Manumission returns to London for the first time in 15 years

Ibiza's hedonistic icon, Manumission, will be returning to the UK for the first time in 15 years to say goodbye to one of London's most loved venues, the Astoria, which is being demolished to make way for Crossrail.

Manumission will be hitting London and literally tearing down the house in the last ever party to be held at the legendary Astoria. The night will bring together some of Rocks most iconic bands to join the carnival of cabaret that is Manumission, led by the ring masters, Mike and Claire. Two worlds collide as a who's who of Rock 'n' Roll and Dance Music come and play together on Thursday 15th January 2009 in a homage to the London's Astoria and Manumission's 15th birthday.

Manumission will follow up the Astoria event with a World Tour. The full line-up is due to be announced shortly.

The Astoria was built on the site of a former pickle factory and opened in 1927 as a cinema. It was later converted for theatrical use in 1976 and is now exclusively a music venue with a capacity of 2000. It has played host to many up-and-coming bands such as Radiohead and Nirvana in 1989. The venue would also host world famous bands wishing to play low-profile shows, including U2 in 2001, The Rolling Stones in 2003, Pearl Jam in 2006 and Oasis' first performance of their 2005 tour. Blur also played a five night residency in 2003.

Other big names to played intimate club gigs at this world famous venue include Coldplay, Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, Arctic Monkeys, Daveid Bowie, Foo Fighters, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Pearl Jam, Amy Winehouse, Green Day, Eminem, White Stripes as well as Manic Street Preachers – who played their final gig at the venue before Richard Edwards' disappearance.