Wednesday 6 September 2017

Sinking ship

The Good Ship looks to be the latest casualty in gig venue closures.

As Brexit sweeps a wave of nationalist yes we can through half of Britain, the agenda seems to be more about having a public political fight with the continent than examining anything as interesting as reviving the live British music scene.

Small venues have been being closed and co-opted for over 10 years now.

There was a time when the Brixton Academy had no sponsorship in its name.

In an international context of war, flooding and economic hardship talking about a venue closure seems inconsequential.

However, the smaller venues have historically provided a musical voice for many economic losers and an alternative agenda.

Wigan is not heaven, all credit to The Verve

Much as food is important if you turn every old venue into a Tesco not many local communities are going to be able to come together to celebrate and commiserate.

Believe me meeting someone to change the world with is not easy in a supermarket, I won't get into laundrettes.

The music scene brought us acts who thrust AIDS, poverty and war into the mainstream pop discourse.

While the old adage of the guitar killing the enemy may be a bit tired, you have to remember Tchaikovsky.

Please go out, before all that's left is your TV.

Or you could Instagram your sandwich again, I guess it's your choice.

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