Jump to content

Brixton Academy: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°27′54″N 0°06′54″W / 51.465107°N 0.114922°W / 51.465107; -0.114922
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
m →‎2022 Asake concert crush: Move reopening to the past
(20 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 32: Line 32:
| seating_type =
| seating_type =
| suites =
| suites =
| capacity = 4,921<br>{{Collapsible list|expand=|framestyle=|titlestyle=|title=Detailed capacity<ref>{{cite web |url=https://academymusicgroup.com/companyo2academybrixton/ |title=Company Profile: O2 Academy Brixton |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 2020 |website=Academy Music Group |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-040805/https://academymusicgroup.com/companyo2academybrixton/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>|liststyle=|hlist=|bullets=|General admission: 4,300|Reserved: 3,820|Theatre: 2,315}}
| capacity = 4,921<br>{{Collapsible list|expand=|framestyle=|titlestyle=|title=Detailed capacity<ref>{{cite web |url=https://academymusicgroup.com/companyo2academybrixton/ |title=Company Profile: O2 Academy Brixton |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 2020 |website=Academy Music Group |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223040805/https://academymusicgroup.com/companyo2academybrixton/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>|liststyle=|hlist=|bullets=|General admission: 4,300|Reserved: 3,820|Theatre: 2,315}}
| record_attendance =
| record_attendance =
| dimensions =
| dimensions =
Line 48: Line 48:
| expanded =
| expanded =
| closed = {{hlist|{{Start date|1972|07|29|df=y}}|January 1973|April 1982|December 2022}}
| closed = {{hlist|{{Start date|1972|07|29|df=y}}|January 1973|April 1982|December 2022}}
| reopened = {{hlist|September 1972|{{Start date|1982|03|12|df=y}}|{{Start date|1983|10|07|df=y}}}}
| reopened = {{hlist|September 1972|{{Start date|1982|03|12|df=y}}|{{Start date|1983|10|07|df=y}}|{{Start date|2024|04|19|df=y}}}}
| demolished =
| demolished =
| rebuilt =
| rebuilt =
Line 67: Line 67:
'''Brixton Academy''' (originally known as the '''Astoria Variety Cinema''', previously known as '''Carling Academy Brixton''', currently named '''O<sub>2</sub> Academy Brixton''' as part of a sponsorship deal with the [[O2 (brand)|O<sub>2</sub> brand]]) is a mid-sized concert venue located in South West London, in the Lambeth district of [[Brixton]].
'''Brixton Academy''' (originally known as the '''Astoria Variety Cinema''', previously known as '''Carling Academy Brixton''', currently named '''O<sub>2</sub> Academy Brixton''' as part of a sponsorship deal with the [[O2 (brand)|O<sub>2</sub> brand]]) is a mid-sized concert venue located in South West London, in the Lambeth district of [[Brixton]].


Opening in 1929 as a [[Movie theater|cinema]], the venue was converted into a [[discotheque]] in 1972, then reborn as a concert hall in 1983. It is owned by the [[Academy Music Group]], and has become one of London's leading music venues,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Entertainment/The_Brixton_Academy/df29/|title=Visitor Information: O2 Academy Brixton|date=April 2012|work=LondonTown|archive-url=https://archive.today/2012.12.08-192306/http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Entertainment/The_Brixton_Academy/df29/ |archive-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> hosting over [[#Albums recorded at Brixton|50 live albums]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southlondonclub.co.uk/blog/a-brief-history-of-brixton-academy#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20this%2C%20over,year%20twelve%20times%20since%201994.|work=southlondonclub.co.uk|title=A Brief History of Brixton Academy}}</ref> and winning the [[NME]] Best Venue 12 times since 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-awards/o2-academy-brixton-facts-1969396|work=[[NME]]|title=VO5 NME Awards 2017: 9 Things You Might Not Know About London's O2 Academy Brixton|author=Rhian Daly|date=8 February 2017}}</ref> It has been home to several notable performances, including [[The Smiths]]' last gig (December 1986),<ref name=Smiths/> [[Leftfield]]'s June 1996 concert which set a decibel record for a live gig at 137db,<ref name=Loud/> and [[Madonna]]'s gig in 2000, which was watched by an online audience of 9 million.<ref name=mad/>
Opening in 1929 as a [[Movie theater|cinema]], the venue was converted into a [[discotheque]] in 1972, then reborn as a concert hall in 1983. It is owned by the [[Academy Music Group]] (AMG), and has become one of London's leading music venues,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Entertainment/The_Brixton_Academy/df29/|title=Visitor Information: O2 Academy Brixton|date=April 2012|work=LondonTown|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208192306/http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Entertainment/The_Brixton_Academy/df29/ |archive-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> hosting over [[#Albums recorded at Brixton|50 live albums]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southlondonclub.co.uk/blog/a-brief-history-of-brixton-academy#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20this%2C%20over,year%20twelve%20times%20since%201994.|work=southlondonclub.co.uk|title=A Brief History of Brixton Academy|date=17 August 2017 }}</ref> and winning the [[NME]] Best Venue 12 times since 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-awards/o2-academy-brixton-facts-1969396|work=[[NME]]|title=VO5 NME Awards 2017: 9 Things You Might Not Know About London's O2 Academy Brixton|author=Rhian Daly|date=8 February 2017}}</ref> It has been home to several notable performances, including [[The Smiths]]' last gig (December 1986),<ref name=Smiths/> [[Leftfield]]'s June 1996 concert which set a decibel record for a live gig at 137db,<ref name=Loud/> and [[Madonna]]'s gig in 2000, which was watched by an online audience of 9 million.<ref name=mad/>


In December 2022, two people died and others were seriously injured following a [[crowd crush]] at the door. As a result, the venue's licence is currently suspended.
In December 2022, two people died and others were seriously injured following a [[crowd crush]] at the door. As a result the venue was closed, with reopening subject to meeting council licensing conditions. It reopened on 19 April 2024.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Sex Pistols in Stockwell, 2007-11-03.jpg|thumb|left|Part of the [[Italian Renaissance]] interior of the [[auditorium]]]]
[[File:Sex Pistols in Stockwell, 2007-11-03.jpg|thumb|left|Part of the [[Italian Renaissance]] interior of the [[auditorium]]]]


