Crawdaddy Club Richmond

30/01/2025

Sad news for the music world today as we say goodbye to Marianne Faithfull. A true icon of the 1960s and beyond, she left an indelible mark on music and culture with her distinctive voice and fearless artistry. From “As Tears Go By” to her later, deeply personal work, she remained a trailblazer throughout her career. Her connection to the Stones and the era that shaped the Crawdaddy Club makes this loss feel especially close. Rest in peace, Marianne—your music lives on.

30/01/2025

Once again we are very proud indeed to sponsor one of the categories in the UK Blues Awards. This time a category very close to our mission to keep live music alive and vital, with the Emerging Act of the year. So many great names have made the long list it’s hard to pick any favourites, so we won’t! Keep an eye out for news of when you can vote to decide on the top 5!

28/01/2025

🎸 Support the Crawdaddy Club with Official Merch! 🎶

Did you know the Crawdaddy Club has its own merch store? Check out CrawdaddyClub.redbubble.com for an amazing selection of items featuring our iconic logo and designs inspired by the club’s rich history. From T-shirts and hoodies to mugs, tote bags, and more, there’s something for everyone.

Every purchase helps support the Crawdaddy Club’s mission of keeping live music alive and providing a platform for talented, up-and-coming artists. By shopping our merch, you’re not just getting awesome gear—you’re becoming a part of the Crawdaddy legacy.

Grab your favorite piece today and wear it with pride!

27/01/2025

Giorgio Gomelsky, a Georgian immigrant, was a key player in the British blues and R&B scene of the early 1960s. By day, he worked as an assistant film editor; by night, he promoted music. He eventually left the jazz scene and started the Piccadilly Club, a blues venue in central London. After the club closed in early 1963, he found a new spot and, thanks to the landlord of the Station Hotel in Richmond, opened the Crawdaddy Club in the hotel’s back room. The name came from Bo Diddley’s 1960 song “Doing the Craw-Daddy,” which The Rolling Stones often played.

The Rolling Stones played their first gig at the Crawdaddy Club in February 1963. The band couldn’t make it because of bad weather. This was Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts's first time in the Stones lineup. At first, only a few people came, but soon, the club was packed. By April, the Stones were playing there every week and had a spot at Eel Pie Island in Twickenham. The club became super popular, and the crowds were so big that they had to move to a bigger place. Gomelsky moved the club to the Richmond Athletic Ground to handle the growing crowds.

The Yardbirds, with Eric Clapton, became the house band at the Crawdaddy Club after The Stones’ fame and departure. The club kept hosting famous British blues and R&B acts, making it a legendary spot in music history.

In March 2011, Mike Rivers and his wife, Sylvie, revived the Crawdaddy Club at the Richmond Athletic Ground. They’ve been hosting monthly gigs with top R&B bands ever since, keeping the legacy of Gomelsky alive.

Giorgio Gomelsky’s passion for promoting blues and R&B music not only launched the careers of legendary bands but also created venues that still celebrate live music today.

27/01/2025

We’re very proud to have once again made the long list in the Club/Venue of the Year category in the UK Blues awards. It’s testament to the hard work we’ve put in since Mike and Sylvie relaunched our legendary club a dozen or so years ago. We’ve done our best to book the best bands, and offer the warmest of welcomes. Through that we’ve made some great friends both musicians and fans and we’re grateful for you all. Thank you!

26/01/2025

At the Crawdaddy Club, we’ve always prided ourselves on staying true to the spirit of authenticity and creativity. That’s why our booking policy has never included tribute acts or bands that rely solely on slavish cover versions. Instead, we celebrate the raw energy and originality that makes live music so special.

Our stage has always been a platform for genuine talent—whether it’s established artists with fresh ideas or young, up-and-coming musicians ready to make their mark. Nurturing the next generation of performers is a cornerstone of what we do, and we’re proud to help keep live music thriving by giving talented artists the spotlight they deserve.

Here’s to honouring the past, championing the present, and paving the way for the future of live music at the Crawdaddy Club! 🎤

25/01/2025

In the vibrant 1960s, the Crawdaddy Club had the honor of hosting the legendary T-Bone Walker, a pioneer of electric blues whose innovative guitar work influenced countless musicians. On October 20, 1965, Walker graced our stage, delivering a performance that left an indelible mark on all who attended. 

