HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

The Hammersmith Apollo, currently called the Eventim Apollo for sponsorship reasons, and formerly known as the Hammersmith Odeon, is a live entertainment performance venue, originally built as a cinema called the Gaumont Palace. Located in Hammersmith, London, it is an art deco Grade II* listed building. The venue has hosted numerous concerts by major stars, including the Beatles, Queen, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Iron Maiden,
Bruce Springsteen Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer and songwriter. He has released 21 studio albums, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band. Originally from the Jersey Shore, he is an originat ...
, Bob Marley, Ella Fitzgerald and
Duke Ellington Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based ...
amongst many others.


History

Designed by Robert Cromie, who also renovated the Prince of Wales Theatre, in the Art Deco style, it opened in 1932 as the Gaumont Palace, with a seating capacity of nearly 3,500 people, being renamed the Hammersmith Odeon in 1962. It has had a string of names and owners, most recently AEG Live and Eventim UK. It became a Grade II listed building in 1990. The venue was later refurbished and renamed Labatt's Apollo following a sponsorship deal with Labatt Brewing Company (1993 or 1994). In 2002, the venue was again renamed, this time to Carling Apollo after Carling brewery struck a deal with the owners, US-based Clear Channel Entertainment, now iHeartMedia, inc. The event was marked by rock band
AC/DC AC/DC (stylised as ACϟDC) are an Australian Rock music, rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm Young, Malcolm and Angus Young. Their music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock, and Heavy metal ...
playing a one-off concert. All 5,000 tickets sold out in 4 minutes. In 2003, the stalls seats were made removable and now some concerts have full seating whilst others have standing-only in the stalls. In the latter format, the venue can accommodate around 5,000 people. The venue's listing was upgraded to Grade II* status in 2005. In 2006, the venue reverted to its former name, the Hammersmith Apollo. In 2007, the original 1932 Compton pipe organ, still present from the building's days as a cinema, was restored. The building was then bought by the MAMA Group. On 14 January 2009, a placing announcement by
HMV Group Sunrise Records and Entertainment, trading as HMV (for His Master's Voice), is a British music and entertainment retailer, currently operating exclusively in the United Kingdom. The first HMV-branded store was opened by the Gramophone Company ...
revealed that by selling additional shares, the company would raise money to fund a joint venture with the MAMA Group, to run eleven live music venues across the United Kingdom, including the Hammersmith Apollo. As a result, the venue was named HMV Apollo from 2009 until 2012. Other venues purchased include The Forum in London's Kentish Town, the Birmingham Institute and Aberdeen's Moshulu. The venue was sold by HMV Group in May 2012 to AEG Live and CTS Eventim. In 2013, the venue was closed for an extensive refurbishment which was carried out by architect Foster Wilson. The venue reopened as the Eventim Apollo on 7 September 2013, with a concert performance by Selena Gomez.


The Compton pipe organ

The original 1932
Compton Compton may refer to: Places Canada * Compton (electoral district), a former Quebec federal electoral district * Compton (provincial electoral district), a former Quebec provincial electoral district now part of Mégantic-Compton * Compton, Que ...
pipe organ The pipe organ is a musical instrument that produces sound by driving pressurized air (called ''wind'') through the organ pipes selected from a keyboard. Because each pipe produces a single pitch, the pipes are provided in sets called ''ranks ...
remains installed at the Apollo and was fully restored to playing condition in 2007. It has a four-manual console which rises through the stage on a new lift and about 1,200 organ pipes housed in large chambers above the front stalls ceiling. Having fallen into disrepair, the organ was disconnected in the 1990s and the console removed from the building. At the insistence of English Heritage and the local council, however, it was reinstated and the entire organ restored. At a launch party, on 25 July 2007, an invited audience and media representatives witnessed a recital by Richard Hills.


