THE reputation of Walthamstow's much-loved Standard Music Venue extends far beyond the area's borders as one of London's best and grittiest places to see live bands.

But at a time when pubs are struggling in the economic climate and the music industry stumbles, The Standard has faced a dogged battle for survival in recent years, with renewed attempts to sell the building to property developers this month being met with howls of protest by music fans.

However The Royal Standard – to use its official name – was a hotel and then a pub for much of the twentieth century and only became a dedicated entertainment venue in 1986.

According to the archives, the first ever show that year – which cost £2 for entry - was on Friday August 1, staring 'Satan' and the mysteriously named 'P.D.Q'.

Despite the many weirdly-named bands that played in the early years – and continue to perform at The Standard to this day – it started off with a major focus on Britain's burgeoning 1980s alternative comedy scene.

Up and coming stars such as Loughton's own Alan Davies, Harry Enfield and Jack Dee, along with more established acts such as Hale and Pace, were attracted to the venue as it gained a growing reputation on the comic circuit.

But it was a performance by multi-platinum selling singer Suzi Quatro in April 1990 that cemented The Standard's reputation for live music.

This was given a further boost by the country's enthusiasm for the 1990s Britpop music scene, as hundreds of bands wanting to be the next Oasis or Blur fought for slots on the venue's stage.

They included bands such as Kula Shaker, who went on to have a number one album and five top-ten hits.

Alternative music club nights along with various unsigned artist nights also helped attract large crowds and hundreds of musicians, but the dawning of the 21st century brought a new era of uncertainty.

Rumours began to swirl that the much-loved building would be knocked down, and in 2008 it seemed those fears were realised when details of a sale to a property developer leaked out.

It later emerged that the deal fell through due to the housing market slump.

And a threat of a new kind emerged in January 2009 when a fire suddenly broke out in a flat above the venue during a gig night attended by at least 70 people.

Remarkably, one of the groups just happened to have an off-duty firefighter as a member, whose quick-thinking actions and evacuation of the building are credited with saving it from lasting damage.

Today the venue remains for sale, and while the future may be uncertain, The Standard's fans will always look back on its past as rock solid.

With thanks to Dave Hughes, who has complied a worldwide database of band names and venues. Visit www.worldbands.eu for more information