Apple is set to open a concert venue beneath its European headquarters at Battersea Power Station in London, according to a BBC News report. The space, called Apple Music Hall, will have a capacity of 600 people and is described as state‑of‑the‑art, featuring more cameras and speakers than any venue of its size anywhere in the world, said Apple Music vice‑president Oliver Schusser. The venue will host one‑off shows by major recording artist and new band performances, all of which will be filmed and broadcast live online via Apple Music. Schusser emphasized that the goal is not to compete with existing live‑music businesses but to create bespoke content that connects artists with fans and showcases work on Apple Music. He noted the venue will be run like a conventional venue with ticket sales, but its sole purpose for Apple is to support artists and produce content for the streaming service. The opening is expected in the coming weeks, with details of the inaugural act to be announced soon. BBC News got an early look at the venue in early September as finishing touches were applied. The hall features fluted vaults, brick‑lined walls that echo the Art Deco style of the former power station, and specially selected bricks to absorb reflected sound. The stage measures 38 feet long and can be configured for “in the round” or traditional front‑facing layouts. Dressing rooms include en‑suite showers and dedicated costume storage. The facility also houses new studios for Apple Music’s radio stations, which are relocating from King’s Cross, plus rooms for DJ mixes, writing camps, and band rehearsals. The entire building is wired for video and audio, allowing artists to record a podcast, appear on a radio show, and live‑stream a concert in a single day. The development comes amid pressure on the UK live‑music scene: the BBC article notes that 45 venues closed in London last year alone, and between 2020 and 2025 around 400 British clubs shut as living costs rose and post‑Covid habits shifted. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the Apple Music Hall as “a huge vote of confidence in the UK as a global creative powerhouse” and a signal of strong creative sectors. Schusser also referenced comments from music mogul Jimmy Iovine, who warned that streaming services risk becoming obsolete if they do not foster listener‑artist connections, describing them as “an ATM machine.” Apple hopes the venue will help promote emerging artists who might struggle to gain traction as listening habits stagnate, ensuring a future pipeline of new catalogue music.
Key facts
- Capacity: 600
- Location: beneath Apple’s European headquarters, Battersea Power Station, London
- Opening: expected in the coming weeks
- Primary purpose: film and broadcast live shows on Apple Music to connect artists with fans
- Context: 45 London venues closed in the past year; ~400 UK clubs closed 2020‑2025