6 legendary London venues and some of the biggest acts who played there
They have hosted some iconic shows
Last updated 9th Sep 2022
There are so many amazing venues to watch live music in London. The capital city has played host to some of the most legendary gig venues in the world, who have attracted some of the biggest names music has ever seen.
You can now hear Greatest Hits Radio on 105.8FM in London as it is now available on FM. You can also listen on DAB, Online, on your smart speaker and via the Greatest Hits Radio app.
Take a look at some of our favourite venues in London, past and present:
The Roundhouse
Originally built in 1846 as a turntable engine shed for the London & Birmingham Railway, The Roundhouse is now a Grade II listed concert venue just outside of Camden, London.
After being used as a warehouse for a number of years before World War II, the building fell into disrepair. It reopened in 1964 in its first incarnation as an arts venue. In the 60s, the venue was famous for playing host to a number of legendary acts including The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, before the punk movement arrived in the 70s and they welcomed the likes of The Ramones, The Stranglers and The Clash to the stage.
The modern Roundhouse that we know today has been open since 2006 after a huge redevelopment. It has welcomed artists including Bob Dylan, James Brown and Sir Elton John to its stage.
The Rolling Stones at The Roundhouse
In March 1971, The Rolling Stones graced The Roundhouse stage on their 'Goodbye Britain' tour.
Earls Court
Earls Court was once a huge exhibition and concert space in Central London. The space in which it stood had been entertainment grounds since 1887 but was replaced in 1927 with a newer, modern structure becoming the exhibition centre.
It was once London and the country's most favoured exhibition space, hosting a number of the biggest shows including the BRIT Awards. It closed down and was demolished in December 2014 to make way for regeneration.
With a capacity of around 19,000 for musical events, many acts graced the Earls Court stage including Slade, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
Queen at Earls Court
Queen performed at Earls Court in June 1977 on the final two shows of their A Day At The Races tour. These concerts were recorded and can be watched on the band's official Youtube channel.
Wembley Stadium
Wembley stadium is the national stadium of England, home to the English football team and the largest sports venue in the UK. However, the venue is also well known for being a home to huge concerts and music events.
It first became a music venue in 1972 but is perhaps most well-known for hosting the British leg of the famous Live Aid concert in July 1985. Raising money for the relief of the famine in Ethiopia, the huge Live Aid line-up included the likes of David Bowie, Queen, Sir Paul McCartney, The Who, Dire Straits, Phil Collins and U2.
The stadium has also played host to concerts by the world's biggest artists throughout its history. Sir Elton John, Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Oasis are just some of the acts who have played in front of tens of thousands of fans at the venue.
Live Aid at Wembley
Live Aid was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for the famine in Ethiopia. The event was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in England and John F Kennedy Stadium in the US. It is thought that over 1.9 billion people watched the broadcast of acts including David Bowie, Queen, Elvis Costello, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John.
The O2 Arena
The O2, located in Greenwich, opened in its present form in 2007. The venue was built under the existing Millennium Dome, the dome shaped building which opened to celebrate the new Millennium in 2000.
The O2 has hosted a number of exhibitions, sports shows and conferences as well as huge music stars since its opening in 2007. Queen + Adam Lambert, Bryan Adams, Pet Shop Boys, Whitney Houston and Fleetwood Mac are just some of the artists who have welcomed audiences to the venue.
Rod Stewart at The O2
Legendary rocker Rod Stewart played three shows at The O2 Arena in December 2019.
100 Club
Located on Oxford Street, the iconic 100 Club has been a staple for London music lovers since 1942, when it first began putting on live music as the Feldman Jazz Club. This longstanding relationship with the music scene of the capital earned it the title of the oldest independent venue in the world.
The legendary institution has hosted artists from all genres of music including Jazz, Reggae, Punk, Northern Soul and Indie. Due to it's rich history, the venue is well-known for hosting secret shows by some of the world's most renowned artists. Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Blur and Sir Paul McCartney have all played intimate shows in the 350 capacity room.
Paul Weller at the 100 Club
Paul Weller has headlined the 100 Club a number of times, including in August 2012 when pal Liam Gallagher was in the audience to watch the Modfather.
The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is perhaps the most iconic venue in London. The hall was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 as a tribute to her late husband, Prince Albert. It is the venue for the Proms classical music concerts but has also hosted sports, speeches, rock concerts and political meetings throughout its 150 year history.
Sir Winston Churchill made a number of speeches at the Royal Albert Hall between 1911 and 1959, boxer Muhammad Ali fought at the Hall three times and the Suffragettes even held meetings there.
The most memorable gigs which have taken place at the Royal Albert Hall include The Who, David Gilmour and David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd.
ABBA at the Royal Albert Hall
Swedish pop sensations ABBA performed two sold-out concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in February 1977. Tickets were only available via mail application, and it was later reported that there had been 3.5 million requests for tickets – enough to fill the venue 580 times!
Now read:
7 of our favourite songs inspired by London
Queen: The band who gave us 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and many more hits