| Topic: | Halfmoon facing closure. | |
| Posted by: | Gareth Royall | |
| Date/Time: | 24/11/09 17:17:00 |
| The Halfmoon Putney, one of London's last independent live music venues, may have to call time on almost 50 years of hosting live music. Due to market forces, the current economic climate and other circumstances beyond our control, The Halfmoon will not be able to carry on as a music venue after 31st January 2010. The Halfmoon is a beautiful welcoming pub and an exciting atmospheric venue, but it possibly holds even greater value to the bands that play there. The Halfmoon has been hosting live music regularly since 1963. Since that time it has seen performances by, among others, The Rolling Stones, U2, The Small Faces, Ralph McTell, Badly Drawn Boy, Kate Bush and countless more. As well as still catering for touring bands and artists The Halfmoon has, more recently, been an important stepping stone for emerging talent, notably Kasabian, Imogen Heap, The Wombats, Newton Faulkner, Mr Hudson, Amy McDonald, and Natasha Bedingfield. Oh, and Jamie Archer of X Factor fame! When bands are making the transition from playing in the corner of a pub to much bigger venues, they need that stepping stone. Places like The Halfmoon fill that niche. Current tenant James Harris says "We are at the grass roots of live music and The Halfmoon is an engine room for rising bands throughout the UK, who are now running out of quality venues to play." Band member, sound engineer and host of Halfmoon Unplugged - Redvers Bailey says "It will be a sad day when The Halfmoon closes. I can’t think of many venues I've been to who can cater for professional touring bands and rising unsigned bands and are willing to treat the two no differently. Speaking as a band member I'd say I haven't played at any 200 capacity venue that offers as good sound/lighting production, atmosphere and door deal." Without the right measures being taken The Halfmoon could easily join a growing list of music venues that have closed in recent months/years. It would be another blow to music and culture in London if The Halfmoon disappears as well. You can help save The Halfmoon. Please vote with your feet and come for a drink, or come to one of our nightly live music shows. To see what's on visit the gig guide at http://www.halfmoon.co.uk. If you can't make it down in person then visit our forum here (there's a link on the main website page) and show us some love for all to see. |