Historic London Venue To Close

One of London's most renowned small venues The Halfmoon is facing closure due to the ongoing economic climate.

The recession has plunged the music industry into difficulties. Already struggling to evolve beyond the impact of illegal file sharing, the credit crunch has left music fans with less money in their pocket.

As a result, many venues are struggling to get by. License holders are under pressure from breweries to get results, with more and more chain pubs taking over the sites of once renowned venues.

Putney's The Halfmoon could be next in line to close its doors. Opening in 1963 the venue has hosted some of British music's most enduring names. A stop off on the R&B circuit The Rolling Stones cut their teeth here, with Mod types Small Faces also performing in the tiny venue.

At just 200 capacity The Halfmoon is extremely intimate, with artists such as Kate Bush, Badly Drawn Boy and even Kasabian packing in the crowds.

Now the venue could be forced to close due to the economic climate. A statement from the owners revealed that The Halfmoon will stop hosting shows from January 31st next year - with events continuing as usual until then.

In a statement sound engineer Redvers Bailey ranked The Halfmoon as one of the finest venues in London. "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."

If it does shut, The Halfmoon will join a growing cull of live music venues with Cardiff's The Point, London's Astoria and The View's spiritual home of The Doghouse all closing in the past 12 months.