History

We're planning to do a memorabilia wall of old Horn things here at The Horn, and also to go on this page on the website, so if you have anything we could use such as old photo's, flyers, funny stories or interesting information.

We believe the building was originally a hotel and called The Railway Hotel with The Midland hotel on the opposite side of the road and both being positioned next to St Albans City Station. The hotel used to have the occasional band or acts perform back in the 60’s then in early 70’s the site changed to a public house called The Horn of Plenty. During the 70’s it became known as a live music venue and was run by Bob Andrews and then Vinnie Jones mum! We are not sure about owners or managers of the site during the 80’s and early 90’s (if you have any info please let us know) In 1994 Oldrich Hoppe became the new owner and financed a full refurbishment changing the name to The Horn Reborn. Keen to keep the pub as a music venue he worked hard with several promoters to make The Horn the best music venue in Hertfordshire. He owned the site for 11 years really putting the venue on the map as a reputable place for live music. In 2005 Adrian Bell who had been a promoter from 1998 – 2002 purchased the site from Oldrich and is still the owner today. Since taking over in 2005 Adrian refurbished the venue in 2007 and renamed it simply as The Horn and in the last 4 years has won UK Music Pub of the Year and UK Entertainment Pub Of The Year.

Everyone connected to the site past and present are proud to have been part of this historic venue which has helped local acts such as Paul Young, The Subways, Enter Shikari, Friendly Fires and many more by providing somewhere for them to develop their craft.

Back in the day

The legendary John Peel was a frequent customer.

Kym Wilde used to work behind the bar.

Paul Young started here playing every Monday with his band Street Band.

Bands

Some of the great artists that have played here - If there are any that you think should be listed, then drop us a line.

Adrian Edmundson
Albert Lee
Argent
Art Brut
Arthur Brown
Bad Manners
Bert Jansch
Bez from Happy Mondays
Chas & Dave
Chris Difford
Chris Farlowe
Discharge
Dodgy
Eddie + The Hotrods
Enter Shikari
Friendly Fires
Gallows
Geno Washington
Glen Tilbrook
Half Man Half Biscuit
Hazel O'Connor
Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers)
Jon Otway
Marillion
Mike Peters (The Alarm)
Mother Earth
Motorhead
Newton Faulkner
Neville Staple (The Specials)
Nine Below Zero
Osibisa
Paul Young
Roy Harper
Reef
Pete Best (original Beatles drummer)
Sade
Sam Brown
Sikth
Small Faces
The Almighty
The Animals
The Hamsters
The Never Never Band
The Selecter
The Subways
The Vibrators
The Wildhearts (Ginger)
The Zutons
Tom Robinson
Toyah Wilcox
Turin Brakes
TV Smith
U2
UK Subs
Wilko Johnson
Wishbone Ash
Wolfsbane
Wreckless Eric

DJ's

Andy C
Brandon Block
Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets)
Dreadzone
Goldie
Grooverider
Krafty Kuts
The Freestylers

Upcoming Events

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SAT 4 FEBRUARY
HOUSEBOUND

HouseBound is back for another stonking night of Quality Underground House ... more info

SUN 5 FEBRUARY
THE BLUE ANGEL ACOUSTIC CAFE

Now in its 14th year, the Blue Angel has been a highlight of Sunday nights,... more info

TUE 7 FEBRUARY
BATTLE OF THE BANDS 20 HEAT 6

Battle of The Bands 20 is Folding Stars vs Jakobi vs Ryker Sear... more info

WED 8 FEBRUARY
SHOWCASE

Wednesday showcase presents Heretics Dream + Times Like These + Telstar + ... more info

THU 9 FEBRUARY
PARAFFIN presents

Kill the Weekend + Polly Poison + Paraffin + The Brink. Do not miss this cl... more info

FRI 10 FEBRUARY
MUSICBOX

Music box continues with another line up to lick your lips at! Laura Jeann... more info

SAT 11 FEBRUARY
ABSOLUTE BOWIE

Europe’s Premier Bowie Tribute Band - a 5 piece band faithfully inter... more info