About

Welcome to the Club a'Gogo and Handyside Arcade Publishing website.  We hope you enjoy it but first find out more about the original Club a'Gogo ...​

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We have a huge passion for promoting the mod culture and musical heritage of 1960s Newcastle.  The original Club a’ Gogo was hugely important in the 60s and many iconic bands and stars first made their name at the club.  The original Club a’ Gogo was located in the now demolished Handyside Buildings. Legendary bands played there such as The Animals (who even wrote a song about the club!), The Who, The Rolling Stones, Geno Washington, The Spencer Davis Group, Wilson Pickett and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few. American blues acts such as Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker and Memphis Slim also appeared there.  Such was the intimacy of the club that the club goers were able to meet their idols close up, drink and to chat with them.  The club was hot, sweaty and packed to the rafters most weekends. We are incredibly proud to have successfully lobbied Newcastle Council for a heritage plaque for the club and this was unveiled on the 8th September 2022.

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Prior to the Club a’ Gogo, Mike Jeffery who founded the club along with Ray Grehan, also owned the Downbeat Club.The Club a’ Gogo then followed in 1962 and this club quickly gained popularity with mods across the North East. This part of Newcastle’s history has been largely forgotten and I wanted to change that.  Jool's book on the 'Club a’Gogo & The Mod Scene of 1960s Newcastle' is out now. 

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Much as we would love to step back in time to 1960s Newcastle, we know we can’t do that.  What we can do is bring that authentic Club a’Gogo sound to a new audience and we’d love you to join us! Our club welcomes all ages who want to dance, love the 60s R&B sounds, meet like-minded people and above all have fun!

 

Much love and see you on the dance floor!