NOT ANY MORE IT AIN'T ..................... check this out. It's off the Half Moon's website:


* * UPDATE 07/01/10 * *

WE DID IT! THANK YOU!!

After an exhuastive campaign and overwhelming support from the public, we are absolutely delighted to announce that we've averted the scheduled closure on 31st January! The Brewery have reconsidered and we are now focussed on getting back to work promoting this wonderful music venue that we love so much. We could not have achieved this without the wonderful response from the public - to those who came down to the pub to show their support, signed the petition, left their comments on our forum, joined our Facebook group and to the bands and artists who didn't hesitate at short notice to come and perform to save the Moon - THANK YOU!!!

There will be no Gastro Pub, the Halfmoon will stay as a music venue. And long may that continue. Full story below:

THREATENED MUSIC VENUE GET’S LAST MINUTE REPRIEVE

One of London’s oldest and most famous live music venues, The Half Moon in Putney, which was due to close its doors on the 31st January has been saved. The historic venue which has seen performances over the years by The Rolling Stones, U2 and Kasabian was due to become a gastro-pub. But after an extensive campaign and massive public uproar plus huge support from the press as well as the venue’s local MP, landlords Young’s reconsidered their plans and have now announced that they intend to keep the premises open as a live music venue.

The Half Moon, which has been hosting live music nearly every night since 1963 got into difficulty over the last year as the recession coupled with rising rates and alcohol duty took their toll. In November the tenants received notice of the closure and a new business model was to be introduced. A ‘Save The Half Moon’ campaign and petition was launched which attracted hundreds of signatures and a Facebook group of nearly 6,500 members. The venue’s web forum received messages of support from people all over the world, including Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler, Eddie Reader, X Factor’s Jamie Archer and Howard Marks. The Musician’s Union also got involved, noting that the UK’s emerging talent rely heavily on local music venues as a career platform.

Unable to ignore the strength of public feeling towards the closure of The Half Moon and the determination of its staff to keep it open, Young’s offered a last minute reprieve - including a package to help the tenants get through these unprecedented economic times. In return The Half Moon have agreed to introduce food, and have employed a new promotions team who plan to revitalise the venue and its booking policy.

Carrie Davies, bookings manager at The Half Moon from 1998 – 2006 has returned and is now a partner in the business. The venue’s former marketing and technical guru Stevie Wyatt is also back after 3 years freelancing as a consultant. And promoter of the reputable weekly Halfmoon Unplugged, Redvers Bailey will also be taking a more permanent role. Together the team aim to expand on the Half Moon’s programme of up & coming newly signed and unsigned acts, reducing the amount of cover bands.

“Incredibly relieved” was the reaction of The Half Moon’s tenant, James Harris who went on to say “The support from the public and the industry has been overwhelming. This was never just about jobs, but about a part of our music heritage. We still face tough times ahead, but at least we can move forward now, and my staff and myself are thrilled and excited”.

Hi P.W.,

Great @#$%& news!

Cheers,

Si.

excellent news!!!!


THREATENED MUSIC VENUE GET’S LAST MINUTE REPRIEVE
One of London’s oldest and most famous live music venues, The Half Moon in Putney, which was due to close its doors on the 31st January has been saved. The historic venue which has seen performances over the years by The Rolling Stones, U2 and Kasabian was due to become a gastro-pub. But after an extensive campaign and massive public uproar plus huge support from the press as well as the venue’s local MP, landlords Young’s reconsidered their plans and have now announced that they intend to keep the premises open as a live music venue.
The Half Moon, which has been hosting live music nearly every night since 1963 got into difficulty over the last year as the recession coupled with rising rates and alcohol duty took their toll. In November the tenants received notice of the closure and a new business model was to be introduced. A ‘Save The Half Moon’ campaign and petition was launched which attracted hundreds of signatures and a Facebook group of nearly 6,500 members. The venue’s web forum received messages of support from people all over the world, including Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler, Eddie Reader, X Factor’s Jamie Archer and Howard Marks. The Musician’s Union also got involved, noting that the UK’s emerging talent rely heavily on local music venues as a career platform.
Unable to ignore the strength of public feeling towards the closure of The Half Moon and the determination of its staff to keep it open, Young’s offered a last minute reprieve - including a package to help the tenants get through these unprecedented economic times. In return The Half Moon have agreed to introduce food, and have employed a new promotions team who plan to revitalise the venue and its booking policy.
Carrie Davies, bookings manager at The Half Moon from 1998 – 2006 has returned and is now a partner in the business. The venue’s former marketing and technical guru Stevie Wyatt is also back after 3 years freelancing as a consultant, and promoter of the reputable weekly Halfmoon Unplugged, Redvers Bailey will also be taking a more permanent role. Together the team aim to expand on the Half Moon’s programme of up & coming newly signed and unsigned acts, reducing the amount of cover bands.
“Incredibly relieved” was the reaction of The Half Moon’s tenant, James Harris who went on to say “The support from the public and the industry has been overwhelming. This was never just about jobs, but about a part of our music heritage. We still face tough times ahead, but at least we can move forward now, and my staff and myself are thrilled and excited”.

Great, people power is a good thing

Great news!

And BBC TV news just reported it's been saved. Hurrah!

This is really a terrific story, and excellent news. Shows what people can do when their is a strong will to move in a certain direction. London music fans and beer drinkers all win here. In this current era that seems to be dominated by corporate cynicism and mistrust, the Half Moon story should make us all feel good that people and their collective passions do matter.

The Half Moon have produced a fantastic t-shirt commemorating the venue:-

[www.bathroomwall.co.uk]