The venue started as a cinema and theatre in 1929 on the site of a private garden in Stockwell Road. Designed by the architects [[Thomas Somerford]] and E. A. Stone,<ref>{{cite journal |last=Visvardi |first=Aikaterini |date=31 March 2016 |title=The Sound of Music |url=https://issuu.com/vicinity_magazine/docs/vicinity_magazine_issuu/89 |journal=Vicinity Magazine |via=[[Issuu]] |pages=89 |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-032808/https://issuu.com/vicinity_magazine/docs/vicinity_magazine_issuu/89 |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> it was built at a cost of £250,000 as an "Astoria" theatre. The opening show was the [[Al Jolson]] film ''[[The Singing Fool]]'', followed by a variety act, including [[Heddle Nash]] and [[Derek Oldham]] which was broadcast by the [[BBC]]. The theatre eventually closed its doors as a cinema on 29 July 1972. It was then converted into a discotheque in September 1972, known as the "Sundown Centre".<ref>{{cite book |last=Allen |first=Carl |date=15 April 2016 |title=London Gig Venues |location=[[Stroud|Stroud, England]] |publisher=[[Amberley Publishing]] |isbn=978-1445658209}}</ref> The club was not a success and closed down some four months later. In May 1974 planning permission was sought to demolish the Grade II listed building and replace it with a motor showroom and petrol station. However, the redevelopment scheme was scrapped. The building was kept heated after it closed, and was used as an equipment store by the [[Rank Organisation]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Parkes |first1=Simon |last2=Rafaeli |first2=J.S. |date=23 January 2014 |title=Live at the Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business |location=London, England |publisher=[[Profile Books]] |isbn=978-1847659934}}</ref>
The venue started as a cinema and theatre in 1929 on the site of a private garden in Stockwell Road. Designed by the architects [[Thomas Somerford]] and E. A. Stone,<ref>{{cite journal |last=Visvardi |first=Aikaterini |date=31 March 2016 |title=The Sound of Music |url=https://issuu.com/vicinity_magazine/docs/vicinity_magazine_issuu/89 |journal=Vicinity Magazine |via=[[Issuu]] |pages=89 |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223032808/https://issuu.com/vicinity_magazine/docs/vicinity_magazine_issuu/89 |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> it was built at a cost of £250,000 as an "Astoria" theatre. The opening show was the [[Al Jolson]] film ''[[The Singing Fool]]'', followed by a variety act, including [[Heddle Nash]] and [[Derek Oldham]] which was broadcast by the [[BBC]]. The theatre eventually closed its doors as a cinema on 29 July 1972. It was then converted into a discotheque in September 1972, known as the "Sundown Centre".<ref>{{cite book |last=Allen |first=Carl |date=15 April 2016 |title=London Gig Venues |location=[[Stroud|Stroud, England]] |publisher=[[Amberley Publishing]] |isbn=978-1445658209}}</ref> The club was not a success and closed down some four months later. In May 1974 planning permission was sought to demolish the Grade II listed building and replace it with a motor showroom and petrol station. However, the redevelopment scheme was scrapped. The building was kept heated after it closed, and was used as an equipment store by the [[Rank Organisation]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Parkes |first1=Simon |last2=Rafaeli |first2=J.S. |date=23 January 2014 |title=Live at the Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business |location=London, England |publisher=[[Profile Books]] |isbn=978-1847659934}}</ref>


In 1981, the venue was remodelled by Sean Treacy, who later ran the entire site services, was re-opened as a rock venue called "Fair Deal"<ref>{{cite book |last=Gimarc |first=George |date=2005 |title=Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter's Guide to Underground Rock, 1970–1982 |location=[[Milwaukee|Milwaukee, Wisconsin]] |publisher=[[Hal Leonard LLC|Backbeat Books]] |isbn=0879308486}}</ref> with a concert by [[UB40]] and an interior restoration. The Clash played the venue in 1982 on their Casbah Club tour (30 July) but the venue closed later that year due to debt. In 1983, Simon Parkes bought the venue for £1, and re-opened it as the Brixton Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/3bw8xn/i-bought-the-brixton-academy-for-1 |title=I Bought the Brixton Academy for £1 |last1=Parkes |first1=Simon |last2=Thomas |first2=Justin |date=27 January 2014 |website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-025944/https://www.vice.com/en/article/3bw8xn/i-bought-the-brixton-academy-for-1 |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> The academy's success steadily grew throughout the 1980s with numerous reggae productions and it was hired out to major rock and pop acts such as [[Eric Clapton]], [[Dire Straits]] & [[The Police]] for rehearsal. The venue was also used for video shoots for [[Wham!]] ([[Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go]]) and [[Culture Club]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bray |first=Elisa |date=2014-01-23 |title=The week in music: Riotous story of how Brixton became a rock fans' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/the-week-in-music-riotous-story-of-how-brixton-became-a-rock-fans-nirvana-9081498.html |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=[[The Independent]] |language=en}}</ref> Parkes would go on to write a book about his experience of running the venue, ''Live At The Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business'', which was published in 2014.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Parkes |first=Simon |title=Live At The Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business |publisher=[[Serpent's Tail]] |year=2014 |isbn=9781846689550 |location=London}}</ref>
In 1981, the venue was remodelled by Sean Treacy, who later ran the entire site services, was re-opened as a rock venue called "Fair Deal"<ref>{{cite book |last=Gimarc |first=George |date=2005 |title=Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter's Guide to Underground Rock, 1970–1982 |location=[[Milwaukee|Milwaukee, Wisconsin]] |publisher=[[Hal Leonard LLC|Backbeat Books]] |isbn=0879308486}}</ref> with a concert by [[UB40]] and an interior restoration. The Clash played the venue in 1982 on their Casbah Club tour (30 July) but the venue closed later that year due to debt. In 1983, Simon Parkes bought the venue for £1, and re-opened it as the Brixton Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/3bw8xn/i-bought-the-brixton-academy-for-1 |title=I Bought the Brixton Academy for £1 |last1=Parkes |first1=Simon |last2=Thomas |first2=Justin |date=27 January 2014 |website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223025944/https://www.vice.com/en/article/3bw8xn/i-bought-the-brixton-academy-for-1 |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> The academy's success steadily grew throughout the 1980s with numerous reggae productions and it was hired out to major rock and pop acts such as [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Eric Clapton]], [[Dire Straits]] and [[the Police]] for rehearsal. The venue was also used for video shoots for [[Wham!]] ([[Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go]]) and [[Culture Club]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bray |first=Elisa |date=2014-01-23 |title=The week in music: Riotous story of how Brixton became a rock fans' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/the-week-in-music-riotous-story-of-how-brixton-became-a-rock-fans-nirvana-9081498.html |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=[[The Independent]] |language=en}}</ref> Parkes would go on to write a book about his experience of running the venue, ''Live At The Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business'', which was published in 2014.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Parkes |first=Simon |title=Live At The Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business |publisher=[[Serpent's Tail]] |year=2014 |isbn=9781846689550 |location=London}}</ref>


In 1995, Parkes sold the theatre to Break for the Border. Under its new ownership (McKenzie Group),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12420162.mbo-to-boost-academy-roll-out/ |title=MBO to boost Academy roll-out |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=30 August 2004 |website=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-034747/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12420162.mbo-to-boost-academy-roll-out/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> reinvestment started immediately, with a complete £500,000 refurbishment of the Art Deco building frontage to its original grandeur, additional facilities both front of house and backstage and a capacity increase to just under 5,000. The venue is currently run by the [[Academy Music Group]] after a rebranding in August 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.etnow.com/news/2003/5/mkg-announce-carling-academy-liverpool |title=MKG Announce Carling Academy Liverpool|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=14 May 2003 |website=Entertainment Technology Press |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-035100/http://www.etnow.com/news/2003/5/mkg-announce-carling-academy-liverpool |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> and hosts a range of live acts and club nights. With the sale, the venue's title was changed to Carling Academy Brixton. In 2008, naming rights were purchased for £25.5 million by the [[O2 (UK)|O2]] brand, owned by the Spanish telecommunications company [[Telefónica]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marketingweek.com/o2-replaces-carling-as-academy-venues-sponsor/ |title=O2 replaces Carling as Academy venues sponsor |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=6 November 2008 |website=[[Marketing Week]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-033321/https://www.marketingweek.com/o2-replaces-carling-as-academy-venues-sponsor/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
In 1995, Parkes sold the theatre to Break for the Border. Under its new ownership (McKenzie Group),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12420162.mbo-to-boost-academy-roll-out/ |title=MBO to boost Academy roll-out |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=30 August 2004 |website=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223034747/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12420162.mbo-to-boost-academy-roll-out/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> reinvestment started immediately, with a complete £500,000 refurbishment of the Art Deco building frontage to its original grandeur, additional facilities both front of house and backstage and a capacity increase to just under 5,000. The venue is currently run by the [[Academy Music Group]] after a rebranding in August 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.etnow.com/news/2003/5/mkg-announce-carling-academy-liverpool |title=MKG Announce Carling Academy Liverpool|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=14 May 2003 |website=Entertainment Technology Press |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223035100/http://www.etnow.com/news/2003/5/mkg-announce-carling-academy-liverpool |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> and hosts a range of live acts and club nights. With the sale, the venue's title was changed to Carling Academy Brixton. In 2008, naming rights were purchased for £25.5 million by the [[O2 (UK)|O2]] brand, owned by the Spanish telecommunications company [[Telefónica]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marketingweek.com/o2-replaces-carling-as-academy-venues-sponsor/ |title=O2 replaces Carling as Academy venues sponsor |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=6 November 2008 |website=[[Marketing Week]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223033321/https://www.marketingweek.com/o2-replaces-carling-as-academy-venues-sponsor/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>


