Built in 1875, the ABC venue has been a key venue arts and music venue in the centre of Glasgow for more than 130 years.

It first opened as the Diorama, a theatrical experience invented by the French in the early 1800s, featuring canvas depictions of historic events.

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

It was here the first Scottish film ‘The Departure of the Columba from Rothesay Pier’ and Glasgow’s first public film was screened at The Skating Palace in 1896, which was commemorated by a plaque outside.

It’s eclectic history then continued in its later incarnation as a circus, when it was renamed the Hippodrome and became home to the popular ‘Hengler’s Circus’, which moved its premises from Wellington Street.

Films were also shown here regularly in the off-season.

In 1927, it reverted back to a dance hall, the Waldorf Palais, before the Associated British Cinema Chain (ABC) took it over.

Designed by architect Charles J McNair and seating a total of 2,359 people, the Regal opened in November 1929 as ABC’s flagship cinema in Glasgow.

A smaller auditorium, Scotland’s first post-war new cinema the ABC 2, was added in 1967, when the Regal was renamed ABC 1.

In 1979, the two cinemas were rebuilt as the five-screen ABC Film Centre, however all the screens were closed in 1999.

It was subsequently earmarked as Glasgow’s newest music venue with renovations beginning in 2002.

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

The fate of the iconic building now remains unknown after the Glasgow School of Art fire also engulfed the building.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there had been “extensive damage” to the venue, with aerial images showing its roof caved in.

As of Sunday night, around 50 firefighters and six fire engines were still in attendance with "dampening down operations" ongoing throughout the day and into the evening.

In a statement on their website, O2 ABC bosses thanked the emergency services for “their rapid and effective action”.

It said: "As reported in the media, there has been a significant fire at The Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building on Friday 15 June 2018 that has affected adjoining buildings, including ours here at O2 ABC Glasgow on Sauchiehall Street.

The area was promptly evacuated as a precaution, everyone is safe, and there are no reported casualties from any nearby properties.

It then announced a number of cancellations over the weekend and said it would post updates regarding all forthcoming shows on the individual event pages of its website.

Many have paid tribute to the venue in the wake of the blaze.

Geoff Ellis, CEO of DF Concerts and Events, said: “Along with the shocking news about the GSA fire, we were devastated to learn of the damage to the O2 ABC venue which, as well as being an iconic building in itself, plays a very important role on the touring circuit.

"We have had some truly wonderful concerts there with acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Paolo Nutini and Dua Lipa to name just a few that have quickly established this wonderful venue as part of the cultural fabric of Glasgow.

"Whilst it is good to know that there are no casualties, our hearts go out to colleagues at the venue who work so hard, as well as to the GSA community.”

ScottishCinemas.org, which archives pictures of cinemas across Scotland, said it was "sad to see the severe damage" to the venue.

Author and rapper Darren “Loki” McGarvey said: “I hope the O2 ABC venue is not overlooked in the aftermath of this fire.

“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.”

Former Hue and Cry singer Pat Kane said the fire was a "double hit", adding "both of them two of the most magical interiors I’ve ever been in (the latter with so many triumphant @hueandcry nights)."

US-based singer Beth Ditto, who performed at the venue last month, tweeted "So sorry Glasgow, everyone at the school and the lovely staff at O2ABC"

Singer Billy Bragg said the news about the Glasgow School of Art fire was "heartbreaking" before adding: "Sorry to see that the O2 ABC was also badly damaged as I’ve had some good gigs there. Hope the city doesn’t lose this important music venue."

A member of Scottish music duo Honeyblood sent a tweet that said: "My heart is in absolute tatters. Not only the GSofA but O2ABC - a place that holds so many memories for me. Glasgow keep yer chin up."

Glasgow-based band Camera Obscura said: "Absolutely gutted for everyone we know at the O2ABC. We’ve played incredible shows there and it’s such a wonderful venue. Heartbroken for the GSofA."

The band Glasvegas said: “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 recently suffered their own loss after the death of lead singer Scott Hutchison last monht, said: "My heart is breaking reading about the Mackintosh building and the ABC.

“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, said: “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”. “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.”