Rock The Pub
Rockstar Royalty from the 60s to present day, including the Rolling Stones and The Who, have graced the stage of the legendary Half Moon Pub, which is celebrating 55 years of live music.
By Valerie Quintana
The rich musical history at The Half Moon Pub has been thriving for over 50 years, from The Rolling Stones to The Who in the 60s, to Elvis Costello’s residency in the 70s, to hosting U2’s first sold out UK show, k.d. lang’s first UK appearance and Kate Bush’s first public show. Acts such as Van Morrison, John Martyn, and Nick Lowe have all graced the stage with more recent performances from artists such as London Grammar, Nick Cave and Ed Sheeran all making appearances.
The Half Moon has been famously associated with a certain local band, The Rolling Stones, with their most recent visit as a private event hosted in May of 2000. Besides performing as a full band, individual members of The Stones have returned to perform with various side projects and even using the venue as a practice space.
Nina Jackson is the manager of this rock n’ roll pub and venue, with over 25 years of experience in the live and recorded music industries, her role revolves around booking and organising events while keeping this legendary music venue thriving.
“We had Nick Mason from Pink Floyd play here in May for a three-day stint. So that was wild, it was great, we sold out in two hours for all three nights. We had people who had flown here from all over the world just to see those shows. I think the last time Nick played live was nearly 13 years ago,” said Nina.
In recent years, many grassroots venues throughout London have been forced to close their doors suffering from rising business rates. According to The London Assembly, 35% of London’s grassroots music venues have been lost since 2007.
In January 2010, the Half Moon was in danger of a similar fate but received overwhelming support from an online campaign to keep the venue up and running, urging to have agreed upon revised terms from the landlord so the business can operate effectively and avoid closure.
“They got over 6,000 signatures in support to save the venue, with famous musicians signing it as well,” said Nina. “The community is really supportive of us, I think it’s nice to have the historical attraction here and not just as a pub. We are very much known for the live music and many of the people who come here, come for the live music.”
With the venue turning 55 this year, the Half Moon will be hosting many special events with live music spanning from the 60s to 00s. They will also be reviving two monthly music nights, Folksville and Bluesville that were often frequented by Wilko Johnson, Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson and Ralph McTell.
“We are celebrating with special events all year raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust,” said Nina. “With the Nick Mason shows, we had £5 ticket ballots to enter to get in, which went to Teenage Cancer raising over £2,000 to the charity from the three nights alone.”
Every time a ticket is bought for an event this year or a donation is made, the purchaser is entered into a drawing to win entry to a very special end of the year show. In addition to this, resident artist Stella Tooth has created a collection of paintings on display in the pub, capturing the creative energy of legendary acts that have played over the last 55 years at the venue. The art is available for purchase at the Half Moon, with 20% donated to Teenage Cancer Trust.
The Half Moon Pub has put on live music acts every night since 1963, the legacy continues with various tribute acts (Absolute Bowie, Fleetwood Bac, Endless Floyd, The Doors Alive, Who’s Who, The Smyths and The Rollin’ Stoned to name a few), as well as performances ranging from genres of acoustic, rock, folk, punk, blues, and funk.
“We put on a mix of everything really, we have a lot of regular bands and some are even playing here still from 30 to 40 years ago,” said Nina. “We have seven bands on a week with matinee shows on the weekend as well. So, we normally have up to nine shows per week.”
What’s On:
New Moon: New Music Mondays
Enjoy performances from local music acts such as bands, singer-songwriters and poets.
Gits & Shiggles Comedy
This curated comedy night showcases the best in stand-up, sketch, musical, character and improv comedy.
The Music Quiz
Teams of up to six test their music knowledge to win prizes including a £75 bar tab and free tickets to a show of their choice.
Check out HalfMoon.co.uk for more info on events and #55live
