The club, which began life as a restaurant in the 1940s, has played host to the Sex Pistols, the Rolling Stones and Metallica down the years. But rising rent in the centre of London has pushed the venue into the red. Unless a new buyer or sponsor is found, the club could close before the year is out.
A campaign to keep the 100 Club open has attracted support from Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and Sir Mick Jagger. Fellow Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood played a benefit gig for the venue earlier this month.
Web News - The opening night of the new Spider-Man musical on Broadway has been delayed a month due to "unforeseeable setbacks". Producers have pushed the official first night back to 7 February to allow the cast and crew more time to prepare. "It has become clear that we need to give the team more time to fully execute their vision," lead producer Michael Cohl said in a statement. The show has been beset with problems, including a lead actor getting injured during a preview show.
Bar Music - Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher gave drinkers an evening to remember by performing an impromptu gig in a Stockport bar. The singer dropped into the Town Bar in Heaton Moor after visiting relatives. He chatted with regulars and posed for photographs before picking up a guitar offered by a fan who wanted it autographed. To the punters' delight he performed Oasis and John Lennon classics with Primal Scream bassist Mani.
Farewell - Musician and painter Don Van Vliet, best known by the stage name Captain Beefheart, has died aged 69. Van Vliet's death in California, from complications from multiple sclerosis, was announced by the Michael Werner Gallery in New York. Van Vliet was "one of the most original recording artists of his time", the gallery said in a statement. He rose to fame in the 1960s with a unique style of blues-inspired rock & roll, later devoting himself to art. Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Franz Ferdinand, Oasis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The White Stripes are among those who have cited him as an influence.
(Jim Evans)
