The Old Kings Hall
Built in 1933, Kings Hall was the main place for entertainments in Aberystwyth until it was finally demolished back in 1989.
Many bands played here in its hay day, including Slade, Free and Led Zeppelin.
The art deco dance hall was eventually demolished to make way for the flats which stand in its place today.
Songs from the Led Zeppelin set, from 16th January 1973 included:
Rock and Roll
Over the Hills and Far Away
Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop
Since I’ve Been Loving You, Dancing Days
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp, The Song Remains the Same
Rain Song, Dazed and Confused
Stairway to Heaven
Whole Lotta Love (medley)
For more information on the Led Zeppelin concert in Aberystwyth, please click
[googleMap name="The Old Kings Hall" width="500" height="350"]SY23 2AP[/googleMap]
I remember the King Hall well, from playing on the dodgems as a kid in the early 70′s to having my 21st Birthday Party there in 1984. I also saw Slade there and The Smiths (Preferred Slade).
At the time it was demolished the excuse was that the building was unsafe and had been condemned. As I watched the wrecking ball bouncing off the reinforced concrete walls I wondered if there might be some other reason.
The shops and apartments with their rusty balcony’s which replaced this iconic landmark are a poor substitute and the town is much poorer for it.