Live Music in London

London's music scene is legendary and thankfully many of the top music halls have been well preserved and still pumping out the music today. Our top ten list of London's best places for live music will have you front and center for your favorite acts.

Shepherd's Bush is home to two of London's beloved music halls, Bush Hall and Shepherd's Bush Empire. Bush Hall was once a BBC Television theater and is still configured with theater style seating while the Empire is predominately a standing venue with ticketed seating offered in the balcony. Both venues offer an array of artists, sell out frequently and are located within walking distance of one another.

Similar to the Empire is the O2 Academy, Brixton referred to by Londoners simply as 'Brixton'. It not located in the most desirable part of town although worth the journey to South London for the big name draws. Opened originally as a theater and cinema in 1929 the stage has hosted Madonna, Bob Dylan and The Clash and since becoming a music venue in the 80s.

Listen to premier jazz while dining at Camden's Jazz Cafe. Not limited to jazz anymore, the club also hosts hip hop, funk and soul performances. Ain't Nothing But Blues Bar in Soho claims to be the best blues bar this side of the Atlantic ad has a schedule crammed with nightly acts. London's oldest music venue, the 100 Club, opened during WWII as a jazz club. The tight little club was popular for its punk scene and currently sees artists of all genres. Recently the club's future was at risk until saved with a new promoter recruited by Paul McCartney and members of the Rolling Stones.

Keep your eyes open for flyers and signs. Many London pubs offer live music that will be advertised with a simple notice on the door.

Bush Hall

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310 Uxbridge Road

Musical history...
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O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

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Shepherd's Bush Green
Hammersmith and Fulham

100 year history of live music...
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O2 Academy Brixton

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211 Stockwell Road
Lambeth

Art deco live music venue...
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Jazz Café

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5 Parkway
Camden Town

Camden swingers and good food...
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Ain't Nothing But Blues Bar

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20 Kingly St
W1

Get the Blues...Live!...
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Half Moon (The)

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93 Lower Richmond Road

Wide range of music...
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Roundhouse

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Chalk Farm Road

Performing arts venue in a former railway shed...
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100 Club

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100 Oxford St
W1

Leading Live Music Venue...
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hmv Apollo Hammersmith

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Queen Caroline Street

Iconic live music & entertainment venue...
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Royal Festival Hall

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Belvedere Road
On the South Bank, SE1

Multi-Arts Venue On The South Bank...
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