NWB - Community Blog

I'm limited to where I can go as I don't drive. If there was more reasonably placed gigs to go to, I be there in a shot. Taxi's are just too expensive.

Just as an alternative view. I've always thought that a large amount of musicians in the audience is a bad thing. I've been in niche market( really heavy) bands in the past where the audience is mainly other musicians, even when well advertised. This means the scene is mainly of interest to other similar muso's and not to normal members of the public. Obviously in a healthy scene members of the public should outnumber members of bands many times over. If they don't it probably means there is no market for it or something is keeping general audiences away.
Personally I think the strength of sat night TV( and of course supermarket alcohol prices) is affecting turnout.

Are we talking about supporting bands or venues ?Because if i have to drive to a venue,and stand there with a coke all night ,its not really supporting the venue is it?
So at the end of the day, a packed pub means Happy band, not necessarily happy landord....T

All is not lost though. Speaking to people I think the tide is turning against talent shows and the like. It's popularity/fashion thing, it goes in waves and it seems people have seen enough X factor and may start to come out into the sunshine rubbing their eyes soon. Cowell has changed the format too which could be seen as attempt to keep it from going stale(read wring every last drop of life before it self combusts/interest wanes). Just my view. I'm not gonna mention eating my hat just yet, as they taste terrible.

Tricky one Mark - I think with regards to making a pub busy in the first place, the onus lies with the pub in the 1st place. A well run pub will have a good model in place to attract punters and keep them there (both on the night and as regular punters).
I support local venues on a friday (because it's my night out - apart from gigging - and I like a pint) but with public transport in a state, it's hard to get out of town and back, to see other venues.

yeah i agree, i'd love to go more often, but family life and gigging on weekends dictates i spend my time with 'them' rather than something i enjoy (if she reads this im fooked lol)



ironcially pubs make more money from those of us who drink coke as its stupdily cheap to buy from the wholesaler and sell for £2......cheaper to drink the ale, and you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

If you're driving to a gig then it means you have room for at least 3 mates...When you book a concert at the M.E.N for example, do you just buy one ticket and go on your own...Billy no mates...I doubt it...
I drive to many far off pubs in search of entertainment and to support other bands and usually take people with me.... I may have to drink coke when it's my turn to drive... but my Mrs knocks back her fair share...and if I'm not driving I'm partial to a few pints...and I'll wager a pint of coke about the same as a pint of beer profit wise in a pub anyway...if not more....
I say....Support your local bands, Support your local venues. Enjoy it while it lasts.....
I honestly believe 'Pub Rock' is becoming an 'Old mans' game and may not be such a popular form of entertainment to future generations...do you still go to Music Halls ???....Ballroom dancing ???

I always do my best to get out and support bands/venues when I'm not at it myself, but as Steve pointed out it's tricky when you dont drive. There's next to nowt band venue wise in Blackburn, so I tend to go Accy or Darwen.

Frankie

I think live music will always hold an attraction Gary, I just think things are in transition at the moment. We are (nearly) all from generations on here where going to the pub was part of growing up - it was always 18 age limit but if you didn't act like a twat, and looked "old enough" you could get served younger. This generation can't - no ID no beer, so the pub is no longer a right of passage.
Pub music will take off again, there are still loads of kids walking round with guitars on there back and playing in bands - just that when they start playing pub gigs for their friends, or watching bands, they may not want the general "live music fare" that is on offer now!!! (can't imagine my nephews mates wanting to listen to Whole Lotta Rosie etc - they want AX7 and suchlike)

I'll go to see other bands within a reasonable distance, when I've time off, dependent on who's on.
I'll probably go to 3/4 places during the evening. If anyone plays 'Alright now', I'm out the door!!!

I don't think it's my duty to do it, in order to support venues, it's just because I want to.
Sometimes if you've been busy, though, it's nice to have a weekend away from pubs and bands.

pub perspective. nothing destroys the soul more than a quiet saturday night. so if you aren't gigging go see your buddies! people do stay in busier pubs. and at the briers, we like it looking busy, even if there's not much money coming in. reputation is key for us. also, if the landlord has anything about him, he'll recognise you and may - just may - get you a drink. it's a great way to remind him how beautiful your really are. especially right now, when they're thinking of bands for 2012.
so get out there. watch your mates play. get a (possible) free drink and maybe even set up a gig for the future.
everybody wins!