousands of people who enjoyed going to Fabric as an essential part of London’s nightlife will lose out. The issues faced by Fabric point to a wider problem of how we protect London’s night-time economy, while ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Over the past eight years, London has lost 50 percent of its nightclubs and 40 percent of its live music venues. This decline must stop if London is to retain its status as a 24-hour city with a world-class nightlife.”
Not only was fabric a beloved institution for London’s night owls, but also for the global dance music community as a whole. The club was voted ‘#1 Club in the World’ on numerous occasions and was instrumental in launching the careers of some of today’s biggest talents. Here are some reactions from the DJ community:
Sad news ever today, Fabric London will remain closed. London nightlife will not be the same…
— Joseph Capriati (@josephcapriati) September 7, 2016
Thoughts go out to all the family at @fabriclondon this morning..Closure of Fabric adds to 2016 being one of the worst years I can remember
— Oliver Jones (@I_Skream) September 7, 2016
I had some drugs I was going to take on Sat at Fabric, but now it is closed so I will throw them down the toilet and never take drugs again
— Jon Hopkins (@Jon_Hopkins_) September 7, 2016
the exploitation of drug deaths to serve the interests of the very rich by those who are supposed to represent us feels too grim to be real
— Ben UFO (@BenUFO) September 7, 2016
Didn’t send my usual thank ya tweet last night due to being in actual shock with the whole Fabric thing. Sad times. 💔
— Hannah Wants (@hannah_wants) September 7, 2016
..Such an important night club for London and it’s culture. Another decision made by the powerful that affects the youth and not themselves
— Disclosure (@disclosure) September 7, 2016
As a resident of Islington, I feel incredibly disappointed and angry at the councils decision to close @fabriclondon permanently..
— Disclosure (@disclosure) September 7, 2016
..50% of London’s clubs have closed in the last 8 years, and 40% of live venues. This just isn’t good enough for London. Help us @SadiqKhan
— Disclosure (@disclosure) September 7, 2016
Fucking bullshit. Absolute bullshit.
— TwEats Everything® (@eats_everything) September 7, 2016
really bummed I’ll never have the chance to set foot in Fabric. UK Dance music and culture is what got me into this in the first place
— JAUZ (@Jauzofficial) September 7, 2016
Sources: Mixmag, The Guardian, Resident Advisor
