Last night the London Astoria hosted its final gig before the bulldozers move in to remove years of grime, pubescent sweat, and lager verdigris. The venue is being demolished to make way for the new Crossrail line, something The Quietus did not choose to lament when it was announced last year.
The gig featured performances by many of the middling indie artistes who had made the Astoria their home over the years, including JJ72, The Automatic, Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly, and the bassist from Babyshambles band. And Mansun’s Paul Draper turned up to play ‘Wide Open Space’ with My Vitriol. Messiah on a tricycle!
Speaking from the stage, Babyshambles’ Drew McConnell said "I can’t believe they’re gonna knock this place down. Boris Johnson… what a cunt." According to NME then encouraged the crowd to shout "Boris Johnson – what a cunt", perhaps unaware that the Crossrail project and eventual destruction of the Atoria has been on the cards for many years.
*Mystery Jets excepted
