Batcave

The Batcave was a nightclub in London, at Meard Street, Soho. It is considered to be the birthplace of the Southern English goth subculture as it had already been established in Northern England, in particular Leeds Manchester and Belfast. Though when the culture was being developed in the North of England it was commonly known as alternative prior to having been given the goth moniker. As one of the most famous meeting points for early goths, it lent its name to the term Batcaver, used to describe fans of the original gothic rock music, who would adorn themselves in Batwing Coffin necklaces to distinguish themselves from other less prolific goth nightclubs. The term "Batcave" is also still used by Europeans to refer to gothic music with a prominent post-punk sound and spooky atmospheres.
The club opened in July 1982. Originally specialising in New Wave and glam rock, it later focused on gothic rock. Ollie Wisdom, the lead singer in the house band Specimen, ran the club with Specimen's Jon Klein as Art Director, and initially with the assistance of production manager Hugh Jones. Famous regulars at the Batcave included musicians such as Bauhaus, Robert Smith, Siouxsie Sioux, Steve Severin, Foetus, Marc Almond and Nick Cave.

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