Being one of the biggest non-arena music venues in London, the academy has been used by many very successful acts. It has also been voted venue of the year 12 times since 1994 in the annual [[NME Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academy-music-group.co.uk/aboutus.php|title=Profile|date=August 2005|website=Academy Music Group|access-date=8 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070719234234/http://www.academy-music-group.co.uk/aboutus.php|archive-date=19 July 2007}}</ref> In addition the venue has won the Music Week Award for Venue of the Year several times including 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1037465|title=Blackwell saluted as best of last 50 years|work=[[Music Week]]|last1=Cardew |first1=Ben|date=9 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425023029/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1037465 |archive-date=25 April 2009}}</ref>
Being one of the biggest non-arena music venues in London, the academy has been used by many very successful acts. It has also been voted venue of the year 12 times since 1994 in the annual [[NME Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academy-music-group.co.uk/aboutus.php|title=Profile|date=August 2005|website=Academy Music Group|access-date=8 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070719234234/http://www.academy-music-group.co.uk/aboutus.php|archive-date=19 July 2007}}</ref> In addition the venue has won the Music Week Award for Venue of the Year several times including 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1037465|title=Blackwell saluted as best of last 50 years|work=[[Music Week]]|last1=Cardew |first1=Ben|date=9 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425023029/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1037465 |archive-date=25 April 2009}}</ref>


=== 2022 Asake concert crush <span class="anchor" id="Asake concert crush"></span> ===
=== 2022 Asake concert crush <span class="anchor" id="Asake concert crush"></span> ===
A [[crowd crush]] outside a performance by [[Asake]] on 15 December 2022 seriously injured four people,<ref>{{cite news |title=Suspected crush outside Asake gig at Brixton O2 Academy |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-64000314 |access-date=16 December 2022 |work=BBC News |date=16 December 2022}}</ref> two of whom died in the following days.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brixton Academy: Woman dies after Asake concert crush |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-64012167 |access-date=17 December 2022 |work=BBC News |date=17 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-19 |title=Security guard Gabrielle becomes second to die after Brixton Academy crowd crush |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/brixton-academy-london-metropolitan-police-police-officers-mayor-b2248107.html |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=The Independent}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' cast doubt on early reports that people were trying to force their way in without a ticket.<ref>{{cite news |title=Witnesses to Brixton concert crush say many fans outside had tickets |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/dec/18/witnesses-to-brixton-concert-crush-say-many-fans-outside-had-tickets |work=The Guardian|date=18 December 2022 |first=Heather |last=Stewart}}</ref> The newspaper also questioned the management of the building and its entrances.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asake concert crush: what happened on the night at London venue |first1=Matthew |last1=Weaver |first2=Heather |last2=Stewart |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/dec/21/asake-concert-crush-what-happened-london-brixton-o2 |date=21 December 2022 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> As a result of the crowd crush, Lambeth councillors met in the early hours of 22 December 2022 and decided to suspend the academy's operating licence following the "severity of events" and "risks to public safety" from "a lack of crowd control at the front doors". The licence was suspended until a full hearing on 16 January 2023,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-22 |title=Brixton Academy licence suspended after fatal crush |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-64065895 |access-date=2022-12-22}}</ref> when it was suspended for a further three months.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Salisbury |first1=Josh |title=Brixton O2 Academy has licence suspended for three months after fatal crowd crush left two dead |access-date=17 January 2023 |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/brixton-o2-academy-licence-suspended-crowd-crush-b1053320.html |work=Evening Standard |date=16 January 2023}}</ref>
A [[crowd crush]] outside a performance by [[Asake]] on 15 December 2022 seriously injured four people,<ref>{{cite news |title=Suspected crush outside Asake gig at Brixton O2 Academy |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-64000314 |access-date=16 December 2022 |work=BBC News |date=16 December 2022}}</ref> two of whom died in the following days.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brixton Academy: Woman dies after Asake concert crush |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-64012167 |access-date=17 December 2022 |work=BBC News |date=17 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-19 |title=Security guard Gabrielle becomes second to die after Brixton Academy crowd crush |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/brixton-academy-london-metropolitan-police-police-officers-mayor-b2248107.html |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=The Independent}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' cast doubt on early reports that people were trying to force their way in without a ticket.<ref>{{cite news |title=Witnesses to Brixton concert crush say many fans outside had tickets |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/dec/18/witnesses-to-brixton-concert-crush-say-many-fans-outside-had-tickets |work=The Guardian|date=18 December 2022 |first=Heather |last=Stewart}}</ref> The newspaper also questioned the management of the building and its entrances.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asake concert crush: what happened on the night at London venue |first1=Matthew |last1=Weaver |first2=Heather |last2=Stewart |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/dec/21/asake-concert-crush-what-happened-london-brixton-o2 |date=21 December 2022 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> As a result of the crowd crush, Lambeth councillors met in the early hours of 22 December 2022 and decided to suspend the academy's operating licence following the "severity of events" and "risks to public safety" from "a lack of crowd control at the front doors". The licence was suspended until a full hearing on 16 January 2023,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-22 |title=Brixton Academy licence suspended after fatal crush |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-64065895 |access-date=2022-12-22}}</ref> when it was suspended for a further three months.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Salisbury |first1=Josh |title=Brixton O2 Academy has licence suspended for three months after fatal crowd crush left two dead |access-date=17 January 2023 |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/brixton-o2-academy-licence-suspended-crowd-crush-b1053320.html |work=Evening Standard |date=16 January 2023}}</ref>


The [[BBC]] reported that security staff were said to accept bribes to allow people in without a ticket.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meisel |first1=Anna |last2=Kiteley |first2=Patrick |title=Brixton Academy security guards regularly 'took bribes' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64263074 |access-date=17 January 2023 |work=BBC News |date=17 January 2023}}</ref> In April 2023 the [[Metropolitan Police]] stated that they had no confidence in the holder of the venue's licence and that they were applying for the licence to be revoked.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Warren |first1=Jess |title=Met wants Brixton venue licence revoked over crush |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clw9vllw897o |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=BBC News |date=25 April 2023}}</ref>
The [[BBC]] reported that security staff were said to accept bribes to allow people in without a ticket.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meisel |first1=Anna |last2=Kiteley |first2=Patrick |title=Brixton Academy security guards regularly 'took bribes' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64263074 |access-date=17 January 2023 |work=BBC News |date=17 January 2023}}</ref> In April 2023 the [[Metropolitan Police]] stated that they had no confidence in the holder of the venue's licence and that they were applying for the licence to be revoked.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Warren |first1=Jess |title=Met wants Brixton venue licence revoked over crush |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clw9vllw897o |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=BBC News |date=25 April 2023}}</ref> In September 2023, the police stated that they were not opposed to the venue reopening, but simply opposed to AMG operating it.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cafe |first1=Rebecca |title=Met Police 'does not want O2 Brixton permanently closed' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-66790282 |access-date=13 September 2023 |publisher=BBC News |date=13 September 2023}}</ref>

On 15 September 2023 [[Lambeth London Borough Council|Lambeth Council]] announced that the venue was permitted to re-open after the incident,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Council |first=Lambeth |date=2023-09-15 |title=Love Lambeth |url=https://love.lambeth.gov.uk/statement-on-the-o2-academy-brixton-licensing-sub-committee-decision/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Love Lambeth |language=en-GB}}</ref> providing they meet new [[Licensing Act 2003|licensing conditions]] including strengthened doors, a new security contractor and additional safety procedures. A full list of the conditions is [https://moderngov.lambeth.gov.uk/documents/b34421/O2%20Academy%20Brixton%20Decision%20Monday%2011-Sep-2023%2010.00%20Licensing%20Sub-Committee.pdf?T=9 published online] by Lambeth Council.

