Jeremy Joseph, the dynamic owner of the G-A-Y nightclub chain, shares intimate details about the early days of the iconic club, his encounters with gangsters, and the pop star who delivered the most lackluster performance in the club’s history. This article explores Jeremy’s journey from an aspiring TV presenter to a nightclub mogul, shedding light on the trials, triumphs, and unforgettable moments that defined G-A-Y.
Early Life: From TV Dreams to DJ Booths
Jeremy Joseph’s roots are firmly planted in London soil. Growing up, he harbored dreams of becoming a TV presenter, a goal that led him into the world of DJ-ing as a means to hone his presenting skills.
“I was one of those annoying talking DJs,” Jeremy recalls, referring to his early days at The Royal Oak in Hammersmith. In those times, LGBT pubs featured DJs who not only spun records but also engaged the audience with lively banter and introduced cabaret acts between songs. It was in this vibrant, community-driven environment that Jeremy found his footing.
His foray into event promotion began somewhat serendipitously. Initially, he organized one-off events for the promoters of Bang!, a popular club night. His knack for promotion quickly became evident, and soon he was entrusted with running their Saturday night party at LA2, a club space beneath The Astoria.
Launching G-A-Y: The Birth of an Icon
A fallout with the Bang! promoters led to a pivotal moment in Jeremy’s career. The owners of The Astoria approached him with an offer to take over the running of their Saturday night event. Although initially conflicted, Jeremy decided to embrace the opportunity, a decision that would lead to the birth of G-A-Y.
Needing a new name for the night, Jeremy looked no further than his own radio show on Spectrum Radio, aptly titled “G-A-Y.” The name perfectly encapsulated the essence of what he aimed to achieve with the nightclub – a celebration of queer identity and culture.
Musical Acts: From Divas to Pop Icons
One of the defining features of G-A-Y was its ability to attract major pop stars. In its early days, Jeremy booked dance music divas like Kym Mazelle and Jocelyn Brown. The turning point came when he secured 80s Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz to perform.
“It was this huge pop party and I’d never felt anything like it before,” Jeremy reflects. “That was when I knew this was the beginning of something special.”
As word spread, the club began to draw bigger names. Icons like Dannii and Kylie Minogue, Steps, and the Spice Girls graced the G-A-Y stage, transforming it into a must-visit venue for pop music lovers.
Saying Goodbye to The Astoria: The End of an Era
The Astoria’s closure in 2009, due to the Crossrail project, marked a significant shift in London’s queer scene. The project, which aimed to improve transportation infrastructure, resulted in the demolition of several key venues, including The Astoria, Ghetto, and First Out Cafe.
“Well, the rumours of Crossrail had been going for years… And we kind of thought it was never going to happen,” Jeremy recalls. But when it did, the reality was a shock.
Jeremy adapted by purchasing Heaven nightclub in 2009, where G-A-Y found a new home. Despite the move, Jeremy still fondly remembers The Astoria. “I didn’t want to leave. It wasn’t a choice,” he says. “We had something really, really special.”
Community and Change: The 90s LGBT Scene
Reflecting on the 90s, Jeremy highlights the strong sense of community within LGBT venues. “We didn’t have equality. LGBT venues were much more community-oriented. They were even safer spaces because people were not as out as they are now. Sometimes, going out was the only time people could be themselves.”
During this time, the LGBT community faced significant challenges, including the AIDS crisis and widespread discrimination. “We were fighting for so many different things: to serve in the armed forces, for an equal age of consent,” Jeremy explains. “Venues were much more community-oriented because there was a fight on our hands. We were fighting the government, public opinion, and for our lives.”
The Promoter’s Journey: Navigating Tough Terrain
Jeremy’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. The nightclub scene in the 90s was often dominated by unsavory characters. “Venues were run by gangsters. They were not easy people to work for,” Jeremy reveals. He recounts the difficult decision he faced when tensions between Bang! and The Astoria owners came to a head.
“I was given the ultimatum: go with Bang! or stay and keep this going. That was my livelihood. It wasn’t just about me; DJs and staff’s jobs were on the line. I took the risk and decided to take it on,” Jeremy says. With the Bang! name no longer an option, he rebranded the night using the now-familiar G-A-Y title from his radio show.
The Evolution of G-A-Y
From its humble beginnings in the basement of The Astoria, G-A-Y grew into an institution. Jeremy’s ability to navigate the complex and often perilous nightclub industry, combined with his passion for creating a safe and inclusive space, ensured the club’s success.
The Pressure to Succeed
Jeremy reflects on the pressure to succeed, especially after giving up his secure job at The Royal Oak. “I had given up everything to do this,” he says. “I had to make it work because otherwise I’d be out of work.”
Despite the challenges, including financial exploitation by those in control, Jeremy persevered. “When you work for gangsters, you get ripped off all the time. People see a packed night and think you’re earning millions, but you’re not because these people are ripping you off,” he explains.
Changing Times: A Safer, More Inclusive Scene
Jeremy acknowledges that the nightclub industry has changed significantly since the 90s. “It’s a very different time now,” he says. “What went on in the 90s and early 2000s and what goes on now are two different times. Security controls a lot of things now.”
Despite the negative aspects of working under gangster influence, Jeremy notes a surprising upside: safety. “In a way, it kept LGBT people safe. These were people you didn’t argue with. It was like when people talk about the Kray twins and how the East End was safer because of their control. It was the same in clubbing; you were kind of protected.”
The Legacy Continues
Today, G-A-Y continues to thrive, hosting performances by contemporary pop stars and maintaining its status as a cornerstone of London’s LGBT nightlife. Jeremy Joseph’s journey from aspiring TV presenter to iconic club promoter is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the community he loves.
Through the highs and lows, Jeremy’s passion for creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive space for the LGBT community has never wavered. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on an entire community, transforming dreams into reality against all odds.pen question. Nicolas Bay and Gilbert Collard — two MEPs who left Le Pen’s party to join Zemmour — didn’t endorse a possible alliance with Le Pen, in case she wins the second round.