But onstage they aint got no roots rock rebel. And soon they won't have anything at all.

February 3, 2007 10:43 PM

Hammersmith Palais, legendary venue immortalised in song, faces demolition. More at NME and BBC.
posted by lapolla (7 comments total)

“We recognise that some people will have fond memories of the golden era at the Hammersmith Palais and it is true to say it played a huge part in West London’s music scene. Sadly, the golden era for the Palais is long gone.” - Lucy Ivimy, chair of Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s planning committee.
posted by lapolla at 10:43 PM on February 3, 2007

It's always sad when historic rock and roll venues morph into something else... This post reminds me of The Kinks' Come Dancing...

They put a parking lot on a piece of land
When the supermarket used to stand.
Before that they put up a bowling alley
On the site that used to be the local palais.
Thats where the big bands used to come and play.
My sister went there on a saturday...
posted by amyms at 11:11 PM on February 3, 2007

As a New Yorker, I can understand how you may be feeling. We witnessed our very own CBBG's, one of the birthplaces of Punk Rock, close late last year, for pretty much the same reasons. Now it's "gone Vegas,' essentially becoming a parody of its former self. The post reminds me of a lyirc, too. Open Letter (To A Landlord) by Living Colour.

"Now you can tear a building down
But you can't erase a memory"
posted by RayOrama at 12:23 AM on February 4, 2007

well, at least i got to go to cbgb's. i guess i'll never get to check out the palais.
posted by lapolla at 12:47 AM on February 4, 2007

A similar case in Japan.

And it's funny. I always though the Hammersmith was an actual palace, and that they did the concerts in the garden.
posted by micayetoca at 4:00 PM on February 4, 2007

They really should have The Kinks perform "Come Dancing" to close the place. The lyrics are appropriate.
posted by Sk4n at 6:44 AM on February 5, 2007

Sigh. Another piece of London's history demolished to be replaced with offices. Fan-bloody-tastic. I'll miss the venue, I won't miss the outrageous amounts they charge for drinks.
posted by TheDonF at 3:54 PM on February 5, 2007