The venue reopened on 19 April 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Jacob |title=Brixton Academy reopening tonight for first time since fatal crush |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/brixton-academy-reopening-nirvana-smyths-fatal-crush-b1152483.html |access-date=19 April 2024 |publisher=Evening Standard |date=19 April 2024}}</ref>


==Notable performances==
==Notable performances==
[[File:Sex Pistols at Brixton Academy 2007-11-03 (4).jpg|thumb|left|The decorative [[proscenium arch]], framing the stage, with a concert in progress (Sex Pistols, 2007)]]
[[File:Sex Pistols at Brixton Academy 2007-11-03 (4).jpg|thumb|left|The decorative [[proscenium arch]], framing the stage, with a concert in progress (Sex Pistols, 2007)]]


[[The Smiths]] played their last gig here in December 1986<ref name=Smiths>{{cite web |url=https://diffuser.fm/smiths-final-concert/ |title=30 Years Ago: The Smiths Play Their Final Concert|last1=Zaleski |first1=Annie |date=12 December 2016 |website=Diffuser.fm |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-045734/https://diffuser.fm/smiths-final-concert/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> which was an Anti-[[Apartheid]] benefit scheduled for the Royal Albert Hall but rearranged to the Brixton Academy due to [[Johnny Marr]] being involved in a car accident.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/07/20/morrissey_jealous_of_neck_brace/|title=Morrissey jealous of neck brace |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=20 July 2009 |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-050046/http://archive.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/07/20/morrissey_jealous_of_neck_brace/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
[[The Smiths]] played their last gig here in December 1986<ref name=Smiths>{{cite web |url=https://diffuser.fm/smiths-final-concert/ |title=30 Years Ago: The Smiths Play Their Final Concert|last1=Zaleski |first1=Annie |date=12 December 2016 |website=Diffuser.fm |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223045734/https://diffuser.fm/smiths-final-concert/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> which was an Anti-[[Apartheid]] benefit scheduled for the Royal Albert Hall but rearranged to the Brixton Academy due to [[Johnny Marr]] being involved in a car accident.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/07/20/morrissey_jealous_of_neck_brace/|title=Morrissey jealous of neck brace |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=20 July 2009 |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223050046/http://archive.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/07/20/morrissey_jealous_of_neck_brace/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>


The [[Ramones]] played their final European show at the venue on February 3, 1996, before touring for the last time in South and North America.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://glidemagazine.com/video/25-years-ago-today-the-ramones-play-their-last-u-k-show/#:~:text=25%20years%20ago%20today%20(2,augmented%20by%20Marky%20and%20C.J.) | title=25 Years Ago Today - the Ramones Play Their Last U.K. Show (Listen 2/3/96 Audio) }}</ref>
The [[Ramones]] played their final European show at the venue on February 3, 1996, before touring for the last time in South and North America.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://glidemagazine.com/video/25-years-ago-today-the-ramones-play-their-last-u-k-show/#:~:text=25%20years%20ago%20today%20(2,augmented%20by%20Marky%20and%20C.J.) | title=25 Years Ago Today - the Ramones Play Their Last U.K. Show (Listen 2/3/96 Audio) }}</ref>


[[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] played a [[List of Madonna live performances|special concert]] at the venue in 2000, to promote the release of her album, ''[[Music (Madonna album)|Music]]''. The concert was broadcast live online and was watched by a record-breaking audience of 9 million.<ref name=mad>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/9-million-watch-madonna-webcast/ |title=9 Million Watch Madonna Webcast |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= 28 November 2000|website=[[CBS News]] |publisher=[[CBS Corporation]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/2020.12.23-041715/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/9-million-watch-madonna-webcast/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
[[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] played a [[List of Madonna live performances|special concert]] at the venue in 2000, to promote the release of her album, ''[[Music (Madonna album)|Music]]''. The concert was broadcast live online and was watched by a record-breaking audience of 9 million.<ref name=mad>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/9-million-watch-madonna-webcast/ |title=9 Million Watch Madonna Webcast |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= 28 November 2000|website=[[CBS News]] |publisher=[[CBS Corporation]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201223041715/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/9-million-watch-madonna-webcast/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>


Artists such as [[The Clash]], [[Debbie Harry|Deborah Harry]], [[The Prodigy]], [[Arcade Fire]], [[Nine Inch Nails]] and [[Bob Dylan]] have all played five consecutive nights at the venue.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} In 2002, [[Iron Maiden]] played three consecutive nights as a part of charity event "Clive Aid 2002". The band set the record for merchandise and ticket sales.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ironmaiden.com/tours/brave-new-world-tour-2000 |title=Record-breaking three Brixton Academy shows|publisher=ironmaiden.com |access-date=15 February 2022|date=15 February 2022}}</ref> [[The Mighty Boosh]] broke this record in 2008, with their second live show ''[[Boosh Live]]'', playing seven consecutive nights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/new-the-mighty-boosh-exhibition-to-showcase-unseen-878866|title=New 'The Mighty Boosh' exhibition to showcase unseen tour photography and Noel Fielding illustrations|work=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022171415/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/new-the-mighty-boosh-exhibition-to-showcase-unseen-878866 |archive-date=22 October 2016|date=28 July 2016|last1=Moore |first1=Sam}}</ref> [[The xx]] equalled their record in March 2017, playing seven consecutive nights in support of third record ''[[I See You (The xx album)|I See You]]'', becoming the first music act to reach that number.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/25/the-xx-announce-record-breaking-seven-brixton-academy-shows|title=The xx announce record-breaking seven Brixton Academy shows|work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064714/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/25/the-xx-announce-record-breaking-seven-brixton-academy-shows |archive-date=26 November 2016|date=25 November 2016}}</ref>
Artists such as [[The Clash]], [[Debbie Harry|Deborah Harry]], [[The Prodigy]], [[Arcade Fire]], [[Nine Inch Nails]] and [[Bob Dylan]] have all played five consecutive nights at the venue.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} In 2002, [[Iron Maiden]] played three consecutive nights as a part of charity event "Clive Aid 2002". The band set the record for merchandise and ticket sales.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ironmaiden.com/tours/brave-new-world-tour-2000 |title=Record-breaking three Brixton Academy shows|publisher=ironmaiden.com |access-date=15 February 2022|date=15 February 2022}}</ref> [[The Mighty Boosh]] broke this record in 2008, with their second live show ''[[Boosh Live]]'', playing seven consecutive nights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/new-the-mighty-boosh-exhibition-to-showcase-unseen-878866|title=New 'The Mighty Boosh' exhibition to showcase unseen tour photography and Noel Fielding illustrations|work=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022171415/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/new-the-mighty-boosh-exhibition-to-showcase-unseen-878866 |archive-date=22 October 2016|date=28 July 2016|last1=Moore |first1=Sam}}</ref> [[The xx]] equalled their record in March 2017, playing seven consecutive nights in support of third record ''[[I See You (The xx album)|I See You]]'', becoming the first music act to reach that number.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/25/the-xx-announce-record-breaking-seven-brixton-academy-shows|title=The xx announce record-breaking seven Brixton Academy shows|work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064714/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/25/the-xx-announce-record-breaking-seven-brixton-academy-shows |archive-date=26 November 2016|date=25 November 2016}}</ref>


