November 25, 2009 15:55

Iconic London venue facing closure

The Halfmoon in Putney has hosted the likes of The Rolling Stones, Kate Bush and Kasabian

Photo: James Looker

Renowned London venue The Halfmoon is facing closure due to the current economic climate, its owners have revealed.

The pub venue, in Putney, has been hosting live gigs since 1963, and acts including The Rolling Stones, Kasabian, the Small Faces, Badly Drawn Boy and Kate Bush have played there. However, the ongoing economic downturn has forced the owners to announce that it will stop hosting gigs from January 31, 2010.

The venue's sound engineer Redvers Bailey said he ranks The Halfmoon as one of the best venues of its kind.

"I can't think of many venues I've been to which can cater for professional touring bands and rising unsigned bands and are willing to treat the two no differently," Bailey said. "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."

The owners are keen to point out that they are still hosting an array of nights until the proposed closure.

See Halfmoon.co.uk for more information.