NWB - Community Blog

19 Jan 2010

Even Whittles is suffering a customer drought!!!

Filed Under : Rants , Other

Posted By : DYEHOUSE | Comments : 11

can it get any worse???

Got this from Keef [whittles]

-----------------------------------------

Hi Guys & Gals, Gigging at Whittles - the Current Situation

I'm getting dozens of e-mails, texts and phone calls from bands every week, so thought I'd explain the situation.

The whole of this industry is struggling.
There's the recession, and then we've had the worst snow for decades, preventing customers (and bands) from getting here.
The week before last were the worst takings I've had in the 3 1/2 years I've been running this gaff.

My bosses (I'm only the manager here) are only allowing me to book 6-8 weeks ahead (and only for Fri, Sat & Sun) and they're expecting me to book gigs as cheap as possible - i.e. £200 tops.

So for starters, I've not currently got any slots available for bands that expect more than £200.

I'm inundated with bands I've not used before (many well experienced) trying to find venues to play due to closures/budget cut backs on their normal patch, some that were demanding (not even just asking) £400 a gig twelve months ago are now offering to play for £200.

Also got agencies trying to get evenings here to showcase their bands.

I am trying to stay loyal to the bands that I've used in the past, but have to comply with the HO Budget imposed on me.

regards,

and lets hope things improve as soon as we can get this useless Labour government out

Keef

Keef Lawrence
Manager, Whittles
King St, Oldham, OL8 1DP

Comments

# Posted by Keef - 19/01/2010, 15:37 (GMT)

It has been a tough time for us all, Bands and venues. Whittles has a tremendous history(some might argue legendary) in the NW.
If we all support the venues that support us we CAN come through without too many scars.

From one keef to another Keep up the good work mate.

# Posted by Guns or Roses - 19/01/2010, 15:41 (GMT)

Cwap all round aint it ! totally agree with getting the Government out....but I really can't see the next one being any better so will not be holding my breath for that.

Got to say though that I think it's about time the 'bosses' woke up a bit. Most of the best 'rockin' venues seem to make their best sales etc on the nights they have a decent band on....so the bands obviously create a reasonably large part of their business's takings. So limiting things to unrealistic prices seems a bit like cutting off their noses to spite their face.
Bands still have to pay top whack for everything...equipment, spares, fuel, BEER etc etc etc....and it's getting to the stage where they are expected to just carry on regardless of making a loss or not.
To keep live music in the pubs, where it should be...surely there has to be a little help from BOTH sides? it seems to me though that the powers that be tend to expect it pretty much one sided in their favour.

An old saying..."you get what you pay for"...The way these bosses are going they will soon be getting exactly that....NOWT

# Posted by Guns or Roses - 19/01/2010, 15:48 (GMT)

Just noticed the blog below asking for charity event for Haiti at Whittles.
We will do it, no qualms....PROVIDING THE BOSSES put all their takings for the night in too. :)

# Posted by "RED ZOO" - 19/01/2010, 16:27 (GMT)

Keef - PM sent.

# Posted by LAST GANG IN TOWN - 19/01/2010, 16:51 (GMT)

Whittles is a great venue that we must keep alive.....
But you can't blame the current government....whoever you vote for Government wins.
My band do set a fee but often say to venues ''pay us what you can afford''
None of us are making a living out of this game so why put venues in financial ruin by being greedy.....let's all be reasonable and hope things pick up soon.

# Posted by 45's - 19/01/2010, 16:58 (GMT)

The regular bands should organise a JAM Night or a Charity Doo for Keef and quickly !

# Posted by 45's - 19/01/2010, 17:26 (GMT)

ooops- just seen the other blog, well done !

# Posted by Keef - 19/01/2010, 17:37 (GMT)

Bit of confusion going on here folks.

There are 2 Keefs here in NWB land, each responsible for top drawer quality rock venues.

The only one that posts on here is me (The Blackpool one). Just to clarify for those that perhaps are not aware. Not even sure if t'other keef is into all this computer malarkey, I sometimes wish I wasn't.

# Posted by "RED ZOO" - 19/01/2010, 17:40 (GMT)

sorrryyy!!!!!

# Posted by Keef - 19/01/2010, 17:48 (GMT)

No worries there RZ. Even if you ask the wrong person on here more often than not they can sort it for you.

# Posted by freestealer - 20/01/2010, 14:08 (GMT)

gordon
can you give me a call regarding charity do at whittles
cheers baz

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