LONDON - THE Astoria, one of London's most illustrious music venues, hosts its final show on Wednesday before being demolished to make way for a new rail link.

The Astoria's list of performers reads like a who's who of musical aristocracy with The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, U2, Oasis, Radiohead, Coldplay and Jimi Hendrix just a handful of those who have taken to the stage since its conversion from a cinema in 1976.

The final show before the 2,000-capacity venue closes its doors for good will be Wednesday's charity fundraiser organised by Sam Duckworth, frontman of indy band Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Visitors to the venue on Tottenham Court Road were treated to ramshackle facilities and blistering temperatures but were guaranteed an intimate atmosphere and authentic gig experience.

'It is the end of an era,' said Ivor Wilkins, of the Astoria's operators Festival Republic.

'Having witnessed over 20 years of incredible music, the loss of such a fantastic venue with its electric atmosphere that few others possess is a terrible shame, and one, unfortunately, we had no control over.

'Its history of live music will remain in our hearts; beer-soaked and memory-stained.'

Fans bombarded the New Musical Express magazine's website with messages of support.

'It will always be the most perfect venue and anything that eventually attempts to replace it will not be right and will not come close,' wrote one devotee.

'I think it's tragic that yet another legendary music venue is to shut its doors. Things have to become more commercialised in terms of mass venue ownership but it is still unfortunate that we're losing this piece of musical histor,' another guest commented, highlighting the malaise of live music venues in the capital.

Twelve other buildings near to The Astoria will also be demolished to make space for Crossrail, a new rail link running west to east through the British capital, which is due to open in 2017. -- AFP