Rock music under threat as small venues go bust across Britain
One day there could be no live music venues and/or precious little live music going on. Why is this? What is happening?
Is 20% VAT really to blame? Is it the fact you can’t smoke indoors still? Did Simon Cowell’s empire change the face of real music forever by injecting electro pop music and pompousness into the psyche’s of youngsters? Are One Direction, Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber really today’s idols in place of instrument playing songwriters? As long as you look good, eh. I wish none of the above any ill, but please… there must be more to music that glamour, sponsorship and celebrity culture.
An insightful article here from The Guardian as more live music venues are closed down, with a focus on local establishment The Horn in St. Albans.
I’m not suggesting that you support us directly (although please feel free to!), but culturally, I hope live music doesn’t become something we used to do, and I hope there is still enough love for being in the presence of a really talented band playing their hearts out through big, loud speakers that you can hear, feel and get a buzz from. There are no places that compare to, or create, the sense of unity and togtherness that a great live music gig can.
“You can’t get the same intimacy when you make the room a little bit bigger and the ceiling a bit higher. Small venues are where the exciting stuff happens: you’ve got to have those places for bands to start. You can’t beat having the audience right there in front of you.”
Do YOU support live music? Share this post if you do and educate people as to how venues are struggling and we’d also love to hear your own comments below.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/26/rock-music-venues-bust-britain?newsfeed=true
Graeme.
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Andy
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Great conversation Graham which as a relatively new band can contribute to as both band member & punter. I love a good night out to see a live band & probably see an equal mix of local bands & the larger bands on tour at major venues. But it is an expensive night out & whereas it doesn’t deter me I’m certain it does others. This brings me onto playing in a covers band & booking gigs. This really is not easy as there are few places to play & most pubs want a following & reputation as otherwise you’re too much of a risk. But you’ve got to start somewhere & we’ve made good progress in the past few months with regular slots & getting support. For a lot of pubs a DJ & Karaoke is an easy option rather than having a full band although the band may not cost more than the DJ. In the 80s the musicians Union had a campaign called Keep music live, we should start this again. Long live all bands!!!
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