Hammersmith Palais

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Signwriting showing the original name survives on the rear of the building

Located on Shepherd's Bush Road, London W6, the Hammersmith Palais de Danse was opened in 1919 to host the newest jazz bands. It remained a popular dance venue throughout the 1940s and beyond but played host to more and more live music. It has long been self-described as the "World Famous" Hammersmith Palais, although its international renown is primarily linked to the classic The Clash song (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais. Bands such as PiL, The Cramps and Soft Cell (who played their "farewell" there in 1984) made the venue a 'must' for many london gig-goers.

For a period in the 1930s, the Palais was also used as an ice rink, with the London Lions ice hockey team using it as a base.

Hammersmith Palais became the iconic venue for the emerging Brit-Asian club scene during 1986, Onyx promotions held all the major daytime events at the world famous venue. The major Brit-Asian bands and DJ's performing there since 1986 have been Heera, Xzecutive (DJ San-j Sanj), Alaap, Apna Sangeet, Badd Company (DJ Argy), Asian Dj Culture, Maximum NRG, Premi, DCS, Calibar, Rishi Rich, Safri Boyz, Azaad, Holle Holle, RDB, Panjabi Hit Squad, Juggy D and many more.

Nowadays, the Palais stages a mix of live music gigs, dance nights and private events. The Palais used to host the popular SchoolDisco club night, which has since moved to the London Forum in Kentish Town.

It is presently owned by Barclub Ltd, which also controls the Po Na Na chain of themed bars. The company briefy renamed the club Po Na Na Hammersmith in the early 2000s but, in an acknowledgement of the venue's historic reputation, the original Hammersmith Palais name has since been reinstated.

On 22nd January 2007, the Palais was condemned to be demolished. The West London venue will close in April, with Kasabian, Idlewild and Jamie T among artists playing the last ever gigs there. The final gig will be by The Fall, on April 1.