So its been confirmed at last. The 81 year old London Astoria will indeed close to make way for London's new crossrail service. Having seen historic performances from Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Arctic Monkeys and Rolling Stones to name but a few, the historic venue will be knocked down to be replaced by "something better". Mayor Ken Livingstone's words. This is the second flagship london venue to close its doors in twelve months with Hammersmith Palais closing for housing development and begs the question, do consumers still appreciate the old school venues or are smaller clubs like the indigO2 the future for london's more intimate venues? With its impressive surrounding facilities and plush new sound systems, maybe. The unquestionable rise in live music allows artists to sell out shows at Brixton or Hammersmith Appollo on one album. It is however a testimony to the venue that The Enemy, instead of announcing bigger shows, are playing a 6 date residency at the Astoria.
It is unquestionable that The Astoria and Astoria 2 will both be missed by myself, having seen some incredible acts there. I will fondly remember the Astoria in many ways, crowdsurfing to Ash or seeing The Music yet again. Astoria 2 has equally fond memories of Reuben and No U?se For A Name all those years ago.
Comments from Hard-fi and The Futureheads here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7291000/7291869.stm
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