Half Moon On The Wane

It seems only a howl of protest from some of the more famous acts to have played the venue can prevent London’s Half Moon from shutting at the end of January.

Dave Smith from NEM Productions, which frequently uses the Putney venue for acts from a roster that includes John Renbourn, Stefan Grossman, and Jan Akkerman, has appealed for anyone who’s ever had dealings with the venue or seen an act there to join him in opposing the closure.

“I know that some of you in my address book are very famous and your names can probably help make a difference,” he explained in an e-mail trying to rally support for the cause.

The Lower Richmond Road venue has a 30-year history that includes appearances from The Rolling Stones, U2, Badly Drawn Boy and Kasabian. But a 20 percent drop in takings and huge increases in the rent and business rate has led to tenant James Harris falling into debt.

Young’s brewery, which owns the building, has given him until Jan. 31 to leave the premises.

It’s expected to reopen as a gastropub.