Live music venue faces demolition

The Hammersmith Palais, the west London ballroom that achieved iconic status after it was name-checked by punk band the Clash, is facing demolition to make way for office development.

Music fans say the loss of the venue, which instrumental in the development of 20th-century British popular music, will strip London of an important stage for live bands.

Built in 1919 as the Palais De Danse, it was one of a number of ballrooms which grew up around the capital to meet the demands of the jazz craze.

After the war the Palais hosted big bands and some of the most famous rock and rollers of the time, including Bill Hailey. Joe Strummer wrote "White Man in Hammersmith Palais" after watching a showcase of reggae artists in 1976.

In the 1970s and 80s, it became the place where audiences could dance to bands like the Clash, Sex Pistols and U2. The Palais is also host to a number of music ceremonies, including the NME awards.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council will consider the final application next month by developers Parkway Properties.