DANCE music institution Fabric is being forced to close its doors after having its license revoked and the decision has been met with widespread anger.
A staple of London’s clubbing culture since first opening its doors in 1999, Fabric has played host to a who’s who of DJ’s and has became a must-visit destination for revellers from around the world.
Now, the club will be forced to close its doors permanently following a six hour deliberation with local Islington officials and police despite the 150,000 signatures which were pledged to save it.
In light of the news, figures from all over the music spectrum have came out to voice their discontentment with the situation.
Prominent DJ Julio Bashmore said of the closure “Thank you @fabriclondon for giving me a solid break so early in my career. Tragic that future artists will be denied this opportunity” whilst crossover star Jessie Ware spoke of her own fond memories of the club by stating that “So sad about Fabric closing. Earliest clubbing memories and such an important club for london. #fabricreview”
Dubstep pioneer Skream spoke of the closure adding to 2016 being ‘one of the worst years I can remember’ whilst Chase And Status made their feelings all too clear in a series of vitriolic tweets which stated that ‘like always, the youth will lose out.’
Delivering what could well be a prophetic statement, BBC DJ Mistajam compared the closure to that of the legendary Hacienda:
I can’t believe they’ve revoked @fabriclondon‘s license. Is this the future for it? #Haçienda #FabricReview pic.twitter.com/QBQPIVFLY0
— mistajam (@mistajam) September 7, 2016
Many commentators have also drew a parallel with The Arches, the legendary Glasgow venue which was closed in startlingly similar fashion last year.
Red Bull Academy’s Lauren Martin has said that ‘The Arches in Glasgow was bullied by GCC and Police so badly that it closed this year. Fabric is the latest, massive victim #FabricReview” whilst Glasgow based beatmaker Barrientos revealed that he was sadly not taken aback by the decision: “Fabric. Not surprised in any way. There was no true validity behind the Arches decision either. The struggle continues.”
The war on British nightlife has claimed another casualty.