Club History: 1960's - 1970's
Undoubtedly the most famous period of the club was the sixties and its emerging rock music scene. At this time Soho was full of small clubs, bars and restaurants and with its close proximity to Carnaby Street was a mecca for the fashion and music scene. It was one of the music venues and part of the swinging sixties scene in London – being a popular venue for some of the famous names of the period.
The Bag O' Nails was run by two brothers Rik and John Gunnell, who had been part of the club scene and made a name for themselves by launching this new venue for up and coming names of the 60’s with live music. Among the now famous names who performed there was Jimi Hendrix who played his debut gig in the UK in November 1966 using the clubs DJ booth, which is as it was when he appeared at the club and still in use today. The assembled audience that night was to experience the drums, guitar and bass of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the like of which had never been seen or heard before. It is now regarded as one of the most important breakthrough performances of all time; Hendrix captivated, dazzled and occasionally startled the listeners.
The current façade hides a wealth of the history of rock for the music period of the time and was legendary as a celebrity place to hangout. Its interior is much the same layout as in its musical heyday.
Club History 1960’s - 1970’s continued...
Tom Jones was also known to frequent 'The Bag', as it was sometimes affectionately called, becoming used to the champagne lifestyle that was the essence of the club. Other elite of the 60’s music scene could be found there: Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Brian Epstein, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, The Hollies, The Small Faces, The Animals and Lulu. On some occasions they would feast on the clubs steak, chips and mushy peas late at night. It also attracted many other important names of the times from artists and models, because it was one of the places to be seen in during the 60’s.
However the Bag O' Nails most well known claim to fame is being the meeting place for Linda Eastman and Paul McCartney. The club was a favourite of the Beatle and it was here that they both attended a Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames gig on 15 May 1967, this as history knows was to become a successful marriage and musical partnership until Linda’s untimely death in 1998. Another couple reputed to have met for the first time at the club was John and Christine McVie, later to become part of another successful singing band - Fleetwood Mac. Some had intentions of making it to the altar, but in 1968, just three weeks before his proposed wedding, Elton John was having a drink with Long John Baldry (who was to be his best man) and Bernie Taupin. While at the club they both tried to dissuade him from marrying his fiancé. Baldry is alleged, to go on and on at Elton all evening and convinced him not to go through with it. Back to top of page