The O2 arena: No place like Dome

Since then the former Millennium Dome has become the most popular music venue in the world, with the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Spice Girls selling out its 20,000-seat arena.
But why has the O2, in Greenwich, south-east London, been such a success, and has it damaged other music venues?
When David Campbell became chief executive of the O2's owners, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), he knew it would be a challenge, but thought the capital was crying out for a decent music arena.

"Our main competitors - Wembley Arena and Earls Court - were built in the 1930s and neither was primarily a music venue," he says.
"The Dome was an iconic building recognised around the world. It's in a great location. The issue was its content."
But he was surprised how quickly the O2, as it was re-christened in 2005, took off.
"We thought would take years but it happened in months," he says.
'Big impact'
Much of the O2's success is down to the artists who perform there and the fact that AEG is the world's second largest event promotion company has helped draw in the big names.

By Andy Dangerfield BBC News

O2 Arena

The arena at The O2 justly creates a new target in what both supporter and performer can and should suppose from a rock or pop concert in the UK. You will only see the world's newest and most wanted after acts on this stage; Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, Scissor Sisters, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Take That… and what a way to enjoy them. Berry Bros. & Rudd is the sole wine supplier to the O2 Arena in Greenwich.The O2 is an extra ordinary, exceptional venue, unlike any other arena in the UK, and has already attracted some of the world's greatest performers including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, The Spice Girls, The Scissor Sisters and Andrea Bocelli, as well as unique sporting events in Boxing, Ice Hockey, Basketball and Tennis.Berrys' Wine Director Alun Griffiths says: "O2 is destined to become London's most prestigious entertainment venue and we at Berry Bros. & Rudd are delighted to have been selected as exclusive wine supplier. The standard of catering at major events has always been irregular, to say the least, and the combination of BBR wines with the more up-market food provision offered by Levy Restaurants will ensure that visitors' enjoyment of the entertainment is matched by the quality of the refreshments".