The Finsbury Park Astoria was a famous music venue located in Finsbury Park, London. It was originally built in 1903 as a cinema and later converted into a music venue. The Astoria hosted many famous bands and artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Queen.
The Beatles at Finsbury Park Astoria
The Beatles played at the Finsbury Park Astoria on several occasions during the early 1960s. Their first performance at the venue was on December 31, 1962, as part of a New Year's Eve show. They also played there on January 11, 1963, and February 23, 1963.
During their performances at the Astoria, The Beatles played many of their early hits such as "She Loves You," "Please Please Me," and "Twist and Shout." These performances helped to cement The Beatles' reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic bands of the 1960s.
The Rolling Stones at Finsbury Park Astoria
The Rolling Stones also played at the Finsbury Park Astoria during the early 1960s. They first performed at the venue on January 5, 1963, and went on to play there several more times over the years.
Like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones played many of their early hits at the Astoria, including "I Wanna Be Your Man," "Not Fade Away," and "It's All Over Now." Their performances at the venue helped to establish them as one of the most popular and influential bands of the 1960s.
Other Performances at Finsbury Park Astoria
In addition to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the Finsbury Park Astoria hosted many other famous bands and artists over the years. These included Queen, The Who, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix.
The venue was also used for other types of events, such as boxing matches and political rallies. However, it was primarily known as a music venue and played an important role in the development of British rock and roll.
The Demolition of Finsbury Park Astoria
Despite its historical significance, the Finsbury Park Astoria was demolished in 2009 to make way for a new development. This was a sad loss for music fans and historians alike, as the venue had played such an important role in the history of British rock and roll.
Today, there is a plaque on the site of the former venue commemorating its history and importance. Although the Finsbury Park Astoria may be gone, its legacy lives on in the memories of the many bands and fans who played and attended shows there over the years.
Conclusion
The Finsbury Park Astoria was a famous music venue in London that hosted many famous bands and artists over the years. It played an important role in the development of British rock and roll and helped to establish bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones as some of the most popular and influential of the 1960s.
Although the venue was demolished in 2009, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who played and attended shows there. Today, music fans can visit the site of the former venue and pay their respects to this important piece of British music history.