Info from uk-decay.co.uk
The Royal Hotel, 1975 To the mid 80’s. Corner of Bridge Street/Old Bedford Road (Later to be known as ‘Mirage’)
During the late 70’s was the home to the ‘Reflex’ events that would range from the then jazz funk scenes (Quantum Jump), to the Damned’s 10th gig!
This also could also claim to be Luton’s first introduction to punk, silly buggers left all the tables and chairs in sittu. Dave Vanium clambered all over them knocking over drinks and spitting out theatrical blood. Much to the annoyance of most of the regular clientelle, whom were not ready for Punk just yet. After the show Dave Vanium, Captain Sensible and co, ran amok in town, ended up trying to break into first an off licence and them a chemist in Farley Hill.
The Royal was Luton’s premier music venue for the late 70’s. UK Decay played a memorable gig their hosted by ‘The Mad Caps’ a local biker chapter. Later on it became a mainline nightclub Mirage whom The Switch Club would use to host their events.