The Odeon on Birmingham’s New Street is a building we have all walked past. Whether you remember it as a cinema, or for the buskers outside, it has a history that is often forgotten and overlooked.
Opened first as a theatre, it was converted into a music venue in the 1950s, with the first ever gig there being Bill Hayley and The Comets. It went on to welcome The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Queen, U2 and many more. It was the premier music venue outside of London, and was the catalyst for Birmingham’s musical identity and history. Upon closing, it was hailed as “the best live music venue in Europe” by Jim Simson.
Take a look through the images below for some serious nostalgia; we guarantee you wish you were there.
Opened first as a theatre, it was converted into a music venue in the 1950s, with the first ever gig there being Bill Hayley and The Comets. It went on to welcome The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Queen, U2 and many more. It was the premier music venue outside of London, and was the catalyst for Birmingham’s musical identity and history. Upon closing, it was hailed as “the best live music venue in Europe” by Jim Simson.
Take a look through the images below for some serious nostalgia; we guarantee you wish you were there.
