Tonight sees the sad occasion of a historic london venue closing its doors. The Astoria on Londons Tottenham Court Road is being demolished to make way for part of the Crossrail construction.
I am not one for standing in the way of progress, but this one does cause a little heaviness in my heart, as the astoria has some fond memories for me.
Most recently, I went to see The Dears there, the shallow auditorium holding us close to the stage for a powerful performance for Murray and the band – it rates as one of my favourite gigs ever. But it’s further back in history that the astoria formed powerful memories… In the heady days of acid house I was an aspiring DJ with designs on clubland when i went to meet Nicky Holloway in the club to try and get a gig at (I think) Sin City. I had already been clubbing there as a late teen at ‘The Trip’, but i wanted a gig there so much.
I didn’t get the gig, but I played at the Milk bar, just behind the astoria, and carried on going to huge club nights at the Astoria through the early nineties, whilst at other times it hosted Radiohead, U2 and Madonna – along with Londons biggest gay night, G.A.Y.
Tonight, the venue closes down with a gig curated by Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Guests include JJ72 and My Vitriol.
It was a great venue… And will be sadly missed.