[[Leftfield]] set the world's decibel record for a live concert in 1996 when they reached 137db.<ref name=Loud>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/the-loudest-bands-of-all-time/ |title=The loudest bands of all time |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2 July 2020 |website=[[Radio X (United Kingdom)|Radio X]] |publisher=[[Global Media & Entertainment|Global Radio]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223000000/https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/the-loudest-bands-of-all-time/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}} [https://archive.st/archive/2020/12/www.radiox.co.uk/sb6s/www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/the-loudest-bands-of-all-time/index.html Alt URL]</ref> They were summarily banned from using the same sound system at the venue after the high bass levels started disintegrating the ceiling, resulting in showers of dust and plaster.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.turbosound.com/docs2/latest_news/EFEFuplZVkmVomoILp.shtml |title=Leftfield Bring the House Down |access-date=6 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412102906/http://www.turbosound.com/docs2/latest_news/EFEFuplZVkmVomoILp.shtml |archive-date=12 April 2015 |website=Turbosound|publisher=MUSIC Group IP Ltd. |date=November 2010}}</ref> They returned in 2000 using a different sound system.{{cn|date=August 2023}}
[[Leftfield]] set the world's decibel record for a live concert in 1996 when they reached 137db.<ref name=Loud>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/the-loudest-bands-of-all-time/ |title=The loudest bands of all time |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2 July 2020 |website=[[Radio X (United Kingdom)|Radio X]] |publisher=[[Global Media & Entertainment|Global Radio]] |access-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223000000/https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/the-loudest-bands-of-all-time/ |archive-date=23 December 2020}} [https://archive.st/archive/2020/12/www.radiox.co.uk/sb6s/www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/the-loudest-bands-of-all-time/index.html Alt URL]</ref> They were summarily banned from using the same sound system at the venue after the high bass levels started disintegrating the ceiling, resulting in showers of dust and plaster.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.turbosound.com/docs2/latest_news/EFEFuplZVkmVomoILp.shtml |title=Leftfield Bring the House Down |access-date=6 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412102906/http://www.turbosound.com/docs2/latest_news/EFEFuplZVkmVomoILp.shtml |archive-date=12 April 2015 |website=Turbosound|publisher=MUSIC Group IP Ltd. |date=November 2010}}</ref> They returned in 2000 using a different sound system.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}


