Approx 1985

My old band's last gig was the headline slot at Sound in Leicester Square. That room stands 500, IIRC, and it was about half to two thirds full. A great gig, although seeing as that was the only show I ever played while slightly "refreshed", my memory of it might be overly positive. Had a wicked time, though.

We fucking meant it, though.

Everyone else's loss.

... circa 1978. My band opened for the UK Subs in front of about 1,200 people.

Late 1990s, TT week, one of a few local bands acting as support for various headliners throughout the week. Not sure what the capacity is, it seemed scarily big at the time....

Don't know the capacity, but seemed big. Had a decent sized crowd IIRC.
This was the venue for the infamous riot at a Joy Division gig as depicted in the movie 'Control'.

Approx 400 people

I was the one trying to get the lions into the ring.

Hey, it's all showbiz.

2000 people

Who hadn't come just to see us, mind you....

* Unfortunately it was a soundcheck for The Australian Doors, the venue was empty and I played one chord. Still felt amazing though.

gig); least...er, zero (people in and out of room, so we kept going, but there were points when the room was totally empty)!

Audience size generally closer to the latter than to the former, natch.

Way down the bill. Very early on in the evening.

Kingston Poly End of Year Ball.

Repeated requests for a slow song met with an impromptu 'Ace of Spades'. We weren't asked back...

Bootle, 1985 about 150 people. The least - last year, somewhere in Wigan, approx 4 audience members (all of whom knew the singer)

I've never played to a paying crowd.

But I can't resist this chance to tell you I spent a whole night jamming in a studio with a fine group of mates including the one and only Marc Shearer (Octopus) on drums.

I was very happy and very drunk. People WOULD have paid to see it...

And I will give you details. It was with the Sandpipers' Recorder Group. In front of about 30 sets of parents, many, I suspect, with earplugs.

he always did enjoy a big dinner, did he enjoy your show?

Compere pictured, left.

http://www.myspace.com/doyoudoanywings/blog/310755242

Late 70's, packed to the rafters. A folky/churchy thing as I recall. Had em dancing in the aisles.

... at The Arches in Glasgow. It was a play but I had to sing and dance. My wife was in it to though...

UEA, Norwich. Drumming in a band at a student night. It was free, however. Plus it was £1 a pint. Still, 2000!

edit - I've just seen that the OP said fee paying. Sorry! Then it would be about 50, drumming at a club in New Cross.

Harley Davidson fest Berlin around 25,000..
I never played to such a large crowd before, it was fun watching our singer on the huge screen at the side. we're only a trio and he was miles away on stage.

20,000 - I was playing guitar for "Europes Best Elvis Tribute Band (TM)" and on the same bill as those same jeans wearers The View and Miss Rock 'n' Roll herself Amy McDonald. For some strange reason they put us headlining the bill, straight after the massed pipes did a stirring version of "Scotland The Brave" at Midnight so we walked out at 12.10am New Years Day to a well-oiled crowd wanting to shout the non-existent roof down! They almost drowned us out! A great night was had.
I was firmly brought down to earth on my next gig a week later when I depped for a function band at a Community centre to 30 people.....

Supporting the Average White Band about three minutes before they caught the bus for the big time. Our audience consisted of our girlfriends in a lank-haired patchouli-soaked huddle - everyone else wandered off to the bar about three dodgy power chords in. And then our girlfriends started wandering away too. But you have to see the big picture - we were a shit band on an off-night.

Oh - hang on - did you say *paying* gigs? Does winning a Steeleye Span album in the raffle count?

A pretty full Borough Hall in Hartlepool and a very busy Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt. Both just over 10-12 years back. Don't know the capacities. I've done gigs since but mostly pubs.

and marching bands

Shepherds Bush Empire
Solfest
Islington 02 Academy
The Underworld (Camden)

In the comedy tents. Best bit, Slipknot started on the main stage and the tent almost emptied, ten minutes later they were back.
The Great North Run on Sunday - I stand at the end a chivvy people along with a microphone and alot of cheek - so 54,000. Beat that.