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Still Serving: Famed London Music Pub Saved
Wednesday January 13, 2010
David Williams, Sky News Online
A legendary London music venue which has hosted the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison and U2 has been saved from closure.
A large internet and press campaign was launched after the Half Moon in Putney announced it was due to close its doors on January 31 after running into debt.
Comedian Harry Hill was among a number of famous names from the world of entertainment to add his support to save the historic venue.
The star had entertained audiences at the venue before and even agreed to perform back-to-back nights this month to help the cause.
He told Sky News Online it was "great to be involved in helping to bring a little attention to the plight of the Half Moon".
Harry described the venue as a "great institution and a little corner of music history".
His star turn with 'ham rock' cover band The Caterers over the past two nights was greeted by two sell-out crowds.
"Although anyone that's heard me sing would normally expect it to close down a venue," he joked.
The real threat to the future of the Half Moon made national news in November when it was revealed brewery landlords Young's were calling time on the pub's music career.
Supporters of local music across the country were dismayed amid reports the venue was lined up to be refitted as a gastro-pub.
Among them were long-time fans who had witnessed the likes of Elvis Costello, Nick Cave and The Jam perform on the small stage as they began their careers.
More recent audiences will have witnessed Kasabian, Newton Faulkner and Seth Lakeman learn their trade on the pub's backroom stage.
The public outcry succeeded, convincing Young's to reconsider after settling the issue of debts with the current tenant James Harris.
His predecessor Carrie Davies, who returned to help the campaign to save the venue, told Sky News Online she was overwhelmed by the public support.
The Rolling Stones cut their teeth at the venue in the early days
"The campaign online and press coverage has been unbelievable," she said.
"We were inundated with support. Loads of people got in touch telling us what the Half Moon meant to them."
Carrie had delved into its rich music history during her time at the pub and made sure every major name to have played the venue was pictured on its walls.
"We found out Kate Bush's first ever public appearance was here," she recounted.
While retaining a core of strong acts, Carrie admitted the pub had struggled to attract a consistent high calibre of performers in recent years.
The pub has struggled to maintain a high calibre of stars in recent years
"There has been an over-reliance on tribute acts, which we'll look to change in the future," she said.
Having worked as bookings manager from 1998 to 2006, she will now return as a partner in the business as the Half Moon begins a new era.
It guarantees local music fans will still have a place to enjoy an intimate connection with outstanding performers across generations of music.
And for some young musicians, a stage is still there to propel them towards some of the most famous music venues and stadiums around the world.