==Albums recorded at Brixton==
==Albums recorded at Brixton==
Line 104: Line 108:
*''[[Space Ritual]]'', a 1972 live album by [[Hawkwind]], recorded in 1972 at Brixton Sundown and Liverpool Stadium.
*''[[Space Ritual]]'', a 1972 live album by [[Hawkwind]], recorded in 1972 at Brixton Sundown and Liverpool Stadium.
*''Live at the Academy, Brixton'', an album by [[Gregory Isaacs]], recorded in May 1984.
*''Live at the Academy, Brixton'', an album by [[Gregory Isaacs]], recorded in May 1984.
*Pete Townshend recorded [[Deep End Live!|''Deep End Live!'']] at Brixton Academy on 1/2 November 1985.
*Pete Townshend recorded ''[[Deep End Live!]]'' at Brixton Academy on 1/2 November 1985.
*''Academy'', a 1989 [[VHS]] video by [[New Order (band)|New Order]] was recorded live at the Brixton Academy on 4 April 1987 as part of the International [[AIDS]] Day fund-raising season
*''Academy'', a 1989 [[VHS]] video by [[New Order (band)|New Order]] was recorded live at the Brixton Academy on 4 April 1987 as part of the International [[AIDS]] Day fund-raising season
*''[[See You Up There]]'', a 1989 live album by [[Stiff Little Fingers]], recorded 17 March 1988.
*''[[See You Up There (album)|See You Up There]]'', a 1989 live album by [[Stiff Little Fingers]], recorded 17 March 1988.
*''A New Decade: Live From Brixton Academy'', a 1990 live album by [[Soul II Soul]], was recorded in the summer of 1990.
*''A New Decade: Live From Brixton Academy'', a 1990 live album by [[Soul II Soul]], was recorded in the summer of 1990.
*''[[Live at the Brixton Academy (Faith No More album)|You Fat Bastards: Live at the Brixton Academy]]'', a 1991 live album by [[Faith No More]], recorded in 1990.
*''[[Live at the Brixton Academy (Faith No More album)|You Fat Bastards: Live at the Brixton Academy]]'', a 1991 live album by [[Faith No More]], recorded in 1990.
Line 114: Line 118:
*''[[Live at Brixton Academy (Atari Teenage Riot album)|Live at Brixton Academy]]'', a 1999 live album by [[Atari Teenage Riot]].
*''[[Live at Brixton Academy (Atari Teenage Riot album)|Live at Brixton Academy]]'', a 1999 live album by [[Atari Teenage Riot]].
*''Live at the Brixton Academy'', a live album released by [[Sizzla]] on 29 August 2000
*''Live at the Brixton Academy'', a live album released by [[Sizzla]] on 29 August 2000
*[[David Gray (musician)|David Gray]] recorded his concert on 16 December 2000 as the album ''Live at Brixton Academy December 2000''.
*[[David Gray (British musician)|David Gray]] recorded his concert on 16 December 2000 as the album ''Live at Brixton Academy December 2000''.
*[[Motörhead]] recorded their 25th Anniversary concert on 20 October 2000 at Brixton Academy entitled ''[[25 & Alive Boneshaker]]'', released as DVD music video in 2001 and as an audio album later in 2003 under the ''[[Live at Brixton Academy (Motörhead album)|Live at Brixton Academy]]'' title, the latter featuring the façade of Carling Academy Brixton on the cover.
*[[Motörhead]] recorded their 25th Anniversary concert on 20 October 2000 at Brixton Academy entitled ''[[25 & Alive Boneshaker]]'', released as DVD music video in 2001 and as an audio album later in 2003 under the ''[[Live at Brixton Academy (Motörhead album)|Live at Brixton Academy]]'' title, the latter featuring the façade of Carling Academy Brixton on the cover.
*[[Conflict (Band)|Conflict]] ''Turning Rebellion into Money''. Recorded 18 April 1987 during The Gathering of the 5000.
*[[Conflict (Band)|Conflict]] ''Turning Rebellion into Money''. Recorded 18 April 1987 during The Gathering of the 5000.
Line 124: Line 128:
*A live album was released immediately after all four [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]] 2004 concerts.
*A live album was released immediately after all four [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]] 2004 concerts.
*[[Franz Ferdinand (band)|Franz Ferdinand]] recorded part of their [[Franz Ferdinand (DVD)|self-titled live DVD]] at Brixton Academy in 2004.
*[[Franz Ferdinand (band)|Franz Ferdinand]] recorded part of their [[Franz Ferdinand (DVD)|self-titled live DVD]] at Brixton Academy in 2004.
* The [[Death in Vegas]] album ''[[Satan's Circus]]'' was released as a limited edition double pack including a live CD recorded at Brixton Academy.
* The [[Death in Vegas]] album ''[[Satan's Circus]]'' was released as a limited edition double pack including a live CD recorded at Brixton Academy.
*''Rumble in Brixton'', a 2004 live album and DVD by [[Stray Cats]].
*''Rumble in Brixton'', a 2004 live album and DVD by [[Stray Cats]].
*''[[Live at Brixton Academy (Dido album)|Live at Brixton Academy]]'', a 2004 live album and DVD by [[Dido (singer)|Dido]].
*''[[Live at Brixton Academy (Dido album)|Live at Brixton Academy]]'', a 2004 live album and DVD by [[Dido (singer)|Dido]].
Line 131: Line 135:
*Part of Rammstein's DVD ''[[Völkerball]]'' was recorded at the venue between 3 and 5 February 2005.
*Part of Rammstein's DVD ''[[Völkerball]]'' was recorded at the venue between 3 and 5 February 2005.
*[[Moby]] recorded his concert on 19 May 2005 and a double CD of the recording was available to buy at the venue after the show.
*[[Moby]] recorded his concert on 19 May 2005 and a double CD of the recording was available to buy at the venue after the show.
*[[Over the Years and Through the Woods|''Over the Years and Through the Woods'']], a live CD and DVD by the [[Queens of the Stone Age]] on 22 August 2005
*''[[Over the Years and Through the Woods]]'', a live CD and DVD by the [[Queens of the Stone Age]] on 22 August 2005
*''[[The Poison: Live At Brixton]]'', a 2006 live DVD by [[Bullet For My Valentine]]
*''[[The Poison: Live At Brixton]]'', a 2006 live DVD by [[Bullet For My Valentine]]
*[[Damian Marley]] recorded the album ''Damian Marley, Live at the Brixton Academy'' in 2006
*[[Damian Marley]] recorded the album ''Damian Marley, Live at the Brixton Academy'' in 2006
Line 147: Line 151:
*[[Faithless]] recorded their "Passing The Baton" album live at Brixton Academy in 2012.
*[[Faithless]] recorded their "Passing The Baton" album live at Brixton Academy in 2012.
*[[Two Door Cinema Club]] recorded a live album as part of a two-disc deluxe set for the 2012 album [[Beacon (Two Door Cinema Club album)|Beacon]].
*[[Two Door Cinema Club]] recorded a live album as part of a two-disc deluxe set for the 2012 album [[Beacon (Two Door Cinema Club album)|Beacon]].
*[[Asking Alexandria]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in January 2013, it was released in December 2014 in DVD format on [[Live From Brixton And Beyond|''Live From Brixton And Beyond'']].
*[[Asking Alexandria]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in January 2013, it was released in December 2014 in DVD format on ''[[Live From Brixton And Beyond]]''.
*[[Carter USM]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 14 November 2009. This recording was released as part of the two disc ' The Drum Machine Years' release which also included a recording of the previous night's gig at London (HMV) Forum.
*[[Carter USM]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 14 November 2009. This recording was released as part of the two disc ' The Drum Machine Years' release which also included a recording of the previous night's gig at London (HMV) Forum.
*[[Carter USM]] "The Final Comedown" Live CD & DVD was recorded in November 2014. Said to be as the best live film & audio recording of the band that has ever been made & a fitting end to the band's live career.
*[[Carter USM]] "The Final Comedown" Live CD & DVD was recorded in November 2014. Said to be as the best live film & audio recording of the band that has ever been made & a fitting end to the band's live career.
Line 153: Line 157:
*[[Of Mice & Men (band)|Of Mice & Men]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in March 2015. Made a live DVD called, [[Live at Brixton (Of Mice & Men album)|''Live at Brixton'']] Released on 27 May 2016.
*[[Of Mice & Men (band)|Of Mice & Men]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in March 2015. Made a live DVD called, [[Live at Brixton (Of Mice & Men album)|''Live at Brixton'']] Released on 27 May 2016.
*[[New Order (band)|New Order]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in November 2015. Made a live album called, '[[NOMC15]]' Released on 26 May 2017.
*[[New Order (band)|New Order]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in November 2015. Made a live album called, '[[NOMC15]]' Released on 26 May 2017.
*[[5 Seconds of Summer]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 29 October 2018. They made a live album called, [[Meet You There Tour Live|''Meet You There Tour Live'']] which was released 21 December 2018.
*[[5 Seconds of Summer]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 29 October 2018. They made a live album called, ''[[Meet You There Tour Live]]'' which was released 21 December 2018.
*[[Public Service Broadcasting (band)|Public Service Broadcasting]] recorded their album: "Live at Brixton" at Brixton in 2016
*[[Public Service Broadcasting (band)|Public Service Broadcasting]] recorded their album: "Live at Brixton" at Brixton in 2016
*[[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] recorded their Brixton show on 11 February 2012, releasing the ''[[Live at Brixton (Mastodon album)|Live at Brixton]]'' album of the recording in 2014.
*[[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] recorded their Brixton show on 11 February 2012, releasing the ''[[Live at Brixton (Mastodon album)|Live at Brixton]]'' album of the recording in 2014.
*[[Gojira (band)|Gojira]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 24 March 2013, later releasing it on 11 March 2014 as [[Les Enfants Sauvages|''Les Enfants Sauvages'']].
*[[Gojira (band)|Gojira]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 24 March 2013, later releasing it on 11 March 2014 as ''[[Les Enfants Sauvages]]''.
*[[Deaf Havana]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 7 December 2018. They made a live album called, ''Deaf Havana Live at Brixton Academy’''which was released in 2019.
*[[Deaf Havana]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy on 7 December 2018. They made a live album called, ''Deaf Havana Live at Brixton Academy’''which was released in 2019.
*[[Bombay Bicycle Club]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in 2019, playing their [[I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose|debut album]] in full. They released the recording in January 2021.
*[[Bombay Bicycle Club]] recorded their show at Brixton Academy in 2019, playing their [[I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose|debut album]] in full. They released the recording in January 2021.
Line 170: Line 174:
*[[Suede (band)|Suede]]'s VHS/DVD ''[[Love and Poison]]'', originally released in 1993, was filmed at Brixton Academy.
*[[Suede (band)|Suede]]'s VHS/DVD ''[[Love and Poison]]'', originally released in 1993, was filmed at Brixton Academy.
*In 1990, [[AC/DC]] filmed the [[music video]] for their song "[[Thunderstruck (song)|''Thunderstruck'']]" at the academy.
*In 1990, [[AC/DC]] filmed the [[music video]] for their song "[[Thunderstruck (song)|''Thunderstruck'']]" at the academy.
*In 1987, the [[Pet Shop Boys]] and [[Dusty Springfield]] recorded the music video for ''[[What Have I Done to Deserve This? (song)|What Have I Done to Deserve This?]]'' at the venue.
*[[Boy George]] and [[Culture Club]] filmed the video for their 1986 top-ten hit "[[Move Away]]" at the Brixton Academy. The video has extensive footage of the venue, including the entrance hall, the staircase and the circle. The band is also seen as silent film-stars racing cars across the venues former film-screen.
*[[Boy George]] and [[Culture Club]] filmed the video for their 1986 top-ten hit "[[Move Away]]" at the Brixton Academy. The video has extensive footage of the venue, including the entrance hall, the staircase and the circle. The band is also seen as silent film-stars racing cars across the venues former film-screen.
*Video shoots for [[Wham!]] were held at the venue.
*Video shoots for [[Wham!]] were held at the venue.
Line 195: Line 200:
* The music video for the song "Run Free" by [[Asking Alexandria]] was filmed at Brixton.
* The music video for the song "Run Free" by [[Asking Alexandria]] was filmed at Brixton.
* [[Asking Alexandria]]'s performance at Brixton in January 2013 was recorded and is set to be released as a live DVD with bonus extras on 15 December 2014.
* [[Asking Alexandria]]'s performance at Brixton in January 2013 was recorded and is set to be released as a live DVD with bonus extras on 15 December 2014.
*[[Babymetal]] – ''[[Live in London: Babymetal World Tour 2014|Live in London]]'' – Includes performance recorded 8 November 2014. Released 20 May 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/LONDON--BABYMETAL-WORLD-2014--Blu-ray/dp/B00U2DKZUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429616578&sr=8-1&keywords=babymetal+london|title=Amazon.co.jp – LIVE IN LONDON -BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2014– [Blu-ray] DVD・ブルーレイ – BABYMETAL}}</ref>
*[[Babymetal]] – ''[[Live in London: Babymetal World Tour 2014|Live in London]]'' – Includes performance recorded 8 November 2014. Released 20 May 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/LONDON--BABYMETAL-WORLD-2014--Blu-ray/dp/B00U2DKZUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429616578&sr=8-1&keywords=babymetal+london|title=LIVE IN LONDON -BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2014-|date=20 May 2015|via=Amazon}}</ref>
*PULP – F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.I.V.E. recorded 21 December 1995. Reissued on ultimate live DVD
*[[Pulp (band)|Pulp]] – F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.I.V.E. recorded 21 December 1995. Reissued on ultimate live DVD
*[[Rammstein]] recorded 4 songs performed at Brixton in February 2005 (Sonne, Ohne dich, Rein Raus and Feuer Frei) and released on [[Völkerball]].
*[[Rammstein]] recorded 4 songs performed at Brixton in February 2005 (Sonne, Ohne dich, Rein Raus and Feuer Frei) and released on [[Völkerball]].
*[[Sea Girls]] launched a short documentary titled "Brixton at Night", that featured fan interviews and live performance clips from the band's sold-out headline show at Brixton Academy in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/sea-girls-shares-new-single-hometown-launches-new-documentary/|title=Sea Girls Shares New Single 'Hometown' And Launches New Documentary 'Homesick At Night For Brixton'|website=Udiscovermusic|date=18 November 2021|access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>
*[[Sea Girls]] launched a short documentary titled "Brixton at Night", that featured fan interviews and live performance clips from the band's sold-out headline show at Brixton Academy in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/sea-girls-shares-new-single-hometown-launches-new-documentary/|title=Sea Girls Shares New Single 'Hometown' And Launches New Documentary 'Homesick At Night For Brixton'|website=Udiscovermusic|date=18 November 2021|access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>
*[[The Prodigy]] recorded a concert on 20 December 1997 which is featured on the DVD edition of ''[[Their Law: The Singles 1990–2005]]''.
*[[The Prodigy]] recorded a concert on 20 December 1997 which is featured on the DVD edition of ''[[Their Law: The Singles 1990–2005]]''.


