Apple Music to open concert venue in Battersea Power Station

Tech titan Apple plans to unveil an upscale concert hall beneath its London headquarters at Battersea Power Station. The 600-capacity venue, dubbed Apple Music Hall, is set to debut one-off performances by renowned artists and emerging musicians, with live broadcasts streamed online. Apple Music's Vice President, Oliver Schusser, highlighted that the facility boasts more cameras and speakers than any comparable venue worldwide.

This move comes amidst a challenging period for London's live music scene, which saw 45 venues close last year alone, reflecting a national trend of around 400 club closures between 2020 and 2025 due to rising living costs and post-pandemic lifestyle changes. Schusser emphasized that Apple's venture is not designed to compete with existing venues but to foster connections between artists and fans, and to broadcast content exclusively on Apple Music.

The venue, known as Apple Music Hall, pays homage to London's architectural heritage with its Art Deco-inspired design, featuring fluted vaults and brick-lined walls. The stage, measuring 38 feet in length, can accommodate both immersive in-the-round performances and traditional front-facing shows. In addition to hosting concerts, the facility will house Apple Music's radio stations, DJ mix rooms, writing camps, and band rehearsal spaces.

The building is equipped with advanced video and audio infrastructure, enabling artists to record podcasts, appear on radio shows, and live-stream gigs all in one day. As music streaming services face growing criticism for their impersonal nature, Apple aims to differentiate its offerings by promoting new and upcoming artists, addressing the challenge of stagnating listening habits among fans.