1980s
- In 1980, Blondie performed one of their most famous shows. Robert Fripp joined them on guitar, and their live cover of "Heroes" (which was later used as a B Side) was recorded there. In addition, some more live tracks recorded were later used as bonus tracks on the 2001 rerelease of the Eat to the Beat album.
- On 20 September 1980, Randy Rhoads performed one of his first shows, with new musical soulmate Ozzy Osbourne, on the Blizzard of Ozz Tour, they returned on 26 October.
- In 1981, Motörhead's live album, No Sleep 'til Hammersmith, brought the Odeon to the international stage, becoming widely recognised. (However, the album wasn't recorded there.
- On 3 of July 1981, the German electronic band Kraftwerk performed three shows at the Hammersmith Odeon as apart of their Computer World Tour to support their new album Computer World.
- From 31 December 1981 through 3 January 1982, Black Sabbath played four shows with singer Ronnie James Dio. These performances were recorded and released as Live at Hammersmith Odeon.
- In 1982, Iron Maiden performed a sold-out show during promotion for their The Number of the Beast album. The concert was filmed and released as Beast over Hammersmith in 2002. An abridged video version of the concert is included on disc 1 of The Early Days DVD, released in 2005.
- In 1982, Duran Duran performed during promotion for their Rio album. The concert was filmed and released as Live at Hammersmith '82! in 2009, as a CD/DVD combo pack.
- On 25 October 1982, Depeche Mode performed there as part of their See You Tour. The concert was filmed and released as Live at Hammersmith Odeon London in 2006, as a DVD included in the remastered album, A Broken Frame.
- In 1982, Elton John performed a series of concerts with his reunited "Classic" band, promoting his albums The Fox and Jump Up!. A concert on Christmas Eve featured a medley of christmas carols and a rare live duet of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee.
- In 1983, Marillion performed the final date of their tour supporting their debut album, Script for a Jester's Tear. This also marked the final performance with drummer Mick Pointer. The performance was filmed and released as Recital of the Script.
- In 1983, Tears For Fears released a live video of their December concert at the venue.
- Dire Straits filmed a 1983 live concert there, released as Alchemy: Dire Straits Live.
- In 1983, Culture Club, with Boy George, were filmed at the height of their success. The film bears resemblance to David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust shows, which had taken place at the same venue 10 years before. The 13-track concert film was released theatrically in 1984 as A Kiss Across The Ocean and on VHS later that year. It is now available on the Culture Club - Greatest Hits DVD released in 2004.
- On 30 June 1983, David Bowie returned to perform during his Serious Moonlight Tour. This was a charity show, for the Brixton Neighbourhood Community Association, in the presence of Princess Michael of Kent.
- On 13 December 1983, Robert Plant performed a show with his band, where Jimmy Page joined him onstage for the second encore.
- In 1984, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed three sold-out shows at this venue on his About Face solo tour, which was documented on the concert video, David Gilmour Live 1984.
- On 1 June 1984, Venom accidentally burned Hammersmith's ceiling during a performance, which event can be clearly seen in the 7 Dates of Hell concert video (during "Countess Bathory"). As a result, Venom were banned from the Hammersmith Apollo for a year.
- On 9 September 1984, Jethro Tull performed there in support of their then-current album, Under Wraps. This performance was released as Live at Hammersmith '84.
- In 1984, Iron Maiden performed four sold-out shows during promotion for their Powerslave album. The concerts were recorded and 5 songs were included in the Live After Death in 1985.
- On 24 June 1985 Ian Dury and the Blockheads played there, most of the performance can be found on Hold On To Your Structure
- 17–23 December 1985, Dire Straits sold out 7 nights from their "Brothers in Arms Live in 85" Tour
- On 21 September 1986, Metallica performed at the Apollo during their Master of Puppets Tour. This is one of the band's last performances with bassist Cliff Burton, who was killed in a bus crash, six days later and also featured Guitarist John Marshall as James Hetfield was recovering from a skateboard accident. This performance formed the basis for the Hammersmith Apollo's appearance in video game Guitar Hero: Metallica in 2009, complete with Master of Puppets-themed stage.
- Between 15 and 20 December 1986, the Norwegian band a-ha held 6 concerts at the Hammersmith Odeon
- At the start of the seminal Public Enemy album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, they are heard addressing the Hammersmith Odeon crowd at a concert there in 1987. Due to trouble outside the venue before and after the show Hammersmith Odeon refused to host any rap groups for several years afterwards.
- On 16 November 1987, Anthrax performed at the venue. The concert was released on VHS named Oidivnikufesin.
- On 9 June 1988, Dire Straits (and Eric Clapton on rhythm guitar) performed a second 'warm-up' show at Hammersmith leading up to the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute which was held on 11 June 1988 at Wembley Stadium, London.
Read more about this topic: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, Noteworthy Performances