Address: Wood Green, London N22.
Capacity: 7,250.
Alexandra Palace opened in 1873 as a recreation centre and pleasure park, though its popularity declined in the early 20th century. Twice it has been badly damaged by fire (a few weeks after opening and again in 1980). Between 1935 and 1977 it was used by the BBC for television studios and a transmission aerial. In the 1970s the GLC considered demolishing the structure. Since 1980 it has been owned by Haringey Council who turned it into an Exhibition Centre. Throughout the 1980s and 90s it was subject to rebuilding works, with much controversy about overspending. Major redevelopment plans were announced in 1991 and 2006, but they never came to fruition (the latter was blocked by a High Court action).
Live Music at Alexandra Palace has included the 24 Hour Technicolour Dream with Pink Floyd and others (1967), the Grateful Dead (1974), a Town & Country Club 5th Birthday Party (1990), Travis (2003), Franz Ferdinand (2005), Jay-Z (2009) and Portishead (2011).
I saw the White Stripes here in 2004.
Tags: Music Venue London Occasional Venue Exhibition Centres Alexandra Palace
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Address: Warwick Road, London SW5.
Capacity: 19,000.
Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre opened in 1937, and has been the venue for events like the Motor Show and the Ideal Home Show. In 2004 it was sold to its current owners Capital & Counties who plan to demolish and replace by flats.
As the venue with the largest capacity in London (with the exception of some football stadiums which have occasionally been used to live music) Earl’s Court has provided a stage for the biggest Pop and Rock stars. From the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd in the 1970s to Madonna and the Spice Girls in last couple of decades. With the opening of the O2 Arena its use for live music seems to have dropped off.
Unlike all the other venues I’ve never been to Earl’s Court for live music. However, I felt it is important enough to include.
Tags: Music Venue London Occasional Venue Exhibition Centres Earl’s Court Exhbition Centre
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