O2 ABC: classic venue succumbs to the flames
Tributes flood in as O2 ABC, cultural hub for 150 years, succumbs to flames
HE O2 ABC, a cultural hub which has been part of Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street for almost 150 years, also suffered severe damage in the blaze that all but destroyed Glasgow School of Art.
As fire raged in the Charles Rennie Mackintoch masterpiece just up the hill, staff and customers were evacuated to safety. Despite the best efforts of the 150 firefighters deployed to the scene, the building could not be saved and the roof collapsed.
The building boasts an art deco facade, 19th-century steelwork and two-metre disco ball – the biggest in Europe – and has been a favourite since 1875. Once home to a cinema, it most recently reopened as a music and club venue, becoming an irreplaceable part of the city’s night life.
Musicians and members of the public shared their devastation at the loss of the building which is home to the ABC 1 and 2.
Bosses at the venue thanked the emergency services for ensuring the safety of staff and sent their love to “friends and neighbours” who had been left distraught by the events.
While the Art School is inevitably at the forefront of most people’s thoughts, author and rapper Darren “Loki” McGarvey urged the public not to forget about the ABC.
He said: “It was a world-class music venue, used by thousands of people every month. It was also a great platform for local artists to get a shot on the big stage supporting international acts. A very special place.”
Glasgow band Glasvegas also paid tribute, writing: “Gutted to hear about the fire at O2 ABC ... was just a month ago we had a very special night at Stag & Dagger. I hope someone saved the disco ball.”
Frightened Rabbit band members, who have suffered their own loss this year after lead singer Scott Hutchison died last month, added: “My heart is breaking reading about the Mackintosh building and the ABC.
“There aren’t enough words to describe the admiration for the ridiculously brave and heroic firefighters of Scotland who do this on a daily basis. Glasgow is hurting but will recover.”
Gigs in Scotland, which helps promote and sell tickets for gigs, commented: “Sending love to all of our colleagues at O2 ABC and of course to Glasgow School of Art. Two Glasgow institutions, both part of the creative backbone of our incredible city.” Still Game actor Gavin Mitchell described it as “one of the best venues in Glasgow”. “It now looks like we may have also lost the ABC. That beautiful wooden roof. One of my favourite and best venues in Glasgow.
“So many memories, from performing to seeing movies there when I was a kid. This is a truly horrible day for Glasgow.”
The venue was set to host a Belly the Band gig, which nearby venue The Garage offered to host instead.
Foo Fighters tribute band, Foo Fighters GB, were also forced to call off their gig as a result of the inferno.
In a statement, the band said: “It is with massive regret that we have to inform everyone that tonight’s Glasgow gig at the O2 ABC Glasgow cannot go ahead due to a horrific fire in the building next door that spread to
the roof of the O2. We hope everyone in the area is OK and are awaiting further info. This looks like a huge fire so we don’t know about any rescheduling as yet but we will keep you all informed.”
The future for upcoming gigs is uncertain, with events that were set to take place over the next few days already being cancelled due to the destruction.
So many memories, from performing to seeing movies there when I was a kid. This is a truly horrible day for Glasgow