The Apollo (Glasgow)

The Apollo, formerly known as the Green’s Playhouse, was opened by Unicorn Leisure in September 1973 after acquiring a lease from the owners George Green Ltd. The venue's debut live performance was by Johnny Cash on 5th September 1973. The Apollo became the leading concert venue in Glasgow and Scotland throughout the 1970's and 1980s playing host to artist’s, band’s, or group’s that expressed a desire to perform to a Glasgow audience and providing the venue fee's was agreed,(including an agreement that the Apollo's usherettes sold the performer's programmes retaining a percentage in the process), that desire was usually fulfilled. The cinema tradition was initially continued until it was seen as financially unviable and discontinued. The leaseholders, Unicorn Leisure, also operated the ballroom perched above the concert auditorium, originally known as Clouds through various name changes including Satellite City and The Penthouse. The ballroom became a music venue for up-coming and lesser-known bands unable to attract a paying audience capable of filling the concert venue such as; Simple Minds, Elvis Costello and The Rich Kids. Unicorn Leisure was the management company for comedian, Billy Connolly and singer, Christian, (formerly known as Chris McClure), they also operated many of Glasgow's pubs, clubs and discotheque's during the 1970s including; The Muscular Arms, Maestros, Electric Gardens and The Savoy. Despite the Apollo's success as a music venue, the building was in a poor condition continuing to deteriorate structurally, with maintenance repairs being done on a 'make do' basis. In mid-1977, the owner of Unicorn Leisure relocated to the warmer climes of Florida, USA. The lease was acquired by Apollo Leisure Group. The new leaseholders experienced considerable problems with the buildings structural condition, to the extent they considered relinquishing the lease in 1978, with Mecca Bingo interested in the acquiring the building. After a 'final gig' with singer Christian as the headline act on 5 July 1978, The Apollo resumed business as music venue less than a month later. The resumption was to herald a seven-year downward spiral until the venue finally closed for business on 16th June 1985. The performers on that date being The Style Council. The building was demolished in September 1987 following a fire that rendered the building structurally unsafe and is now the site of multiplex cinema complex.

External links

• Scottish Cinemas and Theatres - The Apollo archive photographs