Iconic footwear brand Kickers is continuing its commitment to supporting the UK grassroots music scene through its partnership with Save Our Scene, with the next event in the Stomping Grounds series. The event will take place at the renowned MOTH Club in Hackney on Thursday 18th December, which is currently under threat following new development plans.
Headlining the evening is acclaimed artist Kojey Radical, nominated for the 2022 Mercury Prize and the 2023 BRIT Awards, alongside support from the celebrated London music collective, The Silhouettes Project. Fans can secure free tickets to the event by simply emailing Hackney Council in support of the MOTH campaign LINK HERE- in a bid to safeguard the venue from closure.
MOTH Club is currently under threat after a planning application was submitted to build residential flats directly beside the club, including balconies overlooking the stage wall and smoking area. Despite over 25,000 people signing a petition opposing the development, the concerns of the grassroots music community remain largely unheard. As part of Kickers’ and Save Our Scene’s mission to safeguard vital community spaces, the event will spotlight and directly support the venue’s ongoing campaign for survival.
The iconic Hackney venue has long been a cornerstone of London’s grassroots music ecosystem, a place where emerging artists cut their teeth and countless memorable shows have taken place. With the future of the venue at risk, Kickers and Save Our Scene are uniting with Kojey Radical to amplify the campaign and rally support through this landmark event. Kickers connection to music has run since the 1970s with the iconic Kick Hi silhouette has played a huge role in British music culture, worn by icons from David Bowie and the Stone Roses in the 70s to Miss Dynamite and So Solid Crew and Hacienda DJs in the 90s.
Kieth Miller, Programmer and Founder of MOTH says, ‘All we’re asking from Hackney Council is a fair and transparent process for Moth Club, one of London’s most legendary grassroots venues. This is a 300-cap space that has hosted everyone from Lady Gaga to Four Tet to Christine & The Queens, and where the next wave of emerging artists rely on rooms like ours to take their first steps. Yet throughout this planning process, we’ve been met with zero clarity, zero communication, and zero fairness. We deserve better, and so does every venue fighting to keep culture alive in this city. This isn’t just about Moth Club; it’s about protecting the future of live music in London and beyond. Huge names have already signed up to support us; from Green Day, Lewis Capaldi and Tame Impala to just about every venue, label and promoter in London. There’s a wider ecosystem at play here. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar, it’s about the people who make these spaces matter.”
Founder of Save Our Scene, George Fleming says, “MOTH is sadly just another example of Hackney Council refusing to recognise the value of cultural spaces. The support for the venue has been immense, with over 20,000 signatures and many major names throwing their weight behind the venue, which is a testament to its importance and rich history. We urge Hackney Council to come to the table and listen to the growing concerns surrounding this proposed development. In the meantime, with the help of Kickers, we will make as much noise as we can until they respond”.
Brand Manager of Kickers, Molly McGarry says, “We’re thrilled to bring the Stomping Grounds series back to London and this time we’ll be supporting MOTH Club, a venue that has nurtured so much of the city’s music talent. As we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Kick Hi, we remain committed to supporting the spaces and communities that have inspired its history, ensuring that grassroots music continues to thrive for generations to come”.
Taking place on Thursday 18th December from 7pm, fans can expect DJ sets and live performances from an eclectic mix of musical talent. The Silhouettes Project will present Meron T, Asher Kosher, Eerf Evil, KeepVibesNear and Stacy NKR, with Kojey Radical closing the night.
The MOTH Club event follows two powerful Stomping Grounds installments that set the tone for the campaign. The series launched in London with Hak Baker in late 2024, marking the beginning of Kickers and Save Our Scene’s multi-year mission to protect grassroots venues. Earlier this summer, the campaign travelled to Manchester for Stomping Grounds 2.0, featuring 4am Kru, Sexy Lady Massive and community DJ workshops that championed emerging talent while raising vital support for independent spaces like Stage & Radio.
The event also marks the end of Kicker’s 50th anniversary year for the iconic Kick Hi boot – a silhouette that’s become a symbol of self-expression, youth culture, and creative resistance since its inception in 1975. Kickers aims to continue its legacy by supporting the scenes, sounds and spaces that shaped the boots’ history.
