THE O2 ABC, a cultural hub which has been part of Sauchiehall Street for almost 150 years, has been left severely damaged following the second devastating fire at Glasgow School of Art.

The venue fell victim to the blaze which took hold of its neighbouring property on Friday night.

Staff and customers were evacuated to safety before the building’s roof collapsed, despite the best efforts of 150 firefighters deployed to the scene.

The building boasts an Art Deco facade, 19th century steelwork and two-metre disco ball – the biggest in Europe – and has been part of the cultural fabric of Glasgow since 1875.

Once host to a cinema, it most recently it reopened as a music and club venue, becoming an irreplaceable part of the city’s night time economy.

Musicians and members of the public shared their devastation at the loss of building which is home to the ABC 1 and 2.

Bosses at the venue thanked the emergency services for ensuring the safety of staff and sent their love to "friends and neighbours" who had been left distraught by the events.

Author and rapper Darren "Loki" McGarvey urged the public not to overlook the venue in the aftermath of the fire.

He added: “It was a world class music venue, used by thousands of people every month.

“Also a great platform for local artists to get a shot on the big stage supporting international acts.

“A very special place.”

Glasgow band Glasvegas also paid tribute, writing: “Gutted to hear about the fire at O2 ABC ... was just a month ago we had a very special night at Stag & Dagger. I hope someone saved the disco ball.”

Frightened Rabbit band members, who have suffered their own loss this year after lead singer Scott Hutchison died last month, added: “My heart is breaking reading about the Mackintosh building and the ABC in Glasgow.

“There aren’t enough words to describe the admiration for the ridiculously brave and heroic firefighters of Scotland who do this on a daily basis. Glasgow is hurting but will recover.”

Gigs in Scotland, which helps promote and sell tickets for gigs, commented: “Sending love to all of our colleagues at O2 ABC and of course to Glasgow School of Art.

“Two Glasgow institutions, both part of the creative backbone of our incredible city.”

Still Game actor Gavin Mitchell described it as “one of the best venues in Glasgow”.

He added: “It now looks like we may have also lost the ABC. That beautiful wooden roof. One of my favourite and best venues in Glasgow.

“So many memories, from performing to seeing movies there when I was a kid.

“This is a truly horrible day for Glasgow. No wonder the heavens have opened.”

The venue was set to host a Belly the Band gig on Saturday evening, which nearby venue The Garage has offered to host instead.

Foo Fighters tribute band, Foo Fighters GB, were also forced to call off their gig as a result of the inferno.

In a statement on Facebook, the band said: "It is with massive regret that we have to inform everyone that tonight’s Glasgow gig at the O2 ABC Glasgow cannot go ahead due to a horrific fire in the building next door that spread to the roof of the O2."

“We hope everyone in the area is OK and are awaiting further info. This looks like a huge fire so we don’t know about any rescheduling as yet but we will keep you all informed.”

The future for upcoming gigs is uncertain, with several events that were set to take place over the next few days already being cancelled due to the destruction.

FAMOUS BANDS

With an average of 400 events every year, most bands who have passed through the city have graced one of the O2 ABC stages.

Since opening in 2005, it has provided a platform for musicians of all genres to reach Glasgow audiences on an intimate level.

Over the years, unforgettable live performances have taken place beneath its two-metre long disco ball including Adele, Bruno Mars, Sam Smith and Kasabian.

Before going on to sell out three nights at Hampden stadium, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran cut his teeth on the stage.

Back in 2005, a little-known indie band called Arctic Monkeys performed their debut album ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ at the venue.

Their tales of drunken debauchery and takeaways was the perfect soundtrack to a night out in Glasgow and later catapulted them to stardom.

Scottish acts have always been welcomed to the stage, such as Glasvegas, Paolo Nutini, Frightened Rabbit and The View.

On their way to the top, rockers Royal Blood, rapper Kendrick Lamar and jazz vocalist Gregory Porter appeared on the bill.

It has also become well known for regular club nights, including the legendary Love Music and Club Noir, and student favourites Jelly Baby and Propaganda.

HISTORY

Neighbour of the Mackintosh masterpiece Glasgow School of Art, the O2 ABC has become an institution in its own right.

First in built in 1875 as The Diorama, the building has undergone a number of renovations.

It was completely transformed to become Hubners Ice Skating Palace in 1885 and was one of the first buildings in Glasgow to have electricity.

Following its stint as an ice rink, the building was renamed the Hippodrome and became home to the popular ‘Hengler’s Circus’, which moved its premises from Wellington Street.

When circuses were not in action, it was used for showing films.

In 1927, the building reverted back to a dance hall. By 1929, it was a flagship cinema, designed by architect Charles J McNair, seating a total of 2,359 people. In 1967, a smaller auditorium, the ABC 2, was added, before renovations turned it into a four-screen cinema.

Both the ABC 1 and 2 closed by October 1999 before being earmarked as Glasgow’s newest medium-sized music venue and being transformed as a 1,300 capacity concert hall.

Renovation began in 2002 and the ABC reopened its doors in 2005 with a concert from American pop-punk band Sum 41. It became the O2 ABC in 2009.

CLIENTELE

With artists from all genres performing on stage, the O2 ABC has a diverse clientele. Hosting rappers, rockers, pop stars and drag queens, the Sauchiehall Street venue is known for inclusivity.

Surrounded by some of the city’s best bars, club nights have been a main attraction. Held in both the ABC 1 and 2, event planners have established events to pull in even the most reluctant of crowds.

Thursday night Jelly Baby is one of the most popular student nights with cheap drinks and pop music being the biggest attraction.

Indie night Propaganda pulls in the "alternative" crowd with most playlists featuring the likes of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian, while Saturday’s Love Music is a celebration of all things pop.

In ABC 2, pop-punk karaoke and Pretty Ugly DJ’s offer smaller clubs to those looking to avoid the masses.