The Grade II* listed Half Moon Pub in Herne Hill, London SE24 has been closed since the flood of August 2013. Its future as a live music venue is currently under threat.

The Half Moon has hosted live music since the 1950's, when Frank Sinatra dropped by after a London show to visit his old chauffeur and sing a number. Musicians who played here and went on to become famous include Eric Clapton, U2, Billy Bragg, The Police, and Paloma Faith. Celebrated comedians, including Mark Lamarr, Eddie Izzard and Jo Brand have also performed stand-up comedy here.

Sunday night jam sessions in the 1970s featured an amazing array of musical talent from the most popular bands of the era, including members of the Jeff Beck Group, Rory Gallagher band, and Thin Lizzy. Luminaries such as Albert Lee, Paul Young, Geno Washington, The Yardbirds, and the celebrated punk poet John Cooper Clarke have all graced the stage at the Half Moon in Herne Hill.

The 1980s line up at the Half Moon included leading 'New Wave' acts, such as The Comsat Angels, The Chameleons, The Alarm, and The Go-Betweens.

Recent acts that played at the Half Moon include UK chart toppers The Wonder Stuff, along with Mercury Music prize nominated Turin Brakes, The Handsome Family, and The Beat. In 2010, the singer Rumer held a special gig at the Half Moon to support those affected by the Pakistan floods. 2010 also saw Grammy nominated band Clinic supported by Mercury Music Prize nominee Anna Calvi in a double bill.

By signing this petition, you can show the Mayor of London that you care about London's independent live music scene and the creative arts. Most importantly, you can help to demonstrate the overwhelming strength of public support for saving the function room at the Half Moon as a live music venue, and help us in making our wider case to retain its existing planning use. Keep music live.