New images show progress on the demolition of a historic Glasgow music venue. 

The iconic O2 ABC building on Sauchiehall Street is currently in the process of being torn down with plans to build student accommodation in its place.

Photos taken by our Glasgow Times Camera Club this week show most of the roof has now gone, and the famous front façade with blue panels and the 'O2 ABC' sign is no more. 

(Image: Charlie McGeachan) (Image: Charlie McGeachan) Developers previously said it was 'not feasible' to retain the façade due to its condition but politicians and campaigners have since been trying to persuade the owners to keep some of the original features.

The demolition of such an establishment will feel like a loss to many of us who have fond memories of the building. 

From a Victorian picture house to one of the city centre’s busiest nightlife spots, the O2 ABC entertained the people of Glasgow for well over a century.

READ MORE: Workers start to demolish historic Glasgow landmark

First opening in 1875 as the Diorama theatre, the venue was later transformed into an indoor skating rink and then Hengler’s Circus. 

(Image: Charlie McGeachan) (Image: Charlie McGeachan) In the 20th century, it was used as a dance hall and the name ABC came along in 1929 when it was converted into a cinema seating 2359 people, while still maintaining its original features from over the last 50 years.

READ MORE: This former Glasgow cinema is the birthplace of Jellybaby Thursday

The cinema closed in 1999 and the ABC reopened in 2005 when Regular Music mogul David McBride saw an opportunity for a building of that size and historic value to transform it into a space for music.

After a multi-million-pound investment, the Academy Music Group took over as the majority stakeholder in 2009, thus rebranding it the 02 ABC.

(Image: Newsquest)

It became a popular club night in the 2010s as students would flock to Jellybaby Thursdays, Propaganda Fridays and Love Music Saturdays. 

Sadly a fire at the nearby Glasgow School of Art in June 2018 forced the venue out of use.