Supporting T-Bone Walker that evening were John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, a band instrumental in the British blues movement. Led by John Mayall, who sadly passed away in July 2024 at the age of 90, the Bluesbreakers were a nurturing ground for future rock legends. At various times, the band featured guitar icons such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor, each of whom contributed to the band’s dynamic sound and went on to achieve significant acclaim in their own right. 

The collaboration of T-Bone Walker and the Bluesbreakers at the Crawdaddy Club exemplified the rich musical heritage that we are proud to continue under our stewardship. By hosting such iconic performances, the club has long been a cornerstone of the blues scene, fostering connections between legendary artists and passionate audiences. Today, we remain dedicated to preserving this legacy, ensuring that the Crawdaddy Club continues to be a vibrant venue where music history is both honoured and made anew.

24/01/2025

Who Do You Want to See at the Crawdaddy Club in 2025?

As we dive into another exciting year, we’d love to hear from you! Who would you like to see take the stage at the Crawdaddy Club this year? Whether it’s a local favorite, a legendary act, or an up-and-coming artist, we’re always on the lookout for great talent to bring to our iconic venue.

Drop your suggestions in the comments below and let us know who’s on your wish list. Your input could shape the 2025 lineup!

Who’s the next name we should add to the list of iconic performers who’ve graced our stage?

22/01/2025

✨ The Others: Then and Now at the Crawdaddy Club ✨

In the 1960s, The Others were the third house band to take the stage at the Crawdaddy Club, helping to shape its legendary reputation. Their electrifying performances captured the spirit of the era, making them a vital part of the Club’s storied history.

Fast forward to the early days of the Crawdaddy Club revival, and The Others returned, reigniting the magic and showing how deep the connection to this iconic venue runs. Their return wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of the Crawdaddy Club’s enduring legacy, bridging generations of music lovers.

We’re thrilled to share a visual journey with you, featuring photos of The Others back in their heyday and when they graced our stage again during the revival. It’s moments like these that confirm the heritage of the Crawdaddy Club as a beacon of music history.

Stay tuned for these incredible photos that tell the story of how the Crawdaddy Club’s spirit has remained alive and well for decades. 🎶

Paul Stewart

21/01/2025

Our favourite moments at the club are when the audience gets so far into it they can’t help but dance… it’s been the way since our first gig since we relaunched to our very latest… people can’t help but move!

20/01/2025

Just to give you an example of the things available in the Crawdaddy Club Merch Store check out this supremely cool, supremely simple t shirt… why would you not get one?

This is the logo of the world-famous Crawdaddy Club, a legend since 1963 when the Stones first took the stage, and later where Clapton and Beck played with the Yardbirds, and bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd performed. Relaunched in 2012 by Mike and Sylvie Rivers the club continues an...

18/01/2025

This is exciting news in the extreme! Hope you're ready to get your new look, because you may just have found it!

CrawdaddyClub is an independent artist creating amazing designs for great products such as t-shirts, stickers, posters, and phone cases.

18/01/2025

🎉 Exciting News from the Crawdaddy Club! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new online merchandise shop! You can now explore and purchase exclusive Crawdaddy Club designs directly from our Redbubble store. 🛍️

Visit our shop here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/CrawdaddyClub/shop?asc=u

What’s Available?
• T-Shirts & Hoodies: Show off your Crawdaddy pride with our range of apparel, including classic t-shirts and cozy hoodies. 
• Posters & Prints: Decorate your space with iconic Crawdaddy Club posters and photographic prints, capturing the essence of our historic venue. 
• Stickers & Accessories: Add a touch of Crawdaddy flair to your belongings with our unique stickers and accessories. 

Every purchase you make helps us keep live music alive and vital in the heart of Richmond at our historic venue. Your support ensures that we can continue to host amazing performances and support emerging artists.

Thank you for being a part of the Crawdaddy Club community! 🎶

CrawdaddyClub is an independent artist creating amazing designs for great products such as t-shirts, stickers, posters, and phone cases.

17/01/2025

Since reopening in 2012, the Crawdaddy Club Richmond has been a home for live music, welcoming a variety of incredible artists who keep our legacy alive. From blues legends to up-and-coming talent, our stage has hosted unforgettable performances that span genres and generations.

The Dave Kelly Band has delivered soulful blues with a mastery that leaves the audience spellbound. Ian McHugh and Friends have brought a vibrant mix of blues, rock, soul, and funk, showing off the versatility of live music. The Crawdaddy Club All Stars celebrated the venue’s roots, pulling together top-tier musicians for electrifying shows.

