You know those people who just get live music? Simon Eaton is one of them. He’s the guy behind some of the wildest, most eclectic and iconic gigs to hit Troxy over the past decade. This year marks his ninth orbit as our Head of Live, so we dragged him away from the stage (reluctantly) to talk highlights, joy, and what being truly independent really means.
What are your five standout moments from your nine years at Troxy?
Yeah, somehow it’s been nine years since I walked through those Troxy doors. Feels more like five minutes and several thousand decibels ago. Picking five shows is near-impossible – this place moves fast, and the magic often hits you in hindsight. But here are five that hit hard and stuck and were truly special:
Kano – 19/03/16
It would be remiss not to include my first ever working show at Troxy. Kano launched Made in the Manor with a full brass band, and I was just trying to work out how to get from Backstage to FOH without getting lost. I’d been to Troxy as a punter, but this was my first time seeing the magic that could be created here and it blew me away.
Robbie Williams – 07/11/16
This one was big. Robbie came through for the BRITs Icon award – broadcast on ITV, fans queuing for days and still one of the biggest stage productions I’ve ever seen here. I wouldn’t say I was a Robbie superfan, but he puts on a hell of a show. He even brought out Take That. Yes, all of them.
Love Not War – 21/11/21
This one meant a lot. Just a few months after reopening post-COVID, our friends and longtime charity partner War Child called with a “small” idea – a multi-artist gig. Two weeks’ notice. SKY jumped on board, the lineup exploded (Bastille, Elbow, Rudimental, Ray Blk, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lola Young, Miles Kane and more), and suddenly we were turning the local Travelodge into makeshift dressing rooms. It was a TV broadcast, total madness.
“Utter joy. The energy and generosity in the room were unforgettable. After everything that had happened during the pandemic, it was emotional in the best way and demonstrates how powerful music can be.”
Siouxsie – 06 & 07/09/23
The Queen of Goth herself. Siouxsie’s first shows in years, and she picked Troxy. When an artist that iconic plays so rarely, you want everything to be perfect. Her whole crew were incredible – down to earth, fun, and totally invested.
“The crowd brought the goth glam, and the vibe was electric. One of those shows you just feel lucky to witness.”
Jack White – 28/02 & 01/03/25
Two nights. Two completely different setlists. All killer. Jack White tore the roof off – White Stripes, Raconteurs, Dead Weather – the whole spectrum.
“It was raw, sweaty and everything you want live music to be. One for the books.”
Have you ever had a “pinch me” moment as Head of Live?
Absolutely, The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World album launch. That show will always be the one. Robert Smith was across every detail, totally focused on the fan experience, and just a total gentleman and legend. Even with all the moving parts it felt seamless.
“The subsequent live album release went on to raise thousands of pounds for charity and the live stream has now been watched over three million times, mind blowing. That one was special.”
What do you think about the future of live music?
Live music is wired into me – it always has been. That feeling when the lights drop and the first note hits? There’s nothing like the electricity of a live show. If you could bottle that feeling, you’d be a millionaire.
From the moment a gig is announced to the point the crowd heads home still singing, these nights become core memories. They stay with people. They’ve stayed with me.
“The future of live music for me personally is to keep creating space for people to enjoy themselves and for the next generation of those that make it happen to experience the same things that I did.”
What does “independent” mean to you and how does that shape Troxy?
“Everything. Independence gives us the freedom to be bold, to take risks, and to say “yes” to the stuff that might make others nervous. We’re London’s largest fully independent venue and we wear that badge with serious pride. We’re die-hard fans ourselves and that’s reflected in how we run this place. Troxy’s not a machine – it’s a beating heart.”
Anything coming up this year you’re particularly proud of?
So much! We’ve got Peter Hook, Beirut, Dinosaur Jr, Matt Berninger and John Grant.
“But one of the biggest highlights is hosting the headline performance from TEMS at the first-ever SXSW London. We’re the largest venue involved, and it’s already sold out. That’s going to be massive, not just for us, but for East London. Troxy’s been repping East since 1933 and this proves: East is still best.”
“It’s going to be a transformative year. While the future of grassroots music can feel uncertain, this lineup shows the appetite for live is still thriving. We’re here to make sure the fan experience stays at the heart of everything we do.”
Keen to check out a show? Click this link to find your next gig.