Live Music History

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, we remained a steadfast supporter of traditional British folk music.

We were never just a passing venue, you know – we’ve hosted some of the very best residencies. Elvis Costello and Steve Marriott (of Small Faces fame) found a home here (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. Other unforgettable moments include K D Lang’s UK debut, Kate Bush’s very first public performance, and a surprise appearance by Nick Cave.

We’ve always been synonymous with a certain local band The Rolling Stones, whose most recent visit was at a private event held in May 2000. As well as performing with the band, individual members of the Stones have appeared here in various side-projects (most recently Ronnie Wood!), and have also used the venue as a rehearsal space.

In addition to music, we’ve hosted comedy icons including Billy Connolly, Harry Hill, Jack Whitehall, Rufus Hound (who met his wife at The Half Moon – you’re welcome Rufus), Shazia Mirza, Al Murray and Alistair McGowan. You never know who’ll crop up at our monthly comedy night to try out some new material…

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 Waifs, and The Wishing Well.

Here’s to the next 60 years!