The O2 venue, rebranded The O2, was reopened to the public on 24 June 2007 with a concert by Bon Jovi in the arena. The O2 celebrated its first year with a book, including a double page picture of Elton John from his September 2007 "Red Piano" show. Prior to this reopening, other events took place, including a soft opening for residents of the area to explore the entertainment district and an opening for staff called "The O2 Premiere" which featured Peter Kay, Tom Jones, Kaiser Chiefs and Basement Jaxx. An event called "Out of the Blue" featuring circus acts also took
O2 Academy Islington current form in September 2003 and is the smallest of the four London venues within the O2 Academy Group. American punks Alkaline Trio performed on the venue's opening night. Other notable performers who have played at the O2 Academy Islington include MELYS, Iron Butterfly, Molly Hatchet, Tesla, Dan Reed Network, Night Ranger, Isolated Islands, Blackfoot, Queensrÿche, KISS, Kamelot, Spock's Beard, Stratovarius, Terrorvision, Stryper, Winger, Paul Gilbert, Richie Kotzen, Steve Lukather, The Winery Dogs, Diamond Head, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Edguy, Symphony X, Threshold, Big Country, Magnum, Riverside, Satyricon, FM, Train, The Damned, MaNga, Melanie C, Zebrahead, Funeral for a Friend, Hugh