About The Roundhouse

The walls of The Roundhouse could tell loads of music history stories. From its 60s beginnings as an old train shed to a modern performing arts centre – decades full of change, creativity, and a truly rich heritage of Rock history.

What is nowadays home to a bold and exciting programme of live music, theatre, dance, circus installations, and new media, was once stage for up-and-coming artists and controversial movements.

The beginnings of The Roundhouse lay in the 60s. The era of freedom of expression and liberation had arrived in London. And with it: Rock ‘n’ Roll. On 15 October 1966, the venue opened with a wild party, featuring a little known band called Pink Floyd. Catch a glimpse of the legendary night here. Other famous artists that graced the Roundhouse stage in its early years were the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane. Another legendary gig took place on 7 September 1968, when The Doors played one of their very few UK shows ever.

In January 1967, The Beatles recorded Carnival of Light, an unreleased experimental piece for the The Million Volt Light and Sound Rave event which was held at The Roundhouse Theatre on 28 January and 4 February 1967. The track is almost 14 minutes long and contains distorted sounds of percussion, keyboards, guitar, vocals, and various effects. This was the only time the piece has ever been played.

In the 70s, it was all about Hippie, Rock, and Glam, with the venue featuring artists such as Black Sabbath, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones. The latter played a legendary gig here on 14 March 1971 of which unique photos exist.

The Roundhouse also played an essential part in the formation of the UK Punk scene. 4 July 1976, the night, Punk was born: the night The Ramones played here has gone down in music and Punk history. See some original photos from the gig here.

Today, great names in music business still stand on stage here. From Frank Turner to unplugged sessions by Scottish Biffy Clyro - you name it, they were here.