The Pub that launched rock sensations Coldplay and Suede is set to be turned into flats - to the dismay of local residents.
The Falcon Pub, Royal College Street, Camden, which had held rock gigs on its premises since the early 1970s, closed down three years ago to make way for a community centre - but locals had hoped that it would one day be reverted back to its former glory.
Coldplay had their breakthrough there on December 7 1998, after being spotted by record producer Simon Williams and Radio One DJ Steve Lamacq, who launched them into the spotlight.Now, if planning permission is given to engineering company Robert Wynter and Partners LTD, the building will be converted into three new apartments. The Falcon is associated with a number of famous names who would use the pub's stage as a testing ground for their material.
On a tour of universities in 1992, a little-known band called Suede stopped off in Camden to entertain punters at the Falcon. A year later their self-titled debut album became the fastest selling album in UK history.
Builder Tommy Squires, 47, who used to drink at the Falcon, said: "It was originally a theatre pub but the started getting heavy metal bands in there about 30 years ago. "Camden has always been a place for live music and by turning pubs into flats you're changing the social structure of the area. Local pubs are being replaced by big chains and can't afford the growing beer prices. It breaks down the community because residents don't have anywhere to socialise. There are only a few locals left now and it's happening so rapidly. Soon there won't be any left.
Source: camdenchronicle.co.uk
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