London’s nightlife is under threat, but why is it worth protecting? The capital’s rich musical output has been central to youth culture for generations, and it’s always grown and thrived in the clubs.

Whether it’s been allowing marginalised groups to create their own spaces, incubating musical genres that have informed others, or playing host to new friendships made and loves lost; clubs are worth protecting.

Check out our 50 year timeline below for an overview of the musical evolution throughout the past half century.

This article is part of day two of a series on London’s nightlife called Who Blighted the Night?  Tomorrow we will look towards the future with reasons for hope, including our interactive ELL clubbing guide and four ways you can help save London’s nightlife.