2005 – A year for world class music at a world class venue

2005 was a record breaking year for live music and entertainment at Earls Court and Olympia, with a record 46 nights of live events. As the UK’s largest indoor arena in the UK and with a capacity for up to 20,000 people, Earls Court One attracts the world’s top music acts and 2005 saw a record number of live music performances at the venue.

There were shows to entertain every type of music fan, with legendary acts returning to perform at Earls Court as well as the current kings and queens of world music. The music year began in February with the triumphant 25th Brit Awards in Earls Court Two. Stunning live performances from acts such as the Scissor Sisters, Robbie Williams, Joss Stone, Keane and the eminent Bob Geldof set the precedent for the year ahead. Rising to the challenge, the award for the most nights ever performed at Earls Court by a solo female artist went to Kylie, who wowed her fans on every one of her seven record breaking nights from 30 April to 7 May. As summer arrived it was time for some of our favourite acts from across the Atlantic to turn up the heat.

It was the summer of ‘05 for Bryan Adams fans at Earls Court as he performed at the venue for the first time and as part of their last ever tour, Destiny’s Child gave a scorching performance to a sell out audience. Neil Diamond said ‘Hello Again’ as he took to the stage for the third time since his first appearance in 1984. The year closed with the busiest December ever for live music at Earls Court. The month began with Rod Stewart, who has now played at the venue every decade since the 1970s! Coldplay, the band of the moment, captivated fans over a three night run from 14-16 December.

The very next night the stage was set for the Foo Fighters who rocked Earls Court One for two nights and the year ended with a fabulous Christmas present for fans of 80’s legends, Duran Duran, who proved over two nights they are still ‘Wild Boys.’ 2006 is looking like it will be an equally amazing year for live music with some great shows already lined up.

The BRIT Awards return and moves to its new home of Earls Court One, making the UK’s largest indoor live music arena the new home for the UK’s greatest live music event. Last year, Give it a Name was the largest indoor all day rock event in the UK and this year it too is coming to Earls Court One. Over two days, 29 and 30 April, and across two stages the show will fly the flag for the finest rock bands as well as breaking all the best new acts from the UK and US.

Anthony Lyons, CEO, Earls Court & Olympia Group said;

“We have been privileged to be the hosts of some of the best live acts in the world at Earls Court in 2005, and it proves we have a world class venue right in the centre of London. It was a truly magnificent year, but we are even more excited about 2006, and are committed to making it another fantastic year for live music at Earls Court.”