O2 Forum Kentish Town facts for kids
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![]() Exterior of the venue (c. 2020)
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Former names | Kentish Town Forum Theatre (1934–1963) ABC Kentish Town (1963–1970) Forum Dancehall (1984–1985) Town & Country Club (1985–1993) London Forum (1993–2007) The Forum (2007–2009; 2013–2015) HMV Forum (2009–2013) |
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Address | 9–17 Highgate Rd London, England NW5 1JY |
Location | Kentish Town |
Coordinates | 51°33′08″N 0°08′32″W / 51.5522°N 0.1422°W |
Public transit | ![]() ![]() |
Owner | Academy Music Group |
Operator | Live Nation |
Capacity | 2,300 |
Construction | |
Opened | 17 December 1934 |
Renovated |
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Closed |
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Architect | J. Stanley Beard |
The O2 Forum Kentish Town is a famous concert hall in Kentish Town, London, England. It's a popular place where many amazing bands and artists perform live. This building was first opened way back in 1934.
Contents
A Look Back: The Forum's Story
The O2 Forum Kentish Town first opened its doors in 1934. Back then, it was a fancy cinema with an art deco style. After some years, the cinema closed down.
From Cinema to Music Venue
Later, the building became an Irish dance hall. In the 1980s, it changed its purpose again. It was a bingo hall for a short time. Then, it became a dance hall once more. Finally, it turned into a live music venue. It was known as the Town & Country Club during this period.
In 1993, a company called Mean Fiddler bought the venue. They changed its name to the London Forum. The last concert under the name Town & Country Club was by Van Morrison on March 21, 1993.
Modern Changes and Renovation
In 2007, a new company, MAMA & Company, bought the Forum. They spent about £1.5 million to make it better. These renovations increased the space, so more people could attend shows. The venue can now hold up to 2,300 people.
In 2015, Live Nation took over the venue. It was then renamed O2 Forum Kentish Town. This was part of the O2 Academy Group.
Inside the Venue
The O2 Forum Kentish Town has different ways to enjoy a show. Downstairs, people can stand and dance. Upstairs, there are benches and booths for seating. For some special shows, the whole venue can be set up with seats.
Famous Performers at The Forum
Many well-known artists and bands have played at the O2 Forum Kentish Town. It's a place where you can see big names and discover new music. Here are some of the artists who have performed there:
- 2face Idibia
- Aleyna Tilki
- Alice in Chains
- Anitta
- Anthrax
- Arctic Monkeys
- Ateez
- Babymetal
- Bad Gyal
- Biffy Clyro
- Big Country
- Bjorn Again
- Bon Jovi
- Billy Bragg
- Bruce Dickinson
- Built To Spill
- The B-52's
- Chance the Rapper
- Coldplay
- Conor McGregor
- The Corrs
- The Creatures
- The Cure (a secret gig with the name 5 Imaginary Boys)
- Cutting Crew
- Daði Freyr
- The Damned
- Danny Wilson
- Danzig
- David Bowie
- Day6
- Debbie McGee
- Del Amitri
- Devo
- Dio
- DragonForce
- Drain Gang
- Eurythmics
- Franz Ferdinand
- Fields of The Nephilim
- Fugazi
- Gorillaz
- Gustavo Cerati
- Gym Class Heroes
- Half Man Half Biscuit
- Hothouse Flowers
- Hurts
- INXS
- It Bites
- Jack Garratt
- Jack White
- Jagged Edge
- James Brown
- Jamiroquai
- Jesus Jones
- Joe Cocker
- John Martyn
- John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
- Joshua Bassett
- Justin Timberlake
- Keane
- Keith Richards
- Killing Joke
- KSI
- Lacuna Coil
- Lenny Kravitz
- Level 42
- Lindemann
- Lionel Richie
- Lowlife (band)
- Machine Gun Kelly
- Manic Street Preachers
- Modest Mouse
- Nekfeu
- The Neville Brothers
- Nelly Furtado
- New Found Glory
- Nina Simone
- Nine Inch Nails
- Nothing But Thieves
- Oasis
- Odd Eye Circle
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Paul Rodgers
- Pixies
- PJ Harvey
- The Pogues
- Prince
- Pulp
- The Quireboys
- Reneé Rapp
- Robbie Williams
- Radiohead
- Rage Against the Machine
- Ramones
- Rihanna
- Robert Plant
- Rory Gallagher
- Scooter
- Siouxsie and the Banshees
- Skid Row
- Smashing Pumpkins
- Snow Patrol
- Sparks (band)
- Soundgarden
- Steve Earle
- Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel (1992)
- Steve Harley (as a 3-man acoustic set, 2012)
- Stiff Little Fingers
- Subcarpati
- Suede
- Throwing Muses
- Tokio Hotel
- Tom Jones
- The Who
- UFO
- Yungblud