For years the London Astoria, has showcased up-and-coming rock bands, as well as hosting intimate shows by mega rock groups. Bands from all over the world dream of playing this legendary venue. I, for one, am no different.
The dream could be over next year as the Astoria could close, after being bought by Derwent Valley, a property development company.
There are rumours that it will be turned into a new development of shops, office space and flats. Derwent already own much of the land and buildings surrounding the Astoria, and could develop the entire block into a retail complex.
OK, we all know that the Astoria needs a damn good overhaul as a venue, BUT if we lose this, that's yet another legendary venue lost forever. The Marquee may still exist in name, but the legend has been lost twice. Once again the corporates will think of money before music.
What venue are bands going to dream about playing now, if we lose the Astoria? If we want to save it, we need to act, and we need to act now. According to press sources, the Mean Fiddler holds the lease until Dec 2008, but what happens after that.
In fact, the main threat to the Astoria, comes from the London Crossrail link where a compulsory purchase order exists, which would totally bulldoze the Astoria in order to use it as a works yard for the development. Funding for this has yet to be decided, but hopefully if we get enough support, then we can keep the Astoria as it should be - the top Central London venue, or at least ensure that a similar flagship venue remains in Central London!! For the latest developments - please check the blog pages!
Join me, the 50ft Woman, in campaigning to save the Astoria. Support the Save the Astoria Campaign - support the SAC!
Keep watching this space - it looks like we have the backing of some big press boys and girls, which just might change things!! ...
Add yourself as a friend and then post this as a bulletin and pass on the message!
Please also sign Jade and Sarah's petition here
and check out http://www.savetheastoria.org for other plans to help.
*NEW* you can also view Dean's documentary on saving the Astoria
Kimle tanışmak isterim: People who sign the petition!!
Click here
i walked past the astoria the other day.... well....correction.... where it WAS. there is now just a big empty space and not even a pile of rubble remains :(
Hey, Just to let you know that Victory Red first ever gig is tomorow!(friday 06/06/08)! It's been a long time and we are very excited! The venue is the Good Ship in London(Kilburn), all details of the gig on our page... hope to see you there! Victory Red
hello hope your ok, i have been a lil busy within the last couple of weeks :)..A Robbie B Fly on The wall doc has been made :) and on tues 22nd April I went into the a Real recording studio, (I have home recording Studio :) ) and had my song "1980" Re-Produced by "The Hit Factory". I'm now asking you to see what you think of it :) I love it, and i can't believe how good the producer has made this song :) if you want to know any more details on the producer and so, let me know and ill get in contact with you :) All Critism is good for me :to :) MY NEW ALBUM "1980" is also out, so i just wanted to let you know there,plus i have just updated my profile, made it more easier for you to read :) and theres 30 sec clips of all my songs :)))..I hope your ok..let me know what your up to please..
plus the producer said if anyone i know wants to record there own song..and make it as agood as mine :) then come back to me and ill let you know more about this :)
all the best
Robbie :)
ps more great news!! see my gig chart for this coming sat :)
I had to come thru and show my new friend some love in the comments... Thanks for Adding me... i appreciate it!
if you havent had the chance to listen you should! I can promise you it wont be a waste of your time! I am one of the greatest unsigned RnB artist right now!!! PROMISE!
Now that we're friends and all you know im going to borrow some of ya friends from you... so they can enjoy some of my music also.
are there gonna be demonstrations or something i mean seriuosly why is it builds like the astoria that hold actual history are the ones to get demolished? i mean flats? resturants? Hotels? isnt london full of these? i mean for fuck sake there gonna get ride of this building just because of the olympics. its a complete farse! theres so many more places they could build but they shose a historical venue of the arts, makes me sick. JD
Just passin through, i hope everythings cool over your sides. YES this message is for everyone to see so you will see it in other places. Stay positive, work hard, play hard and surround yaself with people that are like-minded. Most importantly KEEP THE BALANCE!!!
The Astoria music venue has been identified as a location required for construction access of a Crossrail Station at Tottenham Court Road and is safeguarded as a 'surface interest' location in the Crossrail Bill currently going through parliament. For information regarding the current status of the Bill go to www.parliament.gov.uk.
No development proposals have come forward; however, the Mayor has stated that he would seek a replacement music venue of the same size within any redevelopment. The Bill is still being debated in both chambers of Parliament and until it receives Royal Assent the specifics of the Crossrail project are not known.
Any redevelopment is likely to be referable to the Mayor of London under the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008. The Mayor will consider any planning application on its individual merits and until such time cannot comment any further.
The following websites have up to date information which you may find useful:
Online!
