From military to public use
For most of the first part of the 20th Century it was used as a military & police training hall, but was also available for entertainment and was used by Joseph Ruston’s employees for regular social events and dances. After the Second World War all kinds of events began to be staged in the Drill Hall from televised wrestling to bingo, roller skating to live bands. The Rolling Stones famously played here on 31 December 1963, prior to their appearance on the very first Top of the Pops the next day! Other notable acts who performed at the Drill Hall include Arthur Brown, Spooky Tooth, Barclay James Harvest, UFO, Budgie, The Stranglers, The Skids, The Damned, Stiff Little Fingers, The Adverts, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Ultravox, Psychedelic Furs, Judas Priest, Diamond Head and Iron Maiden.
Taken from: http://www.lincolndrillhall.com/about-us/the-venue-its-history