One of east London’s most important rock venues where up and coming bands bands including Roxy Music, The Who, Genesis and Status Quo played some of their first gigs in the capital is to reopen after a £750,000 refurbishment.
Some sources also claim Led Zeppelin also made their first appearance on stage in London at the Red Lion, but according to music historian Andrew Shields that honour actually goes to the Marquee Club.
Chris Hill, Managing Director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “The Red Lion is one of East London’s most beloved pubs, with a history that few can match.
The Red Lion pub in Leytonstone was at the heart of London’s thriving rock scene in the Sixties and Seventies best known for its ballroom space above the bar.
Prog rockers Yes appeared in August 1970 and Genesis performed three shows in 1971, while Status Quo were booked for three gigs in August 1972.