In popular culture

Many bands have released live albums, videos or DVDs of concerts held at the Apollo, such as Queen, Black Sabbath,
Rush Rush(es) may refer to: Places United States * Rush, Colorado * Rush, Kentucky * Rush, New York * Rush City, Minnesota * Rush Creek (Kishwaukee River tributary), Illinois * Rush Creek (Marin County, California), a stream * Rush Creek (Mono Cou ...
, Hawkwind, Iron Maiden,
Celtic Frost Celtic Frost () was a Swiss extreme metal band from Zürich. They are known for their strong influence on the development of extreme metalBukszpan, Daniel. ''The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal''. Barnes & Noble Publishing, 2003. p.43 and avant-ga ...
, Kings of Leon, Tears for Fears,
Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums and percuss ...
,
Frank Zappa Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American musician, composer, and bandleader. His work is characterized by wikt:nonconformity, nonconformity, Free improvisation, free-form improvisation, sound experimen ...
, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, David Bowie,
Bruce Springsteen Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer and songwriter. He has released 21 studio albums, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band. Originally from the Jersey Shore, he is an originat ...
and the E Street Band, Europe, Erasure, Spear of Destiny, Motörhead, and Robbie Williams. In September 1979
Gary Numan Gary Anthony James Webb (born 8 March 1958), known professionally as Gary Numan, is an English musician. He entered the music industry as frontman of the new wave band Tubeway Army. After releasing two albums with the band, he released his d ...
recorded his Touring Principle show at the venue. Kate Bush released a video and record EP of her concerts at the Odeon from her first tour in 1979.
Duran Duran Duran Duran () are an English Rock music, rock band formed in Birmingham in 1978 by singer and bassist Stephen Duffy, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and guitarist/bassist John Taylor (bass guitarist), John Taylor. With the addition of drummer Roger ...
recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon on 16 November 1982 and released ''
Live at Hammersmith '82! ''Live at Hammersmith '82!'' is a live album by the band Duran Duran. Originally recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon on , it was released by EMI Records on ( in the U.S.) as a CD/DVD double pack. The set was the third of three nights at the Ha ...
''.
Depeche Mode Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in Basildon, Essex, in 1980. The band currently consists of Dave Gahan (lead vocals and co-songwriting) and Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, co-lead vocals and main songwriting). Depeche ...
made one of its first concert videos for a Danish television at the Hammersmith on 25 October 1982.
Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums and percuss ...
played the final two concerts of their eight-month long Love Over Gold Tour at the Odeon on 22–23 July 1983, and the resulting album '' Alchemy: Dire Straits Live'' was released the following year.
Kylie Minogue Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress. She is the highest-selling female Australian artist of all time, having sold over 80 million records worldwide. She has been recognised for reinve ...
performed a one-off concert in the venue in 2003 and released a DVD of the performance in 2004. Minogue also performed the last show of her Anti Tour in the venue on 3 April 2012. Girls Aloud released a DVD of their concert at the Apollo in 2005. A DVD of a Bruce Springsteen concert held there in 1975 was released as part of the '' Born to Run 30th Anniversary Edition'' package; later the CD '' Hammersmith Odeon London '75'' was released. Melodic death metal band
In Flames In Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band, formed by guitarist Jesper Strömblad in Gothenburg in 1990. Alongside At the Gates and Dark Tranquillity, In Flames pioneered the genres known as Swedish death metal and melodic death metal. During t ...
also released a DVD that featured footage of a December 2004 performance there. Comedian and actor Eddie Izzard's show ''
Glorious Glorious may refer to: Music * Glorious (music group), a French Christian rock and worship band Albums * ''Glorious'' (Arty album) or the title song, 2015 * ''Glorious'' (Bonfire album), 2015 * ''Glorious'' (Foxes album) or the title song (se ...
'' was also released as a DVD.
Rush Rush(es) may refer to: Places United States * Rush, Colorado * Rush, Kentucky * Rush, New York * Rush City, Minnesota * Rush Creek (Kishwaukee River tributary), Illinois * Rush Creek (Marin County, California), a stream * Rush Creek (Mono Cou ...
recorded their 1978 performance and later included it in their three-disc set, '' Different Stages''. American musician Tori Amos released a series of six live albums in 2005 known as '' The Original Bootlegs'', one of which was recorded at the Apollo. Photographs of The Who outside the Hammersmith Odeon appear on their 1973 album '' Quadrophenia''.
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic music, psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philo ...
guitarist
David Gilmour David Jon Gilmour ( ; born 6 March 1946) is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, and member of the rock band Pink Floyd. He joined as guitarist and co-lead vocalist in 1967, shortly before the departure of founding member Syd Barrett. P ...
performed three nights at the venue in April 1984 which was documented on the '' David Gilmour Live 1984'' concert film. These shows are of note as
Roy Harper Roy Harper may refer to: * Roy Harper (character), DC Comics character *Roy Harper (footballer) (born 1929), Australian footballer *Roy Harper (referee) (died 1969), English football referee * Roy Harper (singer) (born 1941), English musician * Roy ...
guested on "Short and Sweet" and Gilmour's Pink Floyd bandmate
Nick Mason Nicholas Berkeley Mason, (born 27 January 1944) is an English drummer and a founder member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. He is the only member to feature on every Pink Floyd album, and the only constant member since its formation in ...
played drums on " Comfortably Numb". In 1984 the London-based heavy metal band Iron Maiden recorded side 4 of their double live album 'Live After Death' at the venue. Iron Maiden's affection for the Hammersmith Odeon also resulted in the filming of a 1982 performance which was subsequently released as ''Beast over Hammersmith''. Other acts have made music videos featuring clips from performances at the Apollo; Kelly Clarkson made a special version of her " Breakaway" video using clips from her concert at the Apollo in 2006. The Hammersmith Apollo is seen in the American romantic comedy film '' Just My Luck'' where McFly perform. In the movie, the venue stands-in for the Hard Rock Café. It is also the location in '' The Football Factory'' where the Chelsea fans board the bus for Liverpool. It is mentioned in the poem "Glam Rock: The Poem" by the poet Robert Archambeau. The exterior of the (then) Gaumont Palace was used as the "Grand" cinema in the 1957 British film '' The Smallest Show on Earth''.


Noteworthy performances


1950s

* On 25 March 1958,
Buddy Holly Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer and songwriter who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. He was born to a musical family in Lubbock, Texas ...
performed two shows at the venue. After the first show, a scuffle with Joe B Mauldin knocked the caps off Holly's two front teeth; Holly repaired the damage with chewing gum and performed the second show with the gum spread over his front teeth. These were his last shows in the United Kingdom.


