5 Things That Could Only Happen In The Half Moon Pub In Herne Hill

There is something about smaller independent live venues. The artists have a closer relationship with their audience. These amazing tales from the Half Moon in SE24 show the true cultural value of these places. #savethehalfmoon

1. Frank Sinatra Swings By To Sing A Number

Cinema Station / Via cinemastationblog.wordpress.com

Frank Sinatra once popped in for a jam at the Half Moon after a London show. The manager of the pub at that time had previously worked as Frank's chauffeur. As one local recounts: "A little known fact about the Half Moon is that Frank Sinatra sang there once! His ex driver was the landlord in the '50s and Frank popped in to see him and sung a number. My dad told me he heard about it the next day and was gutted that he was in the Milkwood Tavern at the time."

2. Eddie Izzard Appears Onstage ... And In The Audience

Hayley Nia Thomas / Via Twitter: @hayleyniathomas

Eddie Izzard's appearance at Pull The Other One's Friday night comedy at the Half Moon in April 2012, involved him appearing both onstage with Stephen Frost and the Impro Allstars and sitting with the audience. Eddie stayed and hung out after the gig. He's that kind of guy. It's that kind of pub.

3. The Audience Leaves Before The Headline Act

nerve.com / Via nerve.com

The crowd at the Half Moon in December 1983 were hardly the milkmen of human kindness to headliners The Opposition. The venue was packed for the appearance of the support act, Billy Bragg, who was clearly on his way to stardom, with a considerable buzz surrounding his live performances. The Half Moon emptied as soon as Billy finished his set, and before headliners The Oppos had played a single note.

4. Where Everybody Knows Your Name

rollingstone.com / Via rollingstone.com

The Wonder Stuff's singer Miles Hunt celebrated his 40th birthday party at the Half Moon in July 2006. The crowd sang Happy Birthday To You. This kind of thing just happens in a place where everybody knows your name ... and they're really glad you came.

5. Only Here For The Beer

ieattothebeat.com / Robert Harrison / Via ieattothebeat.com

Jerry Dammers from The Specials and Maxi Jazz from Faithless are pictured outside the Half Moon around 2007, hanging out with Jill O'Neill, the pub's General Manager. When you work in the music industry, it's good to have a place to hang out with other musicians, for a jam session or even just a pint. This Half Moon tradition started in the 1970s, with Sunday night jam sessions by members of the Jeff Beck Group, Rory Gallagher band, Thin Lizzy, and 7th Wave.