Image: Top Right: White Mammoth at The Saddle Inn, Chester – Top Left: Epica at The O2 Ritz, Manchester – Bottom Right: The Rasmus at Academy 2, Manchester – Bottom Left: Nights Tribunal at The Live Rooms, Chester.
Over the past few years, headlines have been flooding through the press respecting the closure of music venues. With various reasons being associated with the closure of venues from high rents, noise restrictions and music streaming services, a direct cause appears unclear. With more and more alternative bands releasing new music and the alternative sub-cultures taking a greater presence in society, these subcultures seem to be growing rather than declining. Looking specifically at the North West, the circumstances of music venues in this area does not accurately represent the rest of the UK but it does provide an insight in the music scene.
Manchester Arena, O2 Apollo, and Liverpool Echo Arena are merely a few of the larger venues that continue to provide opportunities for people to see the well-known artists of all genres. Due to their size it is highly unlikely that venues of this nature will disappear from our cities. It is a different story for the smaller venues and music pubs. Noise complaints appear to be a major issue, with the redevelopment of city centres to squeeze in more flats, music venues stuck in locations are suddenly finding complaints are limiting the acts they can host and ultimately their opening hours and customers. The venues being hit the hardest are smaller, independently owned venues. These small pubs and clubs are incredibly valuable for giving smaller artists experience and providing a stepping stone into the music industry. Examples of the include The Roadhouse, Manchester which held its final gig on the 31st May 2015. The loss of this venue was a great tragedy to many, especially those in the alternative music scene. This venue gave so many small bands in the area a place to start out and its closure affected many aspiring musicians.
It appears incredibly strange that major cities, such as Manchester which has significant ties in the music industry, are losing so many venues. This brings in the question of location, location, location – the closure of venues in smaller towns and cities is still a great loss, but perhaps somewhat more expected due to a smaller amount of custom. The loss in large cities appears a strange enigma. Higher rents are to be expected in city centre locations, so it is understandable that some establishments are being driven out of business through financial issues. But surely in such a prominent location the custom would be there?
However, it’s not all doom and gloom however, there are still venues going strong, new ones opening alongside new festivals and events for the lovers of live music. Take the historical city of Chester for example; this may appear an unlikely setting as a host for small music venues, but the city’s music scene is thriving. It shows that the custom is still there; people want to go to smaller venues and discover new smaller bands. Established music pub and venues across the country are still attracting custom and providing a platform for smaller bands and artists. The Saddle Inn, located in Chester, is a more recent addition having opened in 2017 – following the closure of a previous rock pub that previously occupied the same venue.
The Saddle Inn hosts live bands every Saturday evening and open mic nights during weekdays. Their free entry to events appears to be a contributing factor to achieving a large number of customers. It is a popular spot for the alternative subcultures; the pub has a strong sense of community and it is rare that one walks in without bumping into someone they know. This venue has a friendlier atmosphere than some larger and more corporate venues. Other music venues in the city include Alexanders Live, Telford’s Warehouse and The Live Rooms. For a small city, Chester has a thriving music scene and venues. If a large organisiation were to move into the city, perhaps then the smaller venues would suffer.
The closure of venues is an issue that affects the opportunities of many wishing to enter the music industry and those who enjoy seeing live acts. Live music will not completely disappear but maintain and supporting smaller venues is of great importance.
Holly Royle 
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