We’ve had the pleasure of hosting The Mustangs, whose high-energy blues performances always bring the house down. Dana Gillespie, a true blues icon, has graced our stage with her powerful vocals and charismatic presence, cementing her place as a Crawdaddy favourite. Jump 66 has brought infectious swing and rhythm and blues, always getting the crowd on their feet.

The Others, one of the original house bands from the 1960s, have returned to play for new audiences, bridging the gap between the club’s past and present. The Robert Hokum Band has also delivered standout performances, showcasing the enduring appeal of modern blues.

We've seen, The Steve Watts Organ Trio, Northsyde, Catfish, Martin Turner from Wishbone Ash. There have been performances from Will Johns that have set the room alight. Jo Harman packed the house twice before she became the legend she is now.

From the Blue Bishops, who played our opening event before becoming a staple of our line-up to the Crawdaddy Blues Band who performed at the Chrismas party, the artists continue to make the Crawdaddy Club a hub for live music lovers. Whether it’s a night of soulful blues, energetic rock, or lively swing, the spirit of the Crawdaddy Club remains alive and thriving. As we move forward, we can’t wait to welcome even more incredible acts to our stage and share more unforgettable nights with our amazing audience.t of the Crawdaddy Club remains alive and thriving. As we move forward, we can’t wait to welcome even more incredible acts to our stage and share more unforgettable nights with our amazing audience.

16/01/2025

Your Best Gig Memories Since 2012

It’s been an incredible journey since the Crawdaddy Club reopened at the Richmond Athletic Ground in 2012! Over the past 12 years, we’ve hosted unforgettable gigs, incredible bands, and passionate music fans like you. 🎶

We’d love to hear YOUR memories from our shows since we reopened! What was the best gig you’ve attended? Did you capture any moments on camera?

Share your stories and photos in the comments below – we can’t wait to take a trip down memory lane together. Your photos and memories could even be featured in an upcoming post!”

15/01/2025

🎶 When Bill Wyman Returned to the Crawdaddy Club 🎸

There are moments in the Crawdaddy Club’s history that feel like pure magic, and one of those was the night Bill Wyman stepped back into the venue that helped shape music history.

As the original bassist for The Rolling Stones, Bill Wyman was part of the band that ignited the Crawdaddy Club’s legend back in the 1960s. The Stones were the club’s first house band, playing to packed rooms and sparking a rhythm and blues revolution that would change the music world forever.

When we reopened the Crawdaddy Club at the Richmond Athletic Ground, it was only fitting to invite Bill Wyman to join us for that historic first gig. Seeing him there, surrounded by fans old and new, was like stepping into a time machine. His presence reminded us all of how far the club has come and how much of its spirit remains unchanged.

That night wasn’t just a celebration of the Crawdaddy’s storied past—it was a reaffirmation of its enduring legacy. Bill’s visit reminded everyone why the Crawdaddy Club is more than a venue; it’s a piece of living music history.

Here’s to the legends who’ve graced our stage and the generations who keep the music alive. The Crawdaddy Club spirit is stronger than ever.

14/01/2025

🎶 Keeping the Spirit of the Crawdaddy Club Alive 🎸

The Crawdaddy Club has always been more than just a venue—it’s a cornerstone of British music history. In its earliest days, the club ignited the rhythm and blues boom of the 1960s, with bands like The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds thrilling audiences and defining a new era of music. That same passion for live music and discovery still drives us today.

Now, the Crawdaddy Club isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about shaping the future. Over the years, we’ve welcomed some of the brightest talents in the UK blues scene, keeping the legacy alive while promoting fresh voices who are redefining the genre.

Artists like Bluez’d, a youth band from the Powerjam Band Project brimming with energy and raw talent, have brought the next generation of blues to our stage. Emma Wilson, with her soulful and powerful performances, continues to captivate audiences and remind us why the blues is such an enduring force. And most recently, we’ve celebrated Alice Armstrong, a rising star currently representing the UK at the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Her spellbinding vocals and magnetic stage presence have earned her international acclaim, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of our story.

Every performance at the Crawdaddy Club is a tribute to our roots and a nod to the future. We’re committed to providing a space where legends are remembered, and new ones are made—a place where the blues isn’t just preserved, but celebrated and evolved.

Come and join us as we keep the Crawdaddy Club spirit alive, one unforgettable gig at a time.