The Village Hall in Albury, with its small stage and 80-120 person capacity, was and still is used for rehearsals and events. One notable band to rehearse here was Bad Company.

In the Summer of ’73 Paul Rodgers formed Bad Company with ex-Moot the Hoople guitarist Mike Ralphs, former Free drummer Simon Kirke and with Boz Burrell, ex-bass player with King Crimson, joining later. They rehearsed at Albury and Chilworth Village Halls. Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant was invited to hear them at an Albury rehearsal. He arrived late and along with Clive Coulson heard them through an open window. Coulson became their day-to-day manager and Grant their official manager – the rest is history. It’s also rumored that Bad Company’s debut gig was at the Village Hall, not Newcastle City Hall as often reported.

December 1976: Bad Company performed for Paul Rodger’s birthday in the Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg

In December ’76, Bad Company returned to the Village Hall to perform a ‘secret’ charity gig for Paul Rodgers 27th birthday. Billed as the Rough Diamonds. The band charge a quid a ticket and raised just over £200 for the Albury based Tupperfield old people’s home.

This Breed Of Heroes held a Christmas party at Albury Village Hall in December 1985. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman.

In addition to Bad Company, The Innocence rehearse at the hall in ’83/’84, and in December ’85, This Breed of Heroes hired the venue for their “Christmas Party” gig.

Gallery:

December 1976: Bad Company performed for Paul Rodger’s birthday in the Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg
December 1976: Bad Company performed for Paul Rodger’s birthday in the Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg
Clipping from the 17 Dec 1976 Surrey Advertiser about the “secret” Bad Company gig at Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg
The Innocents (mk1) rehearsing in Albury Village Hall c’83/4. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
The Village Hall, Albury