Music venue rescued from closure
January 12, 2010 |15:32 | Music By : Team X
The Halfmoon in Putney, south-west London, was due to close at the end of January and reopen as a gastro-pub following falling sales. But landlord Young's scrapped the plan after an outcry from music fans and a campaign on Facebook.
Venue tenant James Harris said: "This was never just about jobs but about a part of our music heritage." X Factor The Halfmoon has hosted live music nearly every night since 1963, including rock band Kasabian and many unsigned artists.
But rising rates and alcohol duty, coupled with the recession, resulted in financial difficulties at the venue, Mr Harris said. It received notice of closure in November last year, which led to a petition receiving hundreds of signatures and a Facebook campaign backed by 6,500 people.SHOME$
Supporters included X Factor contestant Jamie Archer, solo singer Eddie Reader and Ocean Colour Scene singer Simon Fowler.
The venue will continue to host live music with a new promotions team. It will also now serve food.
Mr Harris said: "We still face tough times ahead, but at least we can move forward now, and my staff and myself are thrilled and excited."
Singer Natalie Ross, who has performed at the venue, said: "I wanted to save the Halfmoon.
"It's the only venue in London that has amazing sound and is also an incredible platform for an unsigned artist like myself."
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