Last month we reported that the Bull and Gate, that K-Town bastion of alternative rock and indiepop rumblings for over 30 years, will cease operating as a live venue on 4th May 2013. As most of you know, the entire building has been sold to the Young’s chain and will be expected to reopen as a pub restaurant in the summer. 
Since 1980, the venue has been a home-from-home for hundreds of young hopefuls seeking to make their way in the musical world, from Blur to the Manic Street Preachers, Carter USM to Coldplay.
So below, we asked Tom Edwards from current promoters Club Fandango to pull out his Top 5. And he was more than happy to oblige…
1. 30th Mar 1995: Symposium
Prior to being crowned ‘Best Live Band’ on a Melody Maker cover, the teenage Britrockers secured their management deal at this show and were banned from the venue when singer Ross Cummins smashed the backstage sink into pieces to hurl at their hapless support band.
2. 16th April 1998: Doves
Doves turned up with joke guest list including cast members of Coronation Street, New Order, Johnny Marr… then they all turned up. Cashier Elin had Bernard Sumner sign her dole card.
3. 1st Apr 1999: Coldplay
With queues stretching down the road past the nearby kebab shop, Coldplay signed their record contract with Parlophone at this show.
4. 17th Dec 1999: Keane
One of their first London shows, they played to eight people, but returned six years later having cleaned up at the Brits to play a special “Save The Bull & Gate” event.
5. 16th Jan 2011: Dingus Khan
A couple of locals enjoyed the newly fierce panda-signed Manningtree eight-piece so much they bought magnum of champagne to spray the band with, Formula One-style.
Find the Bull And Gate, as well as all the latest articles relating to the venue, on our Nearby Map
