Talk About Rock Music

It’s finally happening people. The greatest and most historical music venue in London has been bought by the Government along with 12 other buildings which are to be demolished so they can build yet another train station, called Crossrail Station. Music gigs have been booked at the Astoria up until March 2009 and will be closing after that.

I can’t believe that they are destroying the most famous rock and roll venue in London. There are talks to build another venue elsewhere, as advised by Ken Livingstone (can we really believe a politician!) but how is that going to compare to the Astoria? Did you know that it was actually built on an old pickle factory and opened its doors to the public in 1927, not as a music venue but as a cinema. In 1976, it was converted into its more well known use as a theatrical building and is now a complete music venue that can hold up to 2000 people.

Some of the biggest bands in the world have played there such as Nirvana, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, Slipknot, The Rolling Stones, U2 and Pearl Jam to name but a few. Blur and The Enemy hold the record for having 6 back to back nights there.

There is nothing that anyone can do now to save the Astoria. A petition has been signed by 37168 people so far but will it do any good? These plans have already been put into place and is part of the overall scheme for an east-west rail route. Lord Adonis was interviewed by BBC news and told them it was a major step forward for the Crossrail project which is costing £16 billion, Yes you read that right. £16,000,000,000!!!!

I must say that I’m disgusted. The building is nearly a century old and will now be turned into rubble and nothing is going to replace its history.