Cardiff's loved and lost music venues and the big names who played them including Amy Winehouse and Elton John

During the last few decades - and even years - Cardiff has lost a number of its brilliant music venues. Priding itself as a music city, the loss of these venues has clearly impacted the scene.

Some of the venues that we have lost saw early sets from some of the biggest stars of the last two decades, including the likes of Adele, Ellie Goulding, Tinie Tempah and Amy Winehouse to name just a few.

Here are some of the live music venues we have lost that many will remember having the time of their lives at, with some great music along the way.

Read More: Unseen photos of Cardiff’s Capitol Theatre in all its glory and the music legends who played there

Gwdihw

Gwdihw Bar, Guildford Crescent, Cardiff (Richard Swingler)

One of the most important grassroots venues closed in 2019, due to its owners announcing plans to demolish the site along with other businesses, including restaurants Madeira and Thai House.

All that is left is the outside façade of the former buildings, with no news on what will replace them three years on from their demise.

The Point

The Point in Mount Stuart Square, Butetown, Cardiff (Media Wales)

For those who love live music, The Point in Cardiff Bay was one of the best-kept secret venues that Cardiff had in its arsenal.

Originally, the gothic-style Grade II-listed St Stephen's Church opened up as The Point in 2003. However, the venue ran into difficulties due to debt it had incurred and, as a result of noise complaints from its neighbours, the owners had to soundproof the former church.

The venue saw the likes of the Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics, Feeder, and Super Furry Animals playing before it closed in 2009.

Super Furry Animals at The Point in 2006 (Simon Ridgway)

Sophia Gardens Pavilion

Tom Jones during a concert in aid of the Aberfan Fund, which was held at Sophia Gardens Pavilion, Cardiff - December 1966 (Mirrorpix)

Going back further, many people will remember Sophia Gardens Pavilion, which played host to many a rock and pop group over the years including the likes of Cliff Richards and The Shadows, Slade, Fleetwood Mac, The Who, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

The venue opened in 1951 for the Festival Of Britain and closed in 1982 as the roof collapsed due to an estimated 4ft of snow.

Capitol Theatre

Elton John, in concert at the Capitol Theatre, Cardiff - June 1976 (Western Mail and Echo)

The Capitol Theatre was another legendary Cardiff theatre, which saw many music legends grace its stage, including The Beatles, Bay City Rollers, Elton John, and Led Zeppelin.

The venue unfortunately closed in 1978 and was then demolished in 1983.

Fans cheer as the Bay City Rollers perform on stage while first aiders attend to those who have fainted at the Capitol Theatre, Cardiff. May 1975 (Media Wales)

Top Rank Suite

Teenagers dancing at the Cardiff Top Rank Suite - November 1965 (Mirrorpix)

The legendary Top Rank club has gone through many names over the years but, for many, it will always be the Top Rank Suite.

Opening back in 1963, like the aforementioned Capitol Theatre, it too also saw the likes of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin tread the boards. The Top Rank also saw many new wave acts play with the likes of U2, Depeche Mode and Duran Duran performing there.

The Top Rank closed in 1982, with the venue changing names every couple of years but was eventually demolished in 2005.

The Barfly

The Barfly in 2003 (South Wales Echo)

As part of the Barfly chain of music venues, the Cardiff venue opened in 2001.

It would see the likes of Amy Winehouse play there in 2004, touring behind her debut album Frank. Other stars who played the Barfly stage in Cardiff include Sporty Spice herself Melanie C, Juliette Lewis with her band The Licks, as well as Biffy Clyro and Kings of Leon.

The venue closed suddenly in 2010.

Amy Winehouse at the Barfly Club on March 2, 2004 (Rob Watkins/Media Wales)

Buffalo Bar

Buffalo bar, Cardiff (Matthew Horwood / Media Wales)

Another unsung music venue was the Buffalo Bar, which saw Adele play one of her first gigs in Wales to around 60 people back in 2007.

It was also one of the best Sŵn Festival venues over the years. The bar closed in 2019 but there are plans for it to be reopened as a music venue very soon.

Millennium Music Hall

Millennium Music Hall, Cardiff, in 2011 (Matthew Horwood / Media Wales)

When the Millennium Music Hall opened in 2009, it quickly emerged as one of the best grassroots venues in the city.

It hosted shows by the likes of many rock, pop, dance and blues artists including Shaun Ryder, Tinie Tempah, Faithless, Stiff Little Fingers, Ellie Goulding, and Johnny Winter.

However, like so many other venues before it, the Music Hall announced its closure rather abruptly in 2012, shortly after being shortlisted for a grassroots award in the NME.

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