The Boom Boom Club at Sutton United FC

The History of The Boom Boom Club - Over 20 Years of Live Music in Sutton

The Boom Boom Club has a long and proud history of bringing exceptional live music to Sutton.

The club opened its doors at Sutton United Football Club on 9 August 2002, founded and promoted by Pete Feenstra, one of the most respected and influential independent music promoters in London.

Pete had already spent many years building a reputation for championing great live music. Before establishing The Boom Boom Club, he had promoted the Worcester Park Club alongside his late musical partner George McFall, as well as venues including The Mean Fiddler in Harlesden, The Torrington in North London, The Half Moon in Herne Hill and The Rayners Hotel in Rayners Lane.

It was this experience that Pete brought to Sutton and it quickly established The Boom Boom Club as a special venue on the London live music circuit.

The Beginning

The first Boom Boom Club show took place on 9 August 2002, with The Rollin' Stoned, followed a week later by Mick Green's Pirates.

From the very beginning, variety was at the heart of the club. Pete created a programme that mixed established artists, emerging touring bands and high-quality tribute acts.

Early shows included Johnny Warman's 4 Bills & A Ben, featuring musicians associated with Queen, Status Quo, Ian Gillan and Tina Turner, alongside popular acts such as The Hamsters and American touring artists including Lightnin' Willie & The Poorboys from Los Angeles and Motorcity Josh from Detroit.

Building a Reputation

Within just a couple of years, The Boom Boom Club had developed into an important stop for touring artists visiting the UK.

By 2004, the club was regularly booking international touring bands, and its reputation continued to grow. Within a year, the programme included artists such as Walter Trout, Michael Schenker, Joe Bonamassa, the SAS Band, Albert Lee, The Blockheads and The Zombies, with many shows selling out.

For several years, The Boom Boom Club became a pivotal London date for touring bands, establishing itself as a destination venue for music fans travelling in from across London, Surrey and beyond.

A Remarkable Line-Up

The club hosted international blues, rock, soul, Americana and roots artists alongside some of the UK's most respected musicians and bands.

Among the many artists to perform were:

Joe Bonamassa • Walter Trout • Albert Lee • The Zombies • The Yardbirds • The Animals • The Blockheads • Dr Feelgood • Nine Below Zero • King King • Mick Taylor • The Strawbs • Jefferson Starship • Focus • Curved Air • Dan Baird & The Homemade Sin • Robert Gordon • Chris Spedding • Chris Jagger • Joanne Shaw Taylor • Oli Brown • Billy Walton Band • MAN • Samantha Fish • Leslie West • Eric Gales • Eric Sardinas • Popa Chubby • Tommy Castro • JJ Grey & Mofro • Martin Turner – Wishbone Ash • Uli Jon Roth • Pat Travers • Michael Schenker

…and many, many more.

The club also became known for hosting album launches, special performances and unique touring line-ups, including artists from the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.

The Tribute Shows

Over the years the club welcomed an extraordinary collection of tribute acts, including The Rollin' Stoned • The Bohemians • Absolute Bowie • Roxy Magic • Total Who • Alter Eagles • Limehouse Lizzy • Fleetwood Bac • Doors Alive • Gunz 2 Roses • Cloudbusting • Imagine The Beatles • ELO Encounter • Too Rex • The Jam'd • Mainly Madness

Some became regular favourites, with shows selling out time and again.

The Rollin' Stoned, for example, became one of the club's most successful recurring acts, while New Amen Corner performed four sell-out shows and even recorded two live albums at the venue.

The Story Continues

The Boom Boom Club is now in the hands of a new team, but the ambition remains the same, to keep bringing great live music to Sutton.

The current promoters, Phil and Ray, bring a wealth of experience to the club. Phil has spent the past 10 years promoting live music at The Half Moon Putney, whilst Ray has extensive experience promoting international artists and live shows around the world.

They are supported by a fantastic team at Sutton United, including Bars Manager Louise, and Bruce the Chairman, whose support has been invaluable.

We all look forward to keeping The Boom Boom Club live for many years to come.