1960s

* In the early 1960s, many American acts performed at the Odeon, including Tony Bennett, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald with
Duke Ellington Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based ...
,
Louis Armstrong Louis Daniel Armstrong (August 4, 1901 – July 6, 1971), nicknamed "Satchmo", "Satch", and "Pops", was an American trumpeter and vocalist. He was among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades and several era ...
and Woody Herman and the Herd. In 1966,
Johnny Cash John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his ca ...
performed at the venue. * In late 1964 and early 1965, The Beatles played 38 shows over 21 nights. Special guests on the bill included Elkie Brooks and the original Yardbirds, featuring
Eric Clapton Eric Patrick Clapton (born 1945) is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is often regarded as one of the most successful and influential guitarists in rock music. Clapton ranked second in ''Rolling Stone''s list of ...
.


1970s

* The photo booklet that forms part of The Who's '' Quadrophenia'' album features pictures of the venue (particularly within the centre spread;) the photos of the main character (Jimmy) waiting, kneeling beside his GS Scooter outside the venue as the members of the band take their groupies to a limo were taken during a photo shoot. * On 28 October 1972, the "Giants of Jazz", a group consisting of jazz musicians
Dizzy Gillespie John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (; October 21, 1917 – January 6, 1993) was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator and singer. He was a trumpet virtuoso and improviser, building on the virtuosic style of Roy Eldridge but addi ...
,
Kai Winding Kai Chresten Winding ( ; May 18, 1922 – May 6, 1983) was a Danish-born American trombonist and jazz composer. He is known for his collaborations with fellow trombonist J. J. Johnson. His version of "More", the theme from the movie ''Mondo Ca ...
,
Sonny Stitt Edward Hammond Boatner Jr. (February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982), known professionally as Sonny Stitt, was an American jazz saxophonist of the bebop/hard bop idiom. Known for his warm tone, he was one of the best-documented saxophonists of his ...
, Thelonious Monk, Al McKibbon and
Art Blakey Arthur Blakey (October 11, 1919 – October 16, 1990) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He was also known as Abdullah Ibn Buhaina after he converted to Islam for a short time in the late 1940s. Blakey made a name for himself in the 1 ...
– played two concerts at the Hammersmith at 6:30 and 9:30 P.M. * In July 1973, David Bowie performed his final concert as Ziggy Stardust at the venue. The concert was filmed by American documentary filmmaker D. A. Pennebaker, who intercut scenes of fans outside the venue, Bowie in the dressing room, with the concert footage. The film was not released until 1979, and is now available on DVD as '' Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars''. * In December 1974,
Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...
played a televised Christmas concert for the BBC's '' Old Grey Whistle Test''. * In November and December 1975, Queen performed several shows at the Hammersmith Odeon during the ''A Night at the Opera'' Tour. The show of 24 December was broadcast by the BBC and released in 2015 on CD, Vinyl and DVD/Blu-ray as ''
A Night at the Odeon – Hammersmith 1975 ''A Night at the Odeon'' is a live album by the British rock band Queen. The album is the first official release of the band's Christmas Eve performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1975, filmed by the BBC. The show was broadcast on BBC2 and BBC ...
''. * On 15–16 May 1976, KISS made their first UK appearances, supported by UK rockers Stray; tickets sold out in 2 hours for their two-night stay. * In 1976, much of Thin Lizzy's live album '' Live and Dangerous'' was recorded at the Hammersmith on the Johnny The Fox Tour. Again in 1981, Lynott and his gang appeared in the venue for the recording of the BBC's ''In Concert''. The disc are released as a part of the Box Set ''At The BBC'', in 2011. Some of this tracks also appeared in the deluxe editions of ''
Chinatown A Chinatown () is an ethnic enclave of Chinese people located outside Greater China, most often in an urban setting. Areas known as "Chinatown" exist throughout the world, including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Austra ...
'' and '' Thunder and Lightning''. Finally, the double live album ''Life/Live'' was recorded in the venue in 1981 and 1983, with the participation of guitarists Eric Bell, Brian Robertson and
Gary Moore Robert William Gary Moore (4 April 19526 February 2011) was a Northern Irish musician. Over the course of his career he played in various groups and performed a range of music including blues, blues rock, hard rock, heavy metal, and jazz ...
. The guitarist Snowy White participated on three tracks recorded in 1981 in the same venue. * The progressive rock band
Camel A camel (from: la, camelus and grc-gre, κάμηλος (''kamēlos'') from Hebrew or Phoenician: גָמָל ''gāmāl''.) is an even-toed ungulate in the genus ''Camelus'' that bears distinctive fatty deposits known as "humps" on its back. C ...
