In November, Virgin Records will celebrate its 40th Birthday with a series of events and gigs at Koko in Camden. Founded in 1972 by Richard Branson and his business partners, Virgin's first release followed a year later as Mike Oldfield's prog beast 'Tubular Bells' landed.
Forged by a love of Krautrock and later a desire to be at the forefront of the budding punk movement, a diverse range of classic records followed over the years, from the likes of the Sex Pistols, the Chemical Brothers, the Verve, Spice Girls and many, many more. Come November, the label's legacy will be celebrated by a select few. Here, we take a look at the latest artists and records who made the cut for the Koko run.
EmeliSandé - November 4
The Scottish songstress released her debut album, 'Our Version Of Events', through Virgin in the early months of 2012. Having already won acclaim as a songwriter and guest vocalist with the likes of Wiley and Chipmunk, Sandé crashed through the ceiling to another level when this dropped. One of the fastest-selling records by a British artist, it featured collaborations with Professor Green and Naughty Boy, who conveniently will augment Sandé's bill this November.
Bastille - November 5
The current darlings of the alt-pop world, Bastille released their debut album through Virgin earlier in 2013. It landed at the top of the UK album charts like a particularly sweet cherry and boasted a number two single in the form of Pompeii. So far it's spawned six singles and prompted one of the year's marathon tours. In November, the up and coming Josh Record will support.
Simple Minds - November 7
Simple Minds released a brace of important records in their history on Virgin during the mid-1980s. 'Sparkle In The Rain' arrived in 1984 and lifted the band to new levels in the UK, hitting number one in the albums chart and offering up hit singles in the shape of Waterfront and Up On The Catwalk. A departure from their early new wave sound, it nevertheless garnered a strong critical response and prefaced the release of their biggest hit, Don't You (Forget About Me). Its follow-up, 'Once Upon A Time' also went to number one in the UK, and broke the top 10 in the States.
Heaven 17 - November 11
Martyn Ware will present Heaven 17 at one of the Koko shows, with the '80s synth-pop band having made their commercial breakthrough while signed to Virgin. Formed by Ware and Ian Craig Marsh following their departure from the Human League, Heaven 17 made their biggest splash in 1983 with their second full-length, 'The Luxury Gap'. Featuring the singles Temptation and Come Live With Me – which both landed in the upper reaches of the top 10 – the album peaked at number four in the charts and went on to be certified platinum.
Soul II Soul - November 13
Jazzie B will bring a full live Soul II Soul show to Koko in November, having released the seminal 'Club Classics Vol.1' on Virgin back in 1989. Featuring the smash hit single Back To Life (However Do You Want Me), the album has been certified as 3x platinum and topped the album charts, as its lead single did. The record also enjoyed success across the pond, while its follow-up, 'Vol.II: 1990 - A New Decade' also raced to the top of the UK album charts.
Tickets for the shows are on sale at 9am on August 16.
Mon November 4th 2013 - Emeli Sande - LONDON KOKO
Tue November 5th 2013 - Bastille - LONDON KOKO
Thu November 7th 2013 - Simple Minds - LONDON KOKO
Mon November 11th 2013 - Heaven 17 - LONDON KOKO
Wed November 13th 2013 - Soul II Soul - LONDON KOKO
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