Opened in 1929 and formerly known as the Harehills Palais-de-Danse, the Astoria became one of Leeds’ prime entertainment venues
In the 1940s it hosted ‘Tea Dances’, where people wore dinner
jackets and long gowns
From 1969 until the early 1980s live televised wrestling bouts were staged at The Astoria, usually by Joint Promotions
During the 1980s there was a lively ‘music scene’ at The Astoria including Rock ‘N’ Roll, Northern Soul and Jazz
Concerts at The Astoria included James Saturday 23 November 1985; Pere Ubu 24 March 1988; Gong and Tribal Hearts Thursday 21 April 1988; Tanita Tikaram Wednesday 28 September 1988; Uria Heap Wednesday 22 November 1989; Thunder Monday 4 December 1989; The Psychedelic Furs Tuesday 30 January 1990; Dr Feelgood 14 November 1991
The Astoria even hosted a Goth Convention associated with The Sisters of Mercy, a band which was formed in Leeds. Its founder Andrew Eldritch, once called ‘The Godfather of Goth’, has since the early 1990s dissociated himself from Goth subculture
Krystyna has an autographed 1980s photo of Dynamite which is reproduced in the gallery on this page
She also donated a ticket to the Leeds Rock ‘N’ Roll Club at The Astoria Ballroom see The Jets; Vince St John and Red River Rock; and The Hot Dogs on 5 May 1984 which was buried in the time capsule at Oakwood Clock
The time capsule is due to be opened in 2112 – the bicentenary of Oakwood becoming part of the City of Leeds.
After its closure in 1992 The Astoria was used by Amrik’s for an electrical goods showroom until 1995 and then it was briefly a Gym
Eventually, The Astoria was demolished and replaced by residential apartments called, Astoria Court