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The Best in the ‘Biz

Some of our most famous shows include U2’s first sellout UK concert, Kd lang’s first UK appearance, and Kate Bush’s first public show.

Other names to have graced our stage include The Who, Van Morrison, John Martyn, Steve Marriott, Elvis Costello, Bo Diddley (to name a few), not forgetting the comedians Billy Connolly, Harry Hill and Stewart Lee. Recently we’ve treated our fans to performances from London Grammar, Nick Cave, Kasabian, Ed Sheeran, and comedians James Acaster, Reginald D Hunter and Aisling Bee.

Back to where it all began…

It all began with the folk and blues sessions started by Gerry Lockran, Royd Rivers and Cliff Aungier in 1963. Dubbed ‘Folksville,’ these sessions featured both emerging British and European artists, as well as established American blues legends such as Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Champion Jack Dupree, and Arthur Crudup. This transformative period in London’s music history saw the emergence of legendary acts like John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Alexis Korner, and The Yardbirds, with the Half Moon becoming a hub for the burgeoning blues scene.

As the blues and folk scenes flourished, we welcomed diverse genres from the psychedelic sounds of The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band to mod groups like The Pretty Things, and early pub-rock pioneers like Dr Feelgood. Through it all, the Half Moon remained a steadfast supporter of traditional British folk music.

Home to one or two famous faces… 

We were never just a passing venue; we’ve hosted some of the very best residencies. Elvis Costello and Steve Marriott, of Small Faces fame, found a home here (Steve Marriott’s last UK performance before his tragic 1991 passing). U2, during their initial UK visit, played four times, including their first sold-out show. Decades later, John Martyn returned for an extended residency, as did Tim Rose and Roy Harper. Unforgettable moments at the Half Moon encompass K D Lang’s UK debut, Kate Bush’s very first public performance, and a surprise appearance by Nick Cave.

 

From music to comedy…

The Half Moon has always been synonymous with a certain local band The Rolling Stones, whose most recent visit was at a private event held at the Half Moon in May, 2000. As well as performing as the band, individual members of the Stones have appeared here in various side-projects, and have also used the venue for rehearsal space.

As well as music, the Half Moon has seen great comedy acts, including Billy Connolly, Harry Hill, Jack Whitehall, Rufus Hound (who met his wife at The Half Moon), Shazia Mirza, Al Murray the Pub Landlord and Alistair McGowen. You never know who will crop up at our monthly comedy night to try out some new material.

And that’s only the beginning…

While we’re renowned for our rich history, we’re far from done. We remain a hub for live music, seven days a week, embracing both our original folk and blues roots and tomorrow’s emerging talents. Over the past few decades we’ve welcomed plenty of new talent (at the time!) including Kasabian, The Wombats, Ben Howard, Joy Formidable and London Grammar, as well as international acts like GoodLuck, MiCasa, Australia’s The Waif’s, and The Wishing Well.

Brilliant Venue

My first experience of The Half Moon was last night watching Ebbot Lundberg, I will definitely come back. Brilliant venue and good staff. Thank you.

Magdalena Wallström

Vibrant Venue

A stone’s throw from the river, this vibrant venue continues to draw renowned musicians and live music fans from all over the world, year after year, and the cracking selection of hearty fresh pub grub makes it too good a gig to miss.

Time Out