Word has it legendary West London venue the Hammersmith Palais is very close to demolition. The reports come from the people behind a campaign to have the building awarded listed building status in recognition of its importance as a music venue ever since it opened as a jazz club back in 1919. They've heard a development company is planning to acquire and knock down the venue to make way for a new office block.
One of the people who supports the listed-status campaign told CMU yesterday: "I don't need to tell you the significance of this building in terms of music - it had a huge hand in bringing jazz to the UK in the 1920s and has hosted many a legendary performance since, from Motorhead to The Clash to Bowie. While it's not the most spectacular-looking place from the outside, the interior is grand, and it sits in the middle of a conservation area - so why is it being flattened? Its musical legacy alone should grant it listed status, and its enduring popularity with generations of music fans proves its life is very far from over".
Anyone wanting to add their support to the save the Palais campaign should contact [email protected].