Big In Brixton (Brixton Academy)

Member Name: rleigh

Product:	Brixton Academy
Date:	02/03/08 (255 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great atmosphere, beautiful structure, super sound quality.

Disadvantages: Tickets sell out quickly, can be a lot more expensive than other venues.

Brixton Academy is a London venue that I have frequented many a time over the years. Having seen artists such as Fall Out Boy, Feeder, and Brand New there I have always been impressed with the sound quality and always there is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is a well run venue, and although if you're wishing to buy alcoholic drinks there then you'll find them to be extremely expensive, this is only to be expected really when attending a London venue.

It is one of London's leading music venues and with a capacity of 4921 has been a popularly used venue for bands since opening as a music venue in 1983. Bands will often play at Brixton Academy for a number of nights to give a chance for as many fans as possible to see them at the venue; Rammstein, Massive Attack, The Clash, The Prodigy, Arcade Fire, Nine Inch Nails, Bob Dylan, HARD-Fi and Sex Pistols for example have all played five nights in succession at the venue.

Featuring an Art-Deco interior, the Brixton Academy boasts of an impressive internal design and when I have attended I have always enjoyed looking around and taking pictures not only of the bands that are performing but the venue itself also. When attending you can either stand downstairs which is what I tend to do as the atmosphere is terrific, or you can be seated on the balcony (something I have not done before as it is all a little too subdued for my liking when witnessing explosive rock bands). If standing then you'll find that the area is sloped, a fantastic idea meaning those at the back do not suffer and that everyone can see the band playing. I used to hate attending music venues and having some tall person in front of me meaning that my vision was restricted, these days however I myself am that annoying tall guy at gigs. Due to the slopes you can see the band no matter how far back you happen to be and this is always excellent. At various points there are barriers also meaning that sections of crowd are separated. The barriers are parallel to the stage and although they are easy to move under and in fact there are openings to cut through, it does stop the crowd from forming as one mass and certainly restricts the likelihood of a crush.

It is interesting to note that the Brixton Academy actually started life in 1929 as a cinema and theatre. It was built as an 'Astoria' theatre at a cost of £250 000 and still it retains many of its original features. The structure of the venue is extremely impressive, it certainly looks the part when you're queuing up to see your band of choice. Its doors were closed as a cinema in July 1972 and instead it was converted into the 'Sundown Centre' rock venue which lasted a mere four months. In 1974 there had been plans to demolish the place and replace it with a car showroom and petrol station, fortunately however these plans were scrapped and it was instead used by the Rank organisation as a place to store equipment. In 1981 it tried its luck as a music venue once more, this time named 'The Fair Deal', again however the venture did not work out and in 1982 it closed as a result of debt. In 1983 it opened as the 'Brixton Academy' and the rest is history.

When attending the Brixton Academy prices can vary, but in my experience I have always paid a price of around £20 per ticket subject to booking fee. Tickets can be purchased from a number of websites across the internet (Ticketmaster.co.uk, Aloud.com etc.) or if you happen to be in London then you can also buy tickets from the Sheperds Bush Empire. It's certainly a venue that I would personally recommend to all, I have enjoyed many a night at the Brixton Academy and can have no complaints whatsoever with the place (other than the high price of alcohol). Of all the larger venues I have visited in London, the Brixton Academy is certainly up there amongst the best and whilst some music venues I never wish to visit again, Brixton Academy is one venue I shall happily be returning to in the future.

Summary: Brixton Academy is an excellent music venue and one that I would certainly recommend.