recorded some tracks in 1976 for the release of a future live album. The album was released in 1978, and is called ''A Live Record''. The entire concert was released and made part of the deluxe edition of ''Moonmadness''. The same concert was broadcast by the BBC and released in DVD format. The DVD was called ''Moondances''. * In November 1977, The Tubes played 10 shows and recorded the live double album '' What Do You Want from Live'' at the Hammersmith. The album was released in February 1978. * In 1978, Black Sabbath, with Ozzy Osbourne still a member, held concerts celebrating 10 years of career in the venue. The opening band was Van Halen. The concert was recorded and released on video and later on DVD, with the name ''Never Say Die: A Decade of Black Sabbath''. In 30–31 December 1981, the band now with Dio recorded their concerts at this venue. The gig was released on disc and vinyl in 2007, and later as part of the Deluxe edition of ''Mob Rules''. In 1994 the show in Apollo was recorded and released one year later titled ''Cross Purposes Live''. * On 24 February 1978, Sweet played their first concert at Hammersmith Odeon. It was to be their last British show featuring singer Brian Connolly. * On 20 February 1978,
Rush Rush(es) may refer to: Places United States * Rush, Colorado * Rush, Kentucky * Rush, New York * Rush City, Minnesota * Rush Creek (Kishwaukee River tributary), Illinois * Rush Creek (Marin County, California), a stream * Rush Creek (Mono Cou ...
recorded 11 tracks from their " A Farewell to Kings" tour, including tracks from all of their first five albums. These tracks were not released at the time. They were included as a bonus disc on their 10 November 1998 release of ''
Different Stages Live ''Different Stages'' is a live album by Canadian rock band Rush, released in 1998. The bulk of the first and second discs were recorded at the World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, Illinois during the 1997 ''Test for Echo'' tour. Five other songs ...
'' which included recordings from both their 1994 '' Counterparts'' and 1997 '' Test for Echo'' tours. * Whitesnake recorded tracks for their live album '' Live...in the Heart of the City'' on 23 November 1978. The album also included tracks that were later recorded (also at the Hammersmith Odeon) on 23 and 24 June 1980. Years later, David Coverdale and this gang appears in Hammersmith for the recorded of ''Live... In the Still of the Night'' album and DVD set. * The albums ''
461 Ocean Boulevard ''461 Ocean Boulevard'' is the second studio album by English musician Eric Clapton. The album was released in late July 1974 for RSO Records, shortly after the record company released the hit single "I Shot the Sheriff" in early July the same y ...
'' and ''
Slowhand ''Slowhand'' is the fifth full-length studio album by Eric Clapton. Released on 25 November 1977 by RSO Records, and titled after Clapton's nickname, it is one of his most commercially and critically successful studio albums. ''Slowhand'' produ ...
'' of the guitarist
Eric Clapton Eric Patrick Clapton (born 1945) is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is often regarded as one of the most successful and influential guitarists in rock music. Clapton ranked second in ''Rolling Stone''s list of ...
were reissued in double CD deluxe format accompanied with a live album recorded at the venue, depicting tours of 1974 and 1976. *
Frank Zappa Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American musician, composer, and bandleader. His work is characterized by wikt:nonconformity, nonconformity, Free improvisation, free-form improvisation, sound experimen ...
also recorded parts of his 1979 album, ''
Sheik Yerbouti ''Sheik Yerbouti'' is a double album by Frank Zappa, released in March 1979 as the first release on Zappa Records (distributed by Phonogram Inc.) It is mostly made up of live material recorded in 1977 and 1978, with extensive overdubs added i ...
'', at the venue. Zappa's triple album '' Hammersmith Odeon'' was released posthumously in 2010 by the Zappa Family Trust. * Kate Bush also performed the same year, and released a
live video Live may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Films * ''Live!'' (2007 film), 2007 American film * ''Live'' (2014 film), a 2014 Japanese film *'' ''Live'' (Apocalyptica DVD) Music * Live (band), American alternative rock band * List of album ...
and record EP of her 1979 concerts. * On 13–15 December 1979, Cliff Richard played at the Hammersmith Odeon during the Rock`n`Roll Juvenile Tour. * In December 1979, Queen, The Clash,
Elvis Costello Declan Patrick MacManus Order of the British Empire, OBE (born 25 August 1954), known professionally as Elvis Costello, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. He has won multiple awards in his career, including a Grammy Award in ...
, The Who, The Pretenders and Paul McCartney and Wings and many more artists played several nights. The Hammersmith Odeon hosted the four-night
Concerts for the People of Kampuchea Concerts for the People of Kampuchea was a series of concerts featuring Queen, The Clash, The Pretenders, The Who, Elvis Costello, Wings, and many more artists which took place at the Hammersmith Odeon in London during December 1979 to r ...
, a benefit concert to raise money for Cambodian victims of the dictator
Pol Pot Pol Pot; (born Saloth Sâr;; 19 May 1925 – 15 April 1998) was a Cambodian revolutionary, dictator, and politician who ruled Cambodia as Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea between 1976 and 1979. Ideologically a Marxist–Leninist a ...
, of which Queen played the first night. Paul McCartney and Kurt Waldheim organised the event. * The Police played three shows at Hammersmith Odeon in late 1979 promoting their Reggatta de Blanc album (1979-09-22, 1979-09-23 and 1979-12-18).


