Legendary English rock venue, Astoria Theatre, is closing its doors after 33 years. The building is one of 13 scheduled for demolition to provide for improvements on the railway.

The Astoria was founded in 1976 and was converted from an old pre-World War 2 movie theater. Due to its placement in Soho and the time of it’s opening, the venue thrived with all of the exciting music that was coming out at the time. Bands like Nirvana, The Darkness and Radiohead played several shows at the Astoria before they hit it big. The venue was also known for its strong relationships with established artists as well; acts like The Rolling Stones, Oasis and Pearl Jam would host small low-profile gigs there.

The club also catered to the counter-culture by hosting parties and nightclub events by G-A-Y. The happenings started unofficially in the building’s basement until it eventually took over the entire venue on some nights. The often star-studded event was one of the highlights of the London social calender. In fact, in the club’s last full year, it was it’s most popular event by far.

Gigs at the Astoria have been memorialized in DVDs and live albums by bands like: Radiohead, the Eels and Sum 41. It also holds a unique place in one of rock’s greatest mysteries, since it was the site of the last Manic Street Preachers performance before lyricist and guitarist Richey Edwards disappeared.

Many measures were taken to save the building, including petitions from several local groups but it seems to be to no avail. The last show is scheduled for this evening (and is advertised as a Demolition Ball), so if you happen to be nearby do yourself a favor and stop by and pay your respects to this great venue.

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