Miller and Dicker with their array of DJs, producers, artists and musicians would transform the place into a venue that not only would alter and define the Brick Lane area, but even found itself at the heart of a reinvigorated ‘swinging’ London. MTV broadcast MTV Base from here weekly for over a year while, believe it or not, the Labour Party once held a Party Political Broadcast from Vibe in an attempt to plug into the whole cool Britannia concept of a decade or so ago.

“There was a lot of raves and warehouse parties going when it was first taken over,” says current Events Manager for live music Jon Wright. “They decided to put together a bar and fill the auxiliary space with studios and so on.

“The place has always been busy and is a focal point for the area. Obviously the courtyard is great; any time you walk past there in the summer it is heaving. We try to use the space as much as possible, like with the Brick Lane Festival when we put a stage out there.”

Almost all live music takes place in the large upstairs area, a room with a small stage, a few sofas, a relaxed atmosphere and a growing reputation for presenting some of London’s finest bands. Live music has only been going on here since May 2008, when promoters All Star Lanes came into the frame.

But live stuff is only one part of The Vibe Bar’s appeal. The venue offers film screenings, burlesque shows, exhibitions and of course, a lot of DJs. “The whole thing has everything,” says Wright, “and The Vibe Bar is one of the only places where you will come down on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and there will be a live DJ programmed in.

“A lot of bars are closing or just putting on a mix CD. We try and still give that presence, it makes a big difference to the bar to have someone behind that little area doing something.”

Sitting as it does on Brick Lane opposite 93 Feet East and just down from all the curry houses that harass you so stoically, The Vibe Bar is ideally situated. What’s more, it has carved out its own genre niche over the years.

“At 93 Feet East you have a lot of youthful indie,” says Wright, “Club 1001 is more housey and techno, Big Chill is king of reggae and beats and breaks. We don’t see them as rivals.

“We do a lot of funk and soul. In an age where every club you go to is Serato and the new electro bang-up with all the kids going fluoro, you will come down here and find someone digging through their old seven-inch collection. We also do a record fair every Saturday and Sunday in the courtyard.”
Other claims to fame include having had Pete Townshend start rapping on stage, to which Liam Gallagher added chanting on the floor. Madonna has enjoyed herself here while Talvin Singh’s mash-ups are now stuff of legend.

The Vibe Bar continues to mature, and is surely here for the long haul even if all about them lose their heads.

Where? The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL 020 7247 3479
http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk/
How? Tube: Aldgate East (Hammersmith and City, District Lines) Liverpool Street (Hammersmith and City, Circle, Metropolitan, Central Lines)
Founded? 1995
Atmosphere? The newest old school
Pint? £3.60

THE VIBE BAR PRESENTS : KING OF THE BEATS

The beatmakers/producers will compete on Saturday February 27th, 2010 to determine who is the most skilled crate digger, sample chopper, and sound manipulator. A night of great music provided by Deejay Random, DJ Devastate, Key Figures plus Guests. King of The Beats 4,Saturday, February 27th, 8pm At The Vibe Bar, 91 Brick Lane,London E1 6Q

INTERNATIONAL CHAPTERS
As the KING OF THE BEATS movement grows new chapters have started in Japan, Brazil, USA, Australia and Italy. Keep an eye out for events in your Region.
http://kingofthebeats.com