1980s

* In 1980, the rock band UFO, without Michael Schenker, recorded the BBC programme ''In Concert''. In 1981, they again played in the venue for the same programme. These two discs are in the ''UFO on Air: At the BBC'', released in 2013. * British heavy metal group, Iron Maiden, played at Hammersmith Odeon 24 times between 1980 - 2005. In 1980, Iron Maiden played two consecutive nights opening for
Judas Priest Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1969. They have sold over 50 million albums and are frequently ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative and pioneering body of work in th ...
. In 1981 the band played here their a very first headline show with French band Trust as the support act. Iron Maiden show from 1982 was recorded and published as the '' Beast over Hammersmith'' double live CD being a part of '' Eddie's Archive'' box released in 2002. The clips from that night were used as a part of ''
12 Wasted Years ''12 Wasted Years'' is a video documentary of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, focusing on the history of the band from 1975 to 1987. It includes several rare videos and interviews from the band's career, some of which were later included on the 20 ...
'' (1987) documentary and '' The History of Iron Maiden – Part 1: The Early Days'' DVD released in 2004. Between 1983 and 1988, the band played multiple sold out nights, including six shows in 1986 as a part of Somewhere on Tour 1986/87. The fourth side of double live album '' Live After Death'' was recorded during the four nights played by the band as a part of World Slavery Tour. In 1990 Iron Maiden played here their first show in London with a new member, the guitarist
Janick Gers Janick Robert Gers (; born 27 January 1957) is an English musician who is best known as one of the three guitarists in heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He initially joined to replace Adrian Smith, but remained in the band after Smith rejoined. G ...
. * Miles Davis played in 1982 with his Jazz fusion band. The concert was released some years later in DVD. * Def Leppard recorded the videos of ''Let It Go'', ''High & Dry (Saturday Night),'' and ''Bringing on the Heartbreak'' at the venue. * In December 1985, Hawkwind filmed a concert from their '' Chronicle of the Black Sword'' tour. The recordings were subsequently released as the ''
Live Chronicles ''Live Chronicles'' is a 1986 album by Hawkwind recorded of a live performance of their ''The Chronicle of the Black Sword'' concept album based on the Michael Moorcock character Elric of Melniboné. Overview The original album release lacked ...
'' album and ''
The Chronicle of the Black Sword ''The Chronicle of the Black Sword'' is the fourteenth studio album by the English space rock group Hawkwind, released in 1985. It spent two weeks on the UK albums chart peaking at #65. The album is based upon the adventures of Elric of Melnib ...
'' video. * In 1983,
Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums and percuss ...
recorded the concerts for a future release. Finished launching in 1984 the double album '' Alchemy'' and a video with the same name. The video was remastered and released on DVD and Blu-ray in 2009, in its full version. * The black metal band Venom released a double album in 1985 called ''Eine Kleine Nachtmusik''. One of the discs was recorded in the venue. The band was banned in 1984 because they ruined the ceiling of the theatre with a show of fireworks (during the track Countess Bathory). The show was recorded and released on video in 1984 with the name Seven Dates to Hell, with opening by the young Metallica. The following year, the band recorded the concert at this venue for a television special, named Live from London. Both shows were released on DVD in the decade of 2000. * In 1980, Blondie performed one of their most famous shows. Robert Fripp joined them on guitar, and their live cover of " Heroes" (which was later used as a B-Side) was recorded there. In addition, some more live tracks recorded were later used as bonus tracks on the 2001 rerelease of the '' Eat to the Beat'' album. * On 20 September 1980,
Randy Rhoads Randall William Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982) was an American guitarist. He was the co-founder and original guitarist of the heavy metal band Quiet Riot, and the guitarist and co-songwriter for Ozzy Osbourne's first two solo alb ...
performed one of his first shows, with new musical soulmate Ozzy Osbourne, on the
Blizzard of Ozz Tour The Blizzard of Ozz Tour was the debut concert tour as a solo artist by British vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, who had been fired from the English group Black Sabbath a year prior. The tour started on September 12, 1980 and concluded on September 13, 19 ...
, they returned on 26 October. * In 1982,
Duran Duran Duran Duran () are an English Rock music, rock band formed in Birmingham in 1978 by singer and bassist Stephen Duffy, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and guitarist/bassist John Taylor (bass guitarist), John Taylor. With the addition of drummer Roger ...
performed during promotion for their '' Rio'' album. The concert was filmed and released as ''
Live at Hammersmith '82! ''Live at Hammersmith '82!'' is a live album by the band Duran Duran. Originally recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon on , it was released by EMI Records on ( in the U.S.) as a CD/DVD double pack. The set was the third of three nights at the Ha ...
'' in 2009, as a CD-DVD combo pack. * On 25 October 1982,
Depeche Mode Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in Basildon, Essex, in 1980. The band currently consists of Dave Gahan (lead vocals and co-songwriting) and Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, co-lead vocals and main songwriting). Depeche ...
performed there as part of their A Broken Frame Tour. The concert was filmed and parts were released as ''Live at Hammersmith Odeon London'' in 2006, as a DVD included in the remastered album, '' A Broken Frame''. * In 1982,
Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...
performed a series of concerts with his reunited "Classic" band, promoting his albums '' The Fox'' and '' Jump Up!''. A concert on Christmas Eve featured a medley of Christmas carols and a rare live duet of " Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee. * In 1982,
Japan Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north ...
played a six-night residency from 17 to 22 November. These were the band's final performances in the UK and the final night's performance was recorded and then released in 1983 on VHS and audio as '' Oil on Canvas''. * In 1983,
Marillion Marillion are a British rock music, rock band, formed in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1979. They emerged from the post-punk music scene in Britain and existed as a bridge between the styles of punk rock and classic progressive rock, becomin ...
performed the final date of their tour supporting their debut album, '' Script for a Jester's Tear''. This also marked the final performance with drummer Mick Pointer. The performance was filmed and released as '' Recital of the Script''. * In 1984,
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic music, psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philo ...
guitarist
David Gilmour David Jon Gilmour ( ; born 6 March 1946) is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, and member of the rock band Pink Floyd. He joined as guitarist and co-lead vocalist in 1967, shortly before the departure of founding member Syd Barrett. P ...
performed three shows at the venue on his '' About Face'' solo tour, which was documented on the concert video '' David Gilmour Live 1984''. * On 21 September 1986,
Metallica Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. The band's fast tempos, instrume ...
performed at the Odeon during their Master of Puppets Tour. This is one of the band's last performances with bassist Cliff Burton, who was killed in a bus crash, six days later and also featured guitarist
John Marshall John Marshall (September 24, 1755July 6, 1835) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 until his death in 1835. He remains the longest-serving chief justice and fourth-longes ...
as James Hetfield was recovering from a skateboard accident. This performance formed the basis for the Hammersmith Apollo's appearance in video game '' Guitar Hero: Metallica'' in 2009, complete with ''Master of Puppets''-themed stage. * Between 15 and 20 December 1986, the Norwegian band
a-ha A-ha (usually stylised as ''a-''h''a''; ) is a Norwegian synth-pop band formed in Oslo in 1982. Founded by Paul Waaktaar-Savoy (guitars and vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards, guitars and vocals), and Morten Harket (lead vocals), the band ...
held 6 concerts at the Hammersmith Odeon. * At the start of the seminal Public Enemy album, '' It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back'', they are heard addressing the Hammersmith Odeon crowd at a concert there in 1987. Due to trouble outside the venue before and after the show, the Hammersmith Odeon refused to host any rap groups for several years afterwards. * On 10 July 1987, the first Soviet rock musicians ever to perform in Britain Autograph and
Dialogue Dialogue (sometimes spelled dialog in American English) is a written or spoken conversational exchange between two or more people, and a literary and theatrical form that depicts such an exchange. As a philosophical or didactic device, it is c ...
at ''Russian Rock Gala'' during ''Capital Music Festival''. * On February 23, 1987, Europe performed at Hammersmith Odeon in part of ''The Final Countdown World Tour''. The performance was filmed and released as ''Europe : The Final Countdown World Tour 1987 (Live in Hammersmith Odeon)''


