Hammersmith Apollo

Hammersmith Apollo. Located in the heart of London, this iconic venue has been a hub for entertainment since its opening in 1932, hosting a wide range of performances, from The Beatles to Elton John. With its rich history and stunning architecture, the Hammersmith Apollo has become a beloved landmark, attracting visitors from all over the world, including fans of Queen (band), The Rolling Stones, and Adele. The venue has also been a popular spot for BBC recordings, including shows like Top of the Pops and Later... with Jools Holland, featuring performances by David Bowie, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Wonder.

● History

The Hammersmith Apollo was built in 1932 by Robert Cromie, a renowned architect, and was originally known as the Gaumont Palace. The venue was designed to host a variety of performances, including film screenings, theatre productions, and music concerts, featuring artists like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and The Who. Over the years, the venue has undergone several name changes, including the Hammersmith Odeon and the Carling Apollo Hammersmith, and has been owned by various companies, including Gaumont-British Picture Corporation and Academy Music Group. The venue has also been a popular spot for live recordings, including albums by The Cure, Kasabian, and The Killers, and has hosted numerous award shows, such as the Brit Awards and the Mercury Prize, featuring performances by Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, and Dizzee Rascal.

● Architecture

The Hammersmith Apollo is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture, with its striking exterior and opulent interior design, inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The venue's auditorium features a large proscenium arch and a dress circle, offering excellent views of the stage, which has hosted performances by The National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, and The English National Opera. The venue's design has been influenced by the works of Giles Gilbert Scott and John Soane, and its interior features intricate details, including mouldings and gilding, similar to those found in Buckingham Palace and The Royal Albert Hall. The Hammersmith Apollo's architecture has been praised by English Heritage and has been recognized as a Grade II listed building by Historic England, alongside other notable buildings like The Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral.

● Notable Performances

The Hammersmith Apollo has hosted a wide range of notable performances over the years, including concerts by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie, as well as theatre productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, featuring performances by Michael Crawford and Colm Wilkinson. The venue has also been a popular spot for comedy shows, featuring performances by Monty Python, The Two Ronnies, and Eddie Izzard, and has hosted numerous award shows, including the Brit Awards and the Mercury Prize, featuring performances by Coldplay, The Arctic Monkeys, and Florence + The Machine. The Hammersmith Apollo has also been a popular spot for live recordings, including albums by The Cure, Kasabian, and The Killers, and has hosted performances by international artists like Björk, Kylie Minogue, and Lady Gaga.

● Renovations and Restorations

Over the years, the Hammersmith Apollo has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its stunning architecture and ensure that it remains a state-of-the-art venue, with the help of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Arts Council England. In 2002, the venue underwent a major refurbishment, which included the restoration of its original Art Deco features, inspired by the works of René Lalique and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. The venue has also been equipped with modern sound and lighting systems, designed by d&b audiotechnik and Claypaky, and has been recognized for its excellent acoustics, praised by The Guardian and The Times. The Hammersmith Apollo's renovations have been recognized by The Royal Institute of British Architects and have been awarded several prizes, including the RIBA Award and the Civic Trust Award, alongside other notable buildings like The Gherkin and The Shard.

● Cultural Significance

The Hammersmith Apollo has played a significant role in British popular culture, hosting numerous iconic performances and events, including Live Aid and The Prince's Trust Rock Gala, featuring performances by Queen (band), Status Quo, and Eric Clapton. The venue has been recognized as a Grade II listed building by Historic England and has been praised by The National Trust for its stunning architecture and cultural significance, alongside other notable buildings like The British Museum and The National Gallery. The Hammersmith Apollo has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Beatles' A Hard Day's Night and The IT Crowd, and has been referenced in music by The Kinks and The Stranglers. The venue continues to be a popular spot for live music and entertainment, attracting visitors from all over the world, including fans of Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift.

Category:Music venues in London