London Astoria

The London Astoria stood at 157 Charing Cross Road in the City of Westminster. It began in the 1920s as a warehouse before becoming a cinema in 1927. Edward A. Stone designed the building with a decorative frieze and a square proscenium theatre inside. The basement later served as a ballroom dancing salon. In the 1970s it was converted for theatrical use, then reopened in 1985 as a nightclub and live music venue. The Astoria played a key role in launching British rock bands and boosting international acts. It hosted sold-out shows by The Mission in 1988 and the famous acid house night “The Trip” in the same year. The venue’s capacity reached 2,000 people after its final conversion. Many notable bands recorded concerts there, including Radiohead in 1995 and Tool in 1997. Manic Street Preachers ended their 1994 tour with a dramatic final show at the Astoria. Visitors found a large space with balconies and modern fittings after the 1985 redesign. Adjacent buildings housed smaller music venues, creating a cluster of nightlife spots. The Astoria’s stage saw performances by Metallica, Arctic Monkeys and Ladytron, among others. A booklet by Nigel Crewe documented its changing uses over the decades. Though demolished in 2009, its legacy remains in live recordings and cultural impact.