1990s

* During the early 1990s, the venue played host to stage productions such as ''
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' (often colloquially known as ''Joseph'') is a sung-through musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the character of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis. Thi ...
''. * In summer of 1992, Erasure played 8 consecutive nights at the Hammersmith Odeon on the opening of their "Phantasmagorical Entertainment Tour". *
Megadeth Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along wit ...
Recorded their Performance on September 30, 1992, for a Concert DVD in support for their album '' Countdown to Extinction'' * Musical theatre star Michael Ball has performed at the Hammersmith Apollo on nine occasions—each time selling out. His concerts in December 1993 and 1994, were recorded by
BBC Radio 2 BBC Radio 2 is a British national radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It is the most popular station in the United Kingdom with over 15 million weekly listeners. Since launching in 1967, the station broadcasts a wide range of content. ...
. He also recorded his 2003, 2007 and 2013 concerts for DVD release. * Black Sabbath recorded their '' Cross Purposes Live'' album/video, with singer Tony Martin, on Wednesday 13 April 1994. * In July 1995, '' Riverdance'' made its UK debut at the Apollo, selling out its initial four-week run and returning in the fall for another 19 weeks, breaking box office records in the process. * In November 1997, Scottish comedian Billy Connolly performed five sold out nights. * On 14 July 1998, '' Doctor Dolittle'', a musical by Leslie Bricusse (based on his 1967 film and the Hugh Lofting children's books) made its world premiere starring Phillip Schofield. The production closed on 26 June 1999. *On 14 December 1999, '' Blast!'' a new musical based on American Drum and Bugle Corps premiered at the Hamersmith Apollo. A PBS special of the London production aired on August 5, 2000.


