GLASGOW, Scotland (CelebrityAccess) The roof of the O2 ABC, a 150-year-old, 1,300-capacity venue in Glasgow, Scotland, collapsed after a fire tore through the neighborhood Friday, and the damage is described as extensive.
An “inferno” had ripped through the nearby Glasgow School of Art, which is directly behind the venue.
The venue has been at the center of culture and entertainment in the the city, according to IQ Magazine. It opened in 1875 as The Diorama, which it held: a virtual theatrical experience before it was bought by the Associated British Cinemas Chain (ABC) in 1929. It has been an ice rink, a movie theatre and a circus ring before settling in as a music and entertainment venue in 2005, housing Europe’s largest disco ball.
Gutted to hear about the fire at O2 ABC .. was just a month ago we had a very special night at Stag & Dagger.. I hope someone saved the disco ball. GVx pic.twitter.com/4ABGtZOFyV
— Glasvegas (@glasvegas) June 16, 2018
The venue usually hosts about 400 events per year. Acts like Arctic Monkeys, Paramore, Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars have played it.
Its future is uncertain as it is still under the control of the emergency services. About 150 firefighters had been deployed to the scene, according to the Evening Times.
“We would like to thank the emergency services, especially the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, whose instantaneous action prevented any casualties, and for that they must be whole-heartedly commended,” Graham Walters, COO of the Academy Music Group, said in a statement. “The events of Friday night have devastated so many in our industry who share our sadness.”
So sad to hear that the Glasgow o2 ABC burnt down last night.
Was lucky enough to headline the main stage with Yashin back in 2012 and play it again in 2015 with Skindred. Brilliant venue! Sad times. pic.twitter.com/7ik0dL93lY— Connor MacLeod (@HelloConnor) June 16, 2018
Several artists expressed their concerns, including Glasvegas, which posted a photo of itself onstage at the O2 ABC and saying it was “gutted to hear about the fire.” Scottish band Frightened Rabbit said its “heart is breaking.”
It now looks like we may have also lost the ABC. That beautiful wooden roof. One if my favourite and best venues in Glasgow. So many memories, from performing to seeing movies there when I was a kid. This is a truly horrible day for Glasgow. No wonder the heavens have opened. 💔
— Gavin Mitchell (@GavsterNo1) June 16, 2018
The venue was expected to host a Belly The Band show on Saturday, which was moved to the nearby Garage. Foo Fighters tribute band Foo Fighters GB was also moved.
A photo gallery of the devastation is available here.