Revision as of 15:58, 4 July 2024

Brixton Academy
Exterior of venue (in 2019)
Map
Former namesAstoria Variety Cinema (1929–39)
Odeon Astoria (1939–72)
Sundown Centre (1972)
Fair Deal (1982)
Brixton Academy (1983–2004)
Carling Academy (2004–09)
Address211 Stockwell Road
London, UK
Coordinates51°27′54″N 0°06′54″W / 51.465107°N 0.114922°W / 51.465107; -0.114922
Public transit
OwnerAcademy Music Group
Capacity4,921
Detailed capacity[1]
  • General admission: 4,300
  • Reserved: 3,820
  • Theatre: 2,315
Bauwesen
Opened19 August 1929 (1929-08-19)
Renovated
  • 1983
  • 2006
Closed
  • 29 July 1972 (1972-07-29)
  • January 1973
  • April 1982
  • December 2022
Reopened
  • September 1972
  • 12 March 1982 (1982-03-12)
  • 7 October 1983 (1983-10-07)
  • 19 April 2024 (2024-04-19)
Construction cost£250,000
(£17.5 million in 2023 pounds)[2]
Architect
  • Thomas Somerford
  • Edward Albert Stone
Website
Official website Edit this at Wikidata

Brixton Academy (originally known as the Astoria Variety Cinema, previously known as Carling Academy Brixton, currently named O2 Academy Brixton as part of a sponsorship deal with the O2 brand) is a mid-sized concert venue located in South West London, in the Lambeth district of Brixton.

Opening in 1929 as a cinema, the venue was converted into a discotheque in 1972, then reborn as a concert hall in 1983. It is owned by the Academy Music Group (AMG), and has become one of London's leading music venues,[3] hosting over 50 live albums,[4] and winning the NME Best Venue 12 times since 1994.[5] It has been home to several notable performances, including The Smiths' last gig (December 1986),[6] Leftfield's June 1996 concert which set a decibel record for a live gig at 137db,[7] and Madonna's gig in 2000, which was watched by an online audience of 9 million.[8]

In December 2022, two people died and others were seriously injured following a crowd crush at the door. As a result the venue was closed, with reopening subject to meeting council licensing conditions. It reopened on 19 April 2024.

History

Part of the Italian Renaissance interior of the auditorium

The venue started as a cinema and theatre in 1929 on the site of a private garden in Stockwell Road. Designed by the architects Thomas Somerford and E. A. Stone,[9] it was built at a cost of £250,000 as an "Astoria" theatre. The opening show was the Al Jolson film The Singing Fool, followed by a variety act, including Heddle Nash and Derek Oldham which was broadcast by the BBC. The theatre eventually closed its doors as a cinema on 29 July 1972. It was then converted into a discotheque in September 1972, known as the "Sundown Centre".[10] The club was not a success and closed down some four months later. In May 1974 planning permission was sought to demolish the Grade II listed building and replace it with a motor showroom and petrol station. However, the redevelopment scheme was scrapped. The building was kept heated after it closed, and was used as an equipment store by the Rank Organisation.[11]

In 1981, the venue was remodelled by Sean Treacy, who later ran the entire site services, was re-opened as a rock venue called "Fair Deal"[12] with a concert by UB40 and an interior restoration. The Clash played the venue in 1982 on their Casbah Club tour (30 July) but the venue closed later that year due to debt. In 1983, Simon Parkes bought the venue for £1, and re-opened it as the Brixton Academy.[13] The academy's success steadily grew throughout the 1980s with numerous reggae productions and it was hired out to major rock and pop acts such as The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits and the Police for rehearsal. The venue was also used for video shoots for Wham! (Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go) and Culture Club.[14] Parkes would go on to write a book about his experience of running the venue, Live At The Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business, which was published in 2014.[15]

In 1995, Parkes sold the theatre to Break for the Border. Under its new ownership (McKenzie Group),[16] reinvestment started immediately, with a complete £500,000 refurbishment of the Art Deco building frontage to its original grandeur, additional facilities both front of house and backstage and a capacity increase to just under 5,000. The venue is currently run by the Academy Music Group after a rebranding in August 2004[17] and hosts a range of live acts and club nights. With the sale, the venue's title was changed to Carling Academy Brixton. In 2008, naming rights were purchased for £25.5 million by the O2 brand, owned by the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica.[18]

Being one of the biggest non-arena music venues in London, the academy has been used by many very successful acts. It has also been voted venue of the year 12 times since 1994 in the annual NME Awards.[19] In addition the venue has won the Music Week Award for Venue of the Year several times including 2009.[20]

2022 Asake concert crush

A crowd crush outside a performance by Asake on 15 December 2022 seriously injured four people,[21] two of whom died in the following days.[22][23] The Guardian cast doubt on early reports that people were trying to force their way in without a ticket.[24] The newspaper also questioned the management of the building and its entrances.[25] As a result of the crowd crush, Lambeth councillors met in the early hours of 22 December 2022 and decided to suspend the academy's operating licence following the "severity of events" and "risks to public safety" from "a lack of crowd control at the front doors". The licence was suspended until a full hearing on 16 January 2023,[26] when it was suspended for a further three months.[27]

The BBC reported that security staff were said to accept bribes to allow people in without a ticket.[28] In April 2023 the Metropolitan Police stated that they had no confidence in the holder of the venue's licence and that they were applying for the licence to be revoked.[29] In September 2023, the police stated that they were not opposed to the venue reopening, but simply opposed to AMG operating it.[30]

On 15 September 2023 Lambeth Council announced that the venue was permitted to re-open after the incident,[31] providing they meet new licensing conditions including strengthened doors, a new security contractor and additional safety procedures. A full list of the conditions is published online by Lambeth Council.