2000s

* In October 2002, Prince played 3 nights of his ‘ One Nite Alone... Tour’. * On 21 October 2003, rock band
AC/DC AC/DC (stylised as ACϟDC) are an Australian Rock music, rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm Young, Malcolm and Angus Young. Their music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock, and Heavy metal ...
performed at the Apollo. The event sold out online in just four minutes. The lead singer
Brian Johnson Brian Johnson (born 5 October 1947) is an English singer and songwriter. In 1980, after the death of Bon Scott, he became the third lead singer of the Australian rock band AC/DC. He and the rest of the band were inducted into the Rock and Rol ...
was suffering from a lung infection on the night of the gig. * On 15 November 2003,
Kylie Minogue Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress. She is the highest-selling female Australian artist of all time, having sold over 80 million records worldwide. She has been recognised for reinve ...
launched her studio album '' Body Language'' with a press conference and a one-off show entitled Money Can't Buy, no tickets were offered for sale publicly and only invited guests and competition winners attended the show. * In 2004, the venue was part of the '' Carling Live 24'' event, which saw Feeder play their only date of that year. The venue also spawned the BBC television series '' Live at the Apollo'', originally titled ''Jack Dee Live at the Apollo'' * On November 15, 2004 Europe filmed their performance called ''Live From The Dark'' * On 2 September 2005, Iron Maiden performed a special fund raising sold-out show during their Eddie Rips Up the World Tour for former drummer
Clive Burr Clive Ronald Burr (8 March 1957 – 13 March 2013) was an English drummer. He was a member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1979 to 1982. Career Previously a member of Samson, Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979. Auditioning and joining ...
, who was suffering from
multiple sclerosis Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This d ...
. * On 25 November 2006, Video Games Live presented the first ever UK video game concert at the Hammersmith Apollo as part of their 2006 World Tour. A parody of the Hammersmith Odeon was made for '' Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock'', called ''Ye Olde Royal Odeon''. The game '' Guitar Hero: Metallica'' features the real Hammersmith Apollo as a playable venue. *On December 18 and 19, comedy rock duo Tenacious D performed on their Pick of Destiny Tour, Neil Hamburger opened on both dates. * On 19 June 2007, OMD filmed their Architecture & Morality and more comeback-tour in this theatre. * In September 2008, comedian Michael McIntyre performed shows around theatres in the UK and his filmed performance at the Hammersmith Apollo became the best selling debut comedy DVD of all time. * In March 2009, '' SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical ( The Sponge Who Could Fly)'' premiered at the Apollo. * On 11 July 2009, Thunder played their last concert in a sold out Hammersmith Apollo, as being the last stop on their ''20 Years & Out'' tour. The show was also filmed and recorded for a last Thunder live DVD. * On 29 November 2009, British Christian rock band Delirious? played their farewell concert at the venue. The show was sold out and was recorded for a live album and DVD. * On 15 December 2009, the Apollo hosted the UK premiere of ''
It Might Get Loud ''It Might Get Loud'' is a 2008 American documentary film by filmmaker Davis Guggenheim. It explores the careers and musical styles of prominent rock guitarists Jimmy Page, the Edge, and Jack White. The film premiered at the 2008 Toronto Internatio ...
'', a documentary film that covers the careers of guitarists The Edge,
Jimmy Page James Patrick Page (born 9 January 1944) is an English musician who achieved international success as the guitarist and founder of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Page is prolific in creating guitar riffs. His style involves various alternative ...
, and Jack White. Page was the only star of the film to attend the UK premiere.


