Built in 1971 for the adjacent Blenheim Gardens housing estate and named after the neighbouring Ashby’s Mill, The Windmill went through various phases of being a bar that attracted locals, bikers, the Irish community and, by the end of the 90’s, started hosting DJs, poetry sessions and, occasionally, live bands. Around 2002 its focus stably shifted onto live music.
Tag Archives: South London
Bon Scott’s Memorial
Left to sleep in a Renault 5 owned by his friend Alistair Kinnear at 67 Overhill Road in East Dulwich, AC/DC’s Bon Scott was later found lifeless on the 19th of February 1980.
The Fridge/Electric Brixton
The Fridge was at the heart of the New Romantic movement, and booked such acts as Eurythmics and Pet Shop Boys before they were well known, later becoming particularly famous for its Africa Centre nights, playing hip hop and funk, hosted by legendary group Soul II Soul (in the late 80s).
Sid and Nancy’s Graffiti
Pics of dear relatives you’d place on your fireplace in the living room? Certainly “Vicious” uncle Sid’s and “Nauseating” aunt Nancy’s! Dotmaster painted their portraits in Penge, South London.
The Greyhound/Blue Orchid
Before there was the Blue Orchid (from 1986), it was The Greyhound – a live music venue in Croydon, where the likes of Deep Purple, Status Quo, Thin Lizzy, The Ramones, David Bowie, Queen, Roxy Music and The Jam played.
The Three Tuns Pub
The Three Tuns Pub in South London, now a Zizzi’s, was home to a folk club – which later became the Beckenham Arts Lab – set up by David Bowie (and his girlfriend Mary Finnigan) at the very beginning of his solo career in May 1969.
Fairfield Halls
In 1976 guitarist Ray Burns and drummer Chris Millar were toilet cleaners at Fairfield Halls. They later became Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies of The Damned. Many stars played the venue in its heyday.
Chislehurst Caves
A maze of about 22 miles of man-made underground tunnels, a cave, a shelter during the German blitz, but also a music venue where the likes of David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and the Pink Floyd performed.
Bill Wyman’s flat in Penge
During his early years, Rolling Stones’ bassist Bill Wyman lived in a flat above his family’s car dealership at 8 Kenilworth Court, just off Penge High Street
Marc Bolan’s Rock Shrine
Marc Bolan, of glam-rock band T-Rex, died here in Barnes, London, on the 16th of September 1977. The site has become a place of pilgrimage to Bolan’s fans after since.