15. And Then It Became The Centre Of A Musical Revolution
From 1830, Eel Pie Island enjoyed another, no less raunchy, phase. With the establishment of Eel Pie Island Hotel, the island slowly became a popular resort. Things really took off during the 1950s and 1960s, when the hotel played host to numerous gigs. Musical legends who graced its ballroom included Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. When the hotel closed, the building became a hippie commune. But eventually the structure was condemned and torn down, and the island returned to its sleepy, pre-rave days. Visitors now are only allowed across the footbridge twice a year for the summer and Christmas markets.