2010s

* On 8 April 2010, '' The Infidel'', a comedy film directed by David Baddiel and starring Omid Djalili, was premiered. The organ was played by Richard Hills as the audience arrived and in the interval. This was the first film premiere at the Apollo for more than 20 years. * On 4 May 2010, the Italian songwriter Vasco Rossi, had a sold-out concert during his " Tour Europe indoor". The whole concert was recorded and issued on 22 June under the name ''Vasco London Instant Live 04.05.2010''. * On 14–18 July 2010, American magicians and comedians Penn & Teller performed, their first UK performance in more than 16 years. * Bob Dylan performed three concerts, ending his 2011 Never Ending Tour with Mark Knopfler. These three dates brings to total of Dylan performances at the venue to twenty-four. He performed there six times in 1990, eight times in 1991, six times in 1993, once in 2003 and three times in 2011. * On 26 May 2012,
Judas Priest Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1969. They have sold over 50 million albums and are frequently ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative and pioneering body of work in th ...
performed the last show of their
Epitaph World Tour The Epitaph World Tour was a concert tour by English heavy metal band Judas Priest, at the time intended to be the band's farewell tour. The tour commenced in June 2011 and concluded in May 2012. The tour was named after the 6th track from th ...
, and it was filmed for later DVD release. * On 21 December 2012, Brian Cox and
Robin Ince Robin Ince (born 20 February 1969) is an English comedian, actor and writer, known for presenting the BBC radio show ''The Infinite Monkey Cage'' with physicist Brian Cox (physicist), Brian Cox, and his stand-up comedy career. Education After ...
hosted a show containing performances by scientists, comedians, actors and other apocalypse sceptics for a show to coincide with the predicted Mayan apocalypse entitled "The End of the World Show". * On 24–26 February 2013, Kanye West played three shows as a part of a small European tour which tested a new setup which featured surround vision visuals. The shows featured West wearing a white sci-fi straitjacket, a glittering, skin-tight crystal bondage mask obscuring his face. The theme of the shows centered on icy, glacial environmental visuals. * On 15–16 March 2013, the original line-up of
Status Quo is a Latin phrase meaning the existing state of affairs, particularly with regard to social, political, religious or military issues. In the sociological sense, the ''status quo'' refers to the current state of social structure and/or values. W ...
played two sold-out shows on their Reunion Tour, after being apart for 32 years. These concerts were released on CD. * On 19–20 May 2013, Lana Del Rey played two sold-out shows during her Paradise Tour, performing her biggest hits, including her new single, Young and Beautiful. * On 7 September 2013, Selena Gomez opened the newly renovated theatre on her
Stars Dance Tour The Stars Dance Tour was the first solo concert tour by American singer Selena Gomez in support of her solo debut studio album, '' Stars Dance'' (2013). Gomez performed songs from her solo debut album, as well as her releases with Selena Gomez & ...
, the only performance in the UK for the tour. The date also commissioned the venue's new name, Eventim Apollo. * From August to October 2014, Kate Bush undertook a 22 date residency called '' Before the Dawn'' at the Apollo. These performances were her first live shows in nearly 35 years. * On 3 February 2015, the venue was chosen by the
EBU The European Broadcasting Union (EBU; french: Union européenne de radio-télévision, links=no, UER) is an alliance of public service media organisations whose countries are within the European Broadcasting Area or who are members of the Co ...
/BBC as host for the
Eurovision Song Contest The Eurovision Song Contest (), sometimes abbreviated to ESC and often known simply as Eurovision, is an international songwriting competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), featuring participants representing pr ...
's 60-year celebration event, presented by Graham Norton and Petra Mede, and televised across Europe and Australia via the Eurovision network. Conchita Wurst, Herreys and Natasha St-Pier were the first confirmed acts. The event took place on 31 March 2015. * On 20 and 21 September 2015, British singer Morrissey performed what he dubbed his 'last UK shows ever' at the venue. * On 6 December 2016, the venue hosted the
Royal Variety Performance The ''Royal Variety Performance'' is a televised variety show held annually in the United Kingdom to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity (of which King Charles III is life-patron). It is attended by senior members of the British royal f ...
which was later televised by
ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network, consisting of: ** ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network covering the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islan ...
. * On 27 January 2017, the venue hosted '' Eurovision: You Decide'', the UK's national selection show for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 and aired live on
BBC Two BBC Two is a British free-to-air public broadcast television network owned and operated by the BBC. It covers a wide range of subject matter, with a remit "to broadcast programmes of depth and substance" in contrast to the more mainstream an ...
. * On 17 March 2017, St Patrick's Day, Devin Townsend made a complete play through of the album
Ocean Machine ''Ocean Machine: Biomech'' is the second studio album by Canadian musician Devin Townsend, originally released as ''Biomech'' under the name Ocean Machine. The album was released in July 1997 via Townsend's label, HevyDevy Records. Background Ma ...
, twenty years after its first release; supported by Leprous and Tesseract. *On 17 February 2018, Cumbrian indie band Wild Beasts played their final "farewell" show dubbed "End Come Too Soon". * In April 2018, it was confirmed that the venue would host the live shows of '' Britain's Got Talent'' that year. The live shows returned to the venue the following year. * On 17 June 2018, Monsta X had The Connect World Tour in London. * On 16 July 2018, the film '' Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again'' was premiered.


2020s

* On 17 February 2020,
Eric Clapton Eric Patrick Clapton (born 1945) is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is often regarded as one of the most successful and influential guitarists in rock music. Clapton ranked second in ''Rolling Stone''s list of ...
performed a tribute concert to former Cream and Blind Faith bandmate Ginger Baker who had died the previous year. His special guests included
Roger Waters George Roger Waters (born 6 September 1943) is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. In 1965, he co-founded the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Waters initially served as the bassist, but following the departure of singer-so ...
,
Nile Rodgers Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr. (born September 19, 1952) is an American musician, record producer and composer. The co-founder of Chic, Rodgers has written, produced, and performed on records that have sold more than 500 million albums and 75 million ...
, Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones and Blind Faith bandmate
Steve Winwood Stephen Lawrence Winwood (born 12 May 1948) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter whose genres include blue-eyed soul, rhythm and blues, blues rock, and pop rock. Though primarily a keyboard player and vocalist prominent for his disti ...
. The performance included Cream songs not performed since the 60s and a near complete performance of the '' Blind Faith'' album. * On 21–22 February 2020, progressive metal band
Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of the ...
played two concerts to promote their fourteenth album Distance over Time, also recording both concerts that were later released as
Distant Memories – Live in London ''Distant Memories – Live in London'' is the ninth live album and video by progressive metal band Dream Theater. Recorded on February 21 and 22, 2020, at the Hammersmith Eventim Apollo Theatre during their Distance over Time Tour, the setlist c ...
live DVD. * On 3 October 2022, comedian Louis C.K. performed at the Hammersmith Apollo, his first show in the UK since the controversy surrounding his sexual misconduct in 2017.


See also

* ''Live at the Apollo'' (TV series)


References


External links

*
Flickr photo set of the Apollo organ
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hammersmith Apollo Music venues in London Theatres in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Grade II* listed buildings in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Art Deco architecture in London Former cinemas in London Apollo Music venues completed in 1932 Theatres completed in 1932 20th-century architecture in the United Kingdom 1932 establishments in England