London Music Venues, Arenas, Gigs and Concerts

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London Music Venues

The Troxy

The Troxy is a converted 1930s cinema with sumptuous art deco interiors. The stage itself is small, considering the size

The Troxy - has a rare, restored Art Deco interiors.

of the venue and the acoustics are acceptable rather than good, but it's a stylish place to spend an evening, especially if you're seated. There are few plusher venues in london and the place holds about 2,500 when full. Recently Morrissey, Jarvis Cocker, The Flaming Lips, Pete Docherty and the Bad Seeds played here.

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The Roundhouse

Recently refurbished this historical venue is now one of the most impressive performing arts centres in the capital.

The Roundhouse - an old engineering shed from the Victorian age, is now an arts centre.

Just beyond Camden, this ex-steam-engine-repair shed has been hosting music since the mid-sixties. In addition, many classic albums were cut here in the recording studios. The Doors played here in 1966, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepp, The Ramones and more or less every significant punk band in the seventies and eighties. Major shows, fine acoustics a rich, rich history and the highest levels of satisfaction feedback for any venue, make it a must-visit.

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Underworld in Camden

Below the World's End pub in Camden, just over the road from the Tube station is Underworld. A decent smallish venue, but with an

Underworld - venue is below the World's End pub in Camden.

impressive line-up of artists including Radiohead, Frank Black, Foo Fighters, Silverchair and Suede. Hosts club nights in addition to the live music offerings. Kick off the evening in the pub above, if you fancy a squeeze.

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12 Bar Club

The 12 Bar Club has been in operation since 1982, and is one of the smallest venues in town, topping out at just 150 sweaty individuals. Just off Denmark Street, where you go to buy your musical instruments in town (and also join a band - look for the noticeboard in the alley next door, to hook up with like-minded musicians), this club features indie music, with forays into folk, pop, rock and punk.

The building housing the 12 Bar Club was originally a stable, built in the early 17th century. Over the centuries it was converted to a forge, and remained as one right up until World War One. The increase in mechanised transport softened the demand for blacksmiths and it became a carpenter's shop until the Second World War. The fireplace from the forge is visible at the rear of the stage and is currently used to store amplifiers.

The 12 Bar Club is renowned for its split-level viewing arrangement despite being tiny. The upstairs section can hold about 20 or so, with most packed in near the stage below.

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Union Chapel

The Union Chapel is a chapel converted for musical performance, which can hold up to 800. Since it offers such good acoustics, The Union Chapel's a popular place for impromptu performances by A-list acts. In 2007, Bono and The Edge from U2 performed here, as have Amy Winehouse, Beck, Goldfrapp, Keane and Noel Gallagher. An eclectic blend of musicians play from indie, to small orchestras, flamenco and acoustic folk.

As well as an extensive programme of concerts, it also adds the odd freebie. So you can try the venue out. The acoustics are a draw for the performers and audience alike, with a warm, crisp sound resonating from wall to wall.

The Union Chapel is a registered charity and needs the funds for its various building restoration projects (leaky roof, crumbling brickwork, organ refurbishment). It also provides drop-in services and support for the homeless and those in crisis - including hot meals, showers laundry and other essentials. They're always looking for volunteers.

The Union Chapel still operates as a church on Sundays.

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