London Astoria to close?

[Stacey0471]

Almost, not quite...

Westminster council originally appealed against the renewal of the liquor licence for the 2000 capacity venue in the centre of London's West End.

They have since withdrawn their objection, thank god. The Astoria and the Marquee used to be the main venues in central London. The second Marquee site on Charing Cross Road is now a Wetherspoon pub/wine bar.

[Sherri Sixxx]

Yeah, but Electric Ballroomis definately gonna close,as they're building a massive shopping centre there :-(

[Stacey0471]

No one plays there anyway. The most business they have is on the Sunday market. But to be honest, the Ballroom is out of the way and never had major acts. The Marquee and The Astoria WERE the London rock scene, back in the day. (Not counting out-of-town venues like Hammy Odeon and Brixton Academy)

[alii_69]

plus the ballroom is a bit shit anyway really... unles you're into industrial/goth or nu-metal... actually the industrial goth room was pretty sweet.

[Gav Ruadh Hallion]

I always loved The Astoria! Great venue and saw some off my heroes there perform some of their best gigs.
Only been to The Electric Ballroom once, it was Therapy? in '98. One thing that sticks in my mind was the heat! We were all literally soaked in sweat, wringing our hair and t-shirts out! Gross I'm well aware!

[Stacey0471]

The Astoria was one of my favourite venues, as I saw loads of great bands there in the late 80s/early 90s.

Camden Underworld seems to get all the best gigs now, although it is a bit out of the centre of town. The Astoria seem more content with the popularity of their gay nights now.