London Astoria To Close

[EvilElvis]

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/35082


One of London's most popular live music venues, the Astoria Theatre, looks set to finally close.

Rumours about the closure of the central London venue have long circulated, with 35,000 people reportedly signing a petition in attempt to prevent its demolition.

However, London's Mayor Ken Livingstone has revealed today (March 12) in a report that the Astoria will close due to a new building and transport development in the area.

With regards to preventing the closure, Livingstone said: "There are some instances where that just physically isn't possible. The construction of (new underground railway line) Crossrail means that the Astoria can't be saved."

He also added that the Astoria will be replaced with a new venue designed as part of the nearby Tottenham Court Road development, adding: "We're basically putting in a vast train station but the developers that have actually drawn up the scheme for the area are replacing it (the Astoria) with a larger live music venue."

Livingston also revealed he is now plotting a 'live music strategy' in order to protect landmark venues in the city after other venues such as Hammersmith Palais and The Spitz have been forced to close their doors in recent months, reports BBC 6 Music

[Largest of Als]

This has been on the cards for years.

Last time I was there they said it looked like it was going to be put off until after the Olympics.. Ken Livingston didnt want a giant building site in the centre of London for the next 8 years. It wont be easy to tear down or rebuild, being right next to a busy junction, any thing they do will involve LOTS of traffic chaos, which they don't want.

To be honest, they've made it so difficult to do shows there anyway. You cant park anywhere near the venue, you cant even stop a truck or bus outside without getting a £100 fine as soon as your wheels stop turning, and then within 5 mins the cops turn up to move you on. It's also a bit of a shit hole inside, it's a really hard show to work.

Only thing on the plus side is it's usually a really good atmosphere.



Al

[MarkMono]

Originally Posted by Largest of Als

This has been on the cards for years.

Last time I was there they said it looked like it was going to be put off until after the Olympics.. Ken Livingston didnt want a giant building site in the centre of London for the next 8 years. It wont be easy to tear down or rebuild, being right next to a busy junction, any thing they do will involve LOTS of traffic chaos, which they don't want.

To be honest, they've made it so difficult to do shows there anyway. You cant park anywhere near the venue, you cant even stop a truck or bus outside without getting a £100 fine as soon as your wheels stop turning, and then within 5 mins the cops turn up to move you on. It's also a bit of a shit hole inside, it's a really hard show to work.

Only thing on the plus side is it's usually a really good atmosphere.



Al

Right on all counts, though I suppose its an easy subject for someone with your experience.

[Largest of Als]

Originally Posted by MarkMono

Right on all counts, though I suppose its an easy subject for someone with your experience.

I've done about 20 shows in there.. it smells.. and there are far too many stairs.. but I do like it


Al

[the curiousity]

Originally Posted by Largest of Als

This has been on the cards for years.

Last time I was there they said it looked like it was going to be put off until after the Olympics.. Ken Livingston didnt want a giant building site in the centre of London for the next 8 years. It wont be easy to tear down or rebuild, being right next to a busy junction, any thing they do will involve LOTS of traffic chaos, which they don't want.

To be honest, they've made it so difficult to do shows there anyway. You cant park anywhere near the venue, you cant even stop a truck or bus outside without getting a £100 fine as soon as your wheels stop turning, and then within 5 mins the cops turn up to move you on. It's also a bit of a shit hole inside, it's a really hard show to work.

Only thing on the plus side is it's usually a really good atmosphere.



Al

yea, i remember being told it was going to be knocked down not long after i went there for the Peeping tom gig a few years back. It does have too many stairs.

i also wondered, surely there's got to be better places to park. it's not like you could park somewhere with a reasonable amount of space and then you've got to transport the gear over by underground.. beuw neuw.

should just tarmac over soho square and let them park there..