Kickers and Save Our Scene launch ‘Stomping Grounds’ initiative to save UK Music Scene

The iconic footwear brand Kickers is stepping up to save grassroots music venues and creative spaces with a multi-year event series coined ‘Stomping Grounds’, launched in partnership with Save our Scene – an organisation dedicated to advocating for the preservation of UK live music.

Since 1975, Kickers’ 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. Today, leading musicians including, Hak Baker, Skepta and Eliza Rose continue to style the Kick Hi, reaffirming the brand’s deep-rooted connection to the music scene.

Recent statistics reveal that 37% of clubs have closed in the past 4 years (NTIA), with the past 12 months being the worst on record with 125 spaces having closed or stopped hosting events (MVT) – a trend that risks the future of live music. Given the urgent need for action, Kickers has joined forces with Save our Scene to host a series of events across the UK, to raise awareness of the current crisis and encourage more support for the scene that has fostered creativity and self-expression for decades.

The Stomping Grounds events will take place across the UK featuring performances from headline acts and local talent, with proceeds going to Music Venue Trust.

The first Kickers and Save our Scene Stomping Ground events will launch this November, featuring headline performances by Hak Baker. Save Our Scene and Kickers will be celebrating Hak’s original stomping ground, ‘Spotlight’, his local community centre in East London, which supports emerging and local talent. The entourage will then travel across London in an unmissable way, before arriving at a headline event at the Windmill in Brixton on 14th November.

Alex Roberts, Kickers’ Head of Brand said: “The fabric of the Kickers brand lies within the venues and local stomping grounds which are now fighting for existence. These are the spaces in which so many of those high-profile artists associated with the brand spent their formative years, and it is vital, that the next generation are afforded the same opportunities. With that in mind, we’re incredibly excited to team up with Save Our Scene and launch the Stomping Ground event series and work with an organisation that champions the same values of creativity, community, and self-expression that Kickers stands for. As we look to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kick Hi, we aim to support the venues that have played a huge part in shaping its history.”

Speaking on the partnership, George Fleming, Founder & Creative Director of Save Our Scene has said: “Any major UK artist selling out Wembley or the O2 cut their teeth in small venues around the UK. The current collapse of our grassroots venues is unforgiveable and needs urgent action. If we want a future where live music is accessible for upcoming artists, creatives and community, we must do all we can to protect these spaces from continuing to close at this unprecedented rate. We salute Coldplay and Sam Fender for recently recognising their own journeys to success and giving back to spaces who helped develop them. It is also refreshing to be approached by a renowned brand such as Kickers, who are helping us bring attention and support to the cause. We look forward to working with the Kickers team in paying homage to the stomping grounds which so many incredible artists started their careers in, many of which were probably wearing the iconic Kick-Hi boot!“

To enter the event at the Windmill, the community and fans will gain access on a first come first served basis by putting £1 into a pint glass as part of a one-off collaboration event with Signature Brew with Hak launching his Pound in a Pint Pub Crawl & ‘Reef House’ beer, which is named after one of his most important stomping grounds, the building he grew up in. You can RSVP here: https://dice.fm/partner/signature-brew/event/g59yd6-reef-house-presents-hak-baker-pound-in-a-pint-14th-nov-windmill-brixton-london-tickets

This exciting partnership launches ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Kick Hi boot, marking five decades of an iconic footwear design deeply rooted in music culture.

Kickers will be donating to Save Our Scene’s charity partners, Music Venue Trust which will go towards protecting grassroots venues and the ecosystem. More information to come on this soon.