The venue reopened on 19 April 2024.[32]

Notable performances

The decorative proscenium arch, framing the stage, with a concert in progress (Sex Pistols, 2007)

The Smiths played their last gig here in December 1986[6] which was an Anti-Apartheid benefit scheduled for the Royal Albert Hall but rearranged to the Brixton Academy due to Johnny Marr being involved in a car accident.[33]

The Ramones played their final European show at the venue on February 3, 1996, before touring for the last time in South and North America.[34]

Madonna played a special concert at the venue in 2000, to promote the release of her album, Music. The concert was broadcast live online and was watched by a record-breaking audience of 9 million.[8]

Artists such as The Clash, Deborah Harry, The Prodigy, Arcade Fire, Nine Inch Nails and Bob Dylan have all played five consecutive nights at the venue.[citation needed] In 2002, Iron Maiden played three consecutive nights as a part of charity event "Clive Aid 2002". The band set the record for merchandise and ticket sales.[35] The Mighty Boosh broke this record in 2008, with their second live show Boosh Live, playing seven consecutive nights.[36] The xx equalled their record in March 2017, playing seven consecutive nights in support of third record I See You, becoming the first music act to reach that number.[37]

Leftfield set the world's decibel record for a live concert in 1996 when they reached 137db.[7] They were summarily banned from using the same sound system at the venue after the high bass levels started disintegrating the ceiling, resulting in showers of dust and plaster.[38] They returned in 2000 using a different sound system.[citation needed]

Albums recorded at Brixton

See also: Live at Brixton Academy (disambiguation)

Videos recorded at Brixton

References

  1. ^ "Company Profile: O2 Academy Brixton". Academy Music Group. December 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  2. ^ Vereinigtes Königreich Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the MeasuringWorth "consistent series" supplied in Thomas, Ryland; Williamson, Samuel H. (2024). "What Was the U.K. GDP Then?". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Visitor Information: O2 Academy Brixton". LondonTown. April 2012. Archived from the original on 8 December 2012.
  4. ^ "A Brief History of Brixton Academy". southlondonclub.co.uk. 17 August 2017.
  5. ^ Rhian Daly (8 February 2017). "VO5 NME Awards 2017: 9 Things You Might Not Know About London's O2 Academy Brixton". NME.
  6. ^ a b Zaleski, Annie (12 December 2016). "30 Years Ago: The Smiths Play Their Final Concert". Diffuser.fm. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  7. ^ a b "The loudest bands of all time". Radio X. Global Radio. 2 July 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020. Alt URL
  8. ^ a b "9 Million Watch Madonna Webcast". CBS News. CBS Corporation. 28 November 2000. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  9. ^ Visvardi, Aikaterini (31 March 2016). "The Sound of Music". Vicinity Magazine: 89. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020 – via Issuu.
  10. ^ Allen, Carl (15 April 2016). London Gig Venues. Stroud, England: Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1445658209.
  11. ^ Parkes, Simon; Rafaeli, J.S. (23 January 2014). Live at the Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business. London, England: Profile Books. ISBN 978-1847659934.
  12. ^ Gimarc, George (2005). Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter's Guide to Underground Rock, 1970–1982. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Backbeat Books. ISBN 0879308486.
  13. ^ Parkes, Simon; Thomas, Justin (27 January 2014). "I Bought the Brixton Academy for £1". Vice. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  14. ^ Bray, Elisa (23 January 2014). "The week in music: Riotous story of how Brixton became a rock fans'". The Independent. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  15. ^ Parkes, Simon (2014). Live At The Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business. London: Serpent's Tail. ISBN 9781846689550.
  16. ^ "MBO to boost Academy roll-out". The Herald. 30 August 2004. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  17. ^ "MKG Announce Carling Academy Liverpool". Entertainment Technology Press. 14 May 2003. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  18. ^ "O2 replaces Carling as Academy venues sponsor". Marketing Week. 6 November 2008. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  19. ^ "Profile". Academy Music Group. August 2005. Archived from the original on 19 July 2007. Retrieved 8 November 2007.
  20. ^ Cardew, Ben (9 April 2009). "Blackwell saluted as best of last 50 years". Music Week. Archived from the original on 25 April 2009.
  21. ^ "Suspected crush outside Asake gig at Brixton O2 Academy". BBC News. 16 December 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
  22. ^ "Brixton Academy: Woman dies after Asake concert crush". BBC News. 17 December 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  23. ^ "Security guard Gabrielle becomes second to die after Brixton Academy crowd crush". The Independent. 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  24. ^ Stewart, Heather (18 December 2022). "Witnesses to Brixton concert crush say many fans outside had tickets". The Guardian.
  25. ^ Weaver, Matthew; Stewart, Heather (21 December 2022). "Asake concert crush: what happened on the night at London venue". The Guardian.
  26. ^ "Brixton Academy licence suspended after fatal crush". BBC News. 22 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  27. ^ Salisbury, Josh (16 January 2023). "Brixton O2 Academy has licence suspended for three months after fatal crowd crush left two dead". Evening Standard. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  28. ^ Meisel, Anna; Kiteley, Patrick (17 January 2023). "Brixton Academy security guards regularly 'took bribes'". BBC News. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  29. ^ Warren, Jess (25 April 2023). "Met wants Brixton venue licence revoked over crush". BBC News. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  30. ^ Cafe, Rebecca (13 September 2023). "Met Police 'does not want O2 Brixton permanently closed'". BBC News. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  31. ^ Council, Lambeth (15 September 2023). "Love Lambeth". Love Lambeth. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  32. ^ Phillips, Jacob (19 April 2024). "Brixton Academy reopening tonight for first time since fatal crush". Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  33. ^ "Morrissey jealous of neck brace". The Boston Globe. 20 July 2009. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  34. ^ "25 Years Ago Today - the Ramones Play Their Last U.K. Show (Listen 2/3/96 Audio)".
  35. ^ "Record-breaking three Brixton Academy shows". ironmaiden.com. 15 February 2022. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  36. ^ Moore, Sam (28 July 2016). "New 'The Mighty Boosh' exhibition to showcase unseen tour photography and Noel Fielding illustrations". NME. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016.
  37. ^ "The xx announce record-breaking seven Brixton Academy shows". The Guardian. 25 November 2016. Archived from the original on 26 November 2016.
  38. ^ "Leftfield Bring the House Down". Turbosound. MUSIC Group IP Ltd. November 2010. Archived from the original on 12 April 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  39. ^ "Faith No More: Live at the Brixton Academy (Video 1990)". IMDb. 18 September 1990.
  40. ^ "Faith No More: Live at the Brixton Academy Movie Reviews, Information and Film Reviews for Faith No More: Live at the Brixton Academy the Movie". movierevie.ws.
  41. ^ "LIVE IN LONDON -BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2014-". 20 May 2015 – via Amazon.
  42. ^ "Sea Girls Shares New Single 'Hometown' And Launches New Documentary 'Homesick At Night For Brixton'". Udiscovermusic. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brixton Academy.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brixton_Academy&oldid=1232602276"