The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Broadsheets do a venue list...
The Independent have produced a list of the ten best rock music venues... strange of 'em to say some of these are 'rock' but Eden Project certainly is beautiful and home annually to a hand-full of shows as part of the Eden Sessions, but is it the best venue?
1. Eden Project
2. Glasgow Barrowlands
3. Sheffield Leadmill
4. Belfast Limelight
5. London Bush Hall
6. Manchester Apollo
7. Nottingham Rock City
8. Leeds Cockpit
9. London Astoria
10. London Somerset House
DiScuss: Have you never seen a "rock" gig at half of these? What REALLY is the best rock venue in the country? And why? What makes a great venue?
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The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Anything that has the Astoria in the top 10 can be instantly discredited as far as I'm concerned.
Although maybe that's just a reflection on the sorry state of live venues in the UK?
Although maybe that's just a reflection on the sorry state of live venues in the UK?
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I was just gonna say that the Astoria is one of London's top venues...
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Here's mine
Carling Apollo - London
Carling Academy - Islington
Carling Academy - Brixton
Carling Academy - Bristol
Carling Apollo - London
Carling Academy - Islington
Carling Academy - Brixton
Carling Academy - Bristol
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Astoria is horrible - the Brixton academy is the best in london ignoring its hideous Carling moniker
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
Brudenell Social Club - Leeds
Leadmill - Sheffield
Garage - Islington
Rock City - Nottingham
Underworld - Camden
Brudenell Social Club - Leeds
Leadmill - Sheffield
Garage - Islington
Rock City - Nottingham
Underworld - Camden
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Rescue Rooms in Nottingham is brilliant.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I am coming around to the charms of the Scala.
Of course, the beer is too expensive.
But you can see from everywhere and there's an awesome atmosphere.
Of course, the beer is too expensive.
But you can see from everywhere and there's an awesome atmosphere.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
Leadmill - Sheffield
Cockpit - Leeds
Leadmill - Sheffield
Cockpit - Leeds
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The Brixton Academy for me. Can see from everywhere, really nice looking, not too bad to get drinks in. All good. Hammersmith too.
Astoria is made from MDF and wood glue I swear.
Astoria is made from MDF and wood glue I swear.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
I like Manchester's Hop & Grape
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Rescue Rooms - nottingham is my favourite too.
glasgow barrowlands is a strange place but really nice.
rock city is too wide and the sound is crap.
makes you wonder what categories this list is based on.
rescue rooms looks good, sounds good and gets a lot of good bands that are big but not too big.
glasgow barrowlands is a strange place but really nice.
rock city is too wide and the sound is crap.
makes you wonder what categories this list is based on.
rescue rooms looks good, sounds good and gets a lot of good bands that are big but not too big.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
c'mon folks, dont just list, explain... a lot of folks haven't been to these venues (as most of us are trapped in our own towns)
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Nottingham Rescue Rooms would be my choice too.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
2 GREATEST UK VENUES ARE
BRIXTON ACADEMY, LONDON
THE FREEBUTT, BRIGHTON
Thats all...
BRIXTON ACADEMY, LONDON
THE FREEBUTT, BRIGHTON
Thats all...
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Actually yes. I was there last night, and I completely forgot about it! The Scala is how Brixton Academy should be.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The astoria is awesome,perfect size,great atmosphere (usually) and decent sound - unlike brixton academy which makes great bands sound shite.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Defo The Freebutt - ace venue, had to play drums on a pool table
Cardinals Cap in Canterbury - used to be a brilliant, dirty little hardcore place
As for large venues, Brixton Academy wins hands down
Cardinals Cap in Canterbury - used to be a brilliant, dirty little hardcore place
As for large venues, Brixton Academy wins hands down
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
igethitbyemokids likes Brighton Concorde II and The Tunbridge Wells Forum. The latter actually is a converted public latrine (it shows) and I nearly died at a Raging Speedhorn gig there.
Long live the south.
Long live the south.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Rescue Rooms is an amazing venue to watch a band in. Wanna play there, too.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I've never heard many bands either than Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle pull off good sound at the Astoria, where as Brixton has been great every time.
What bands have you heard some shit at Brixton? :|
What bands have you heard some shit at Brixton? :|
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Brixton is the best big venue in London
Mid sized - the ULU was pretty good for watching Mclusky in and it's not Mean Fiddler owned
Mid sized - the ULU was pretty good for watching Mclusky in and it's not Mean Fiddler owned
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Brixton seems to suck the sound away. Sonic Youth and Shadow seemed to suffer somewhat. ssssssssss
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I like the Academy in Brum. it's a decent enough size to attract fairly popular bands, but isn't overly big, so you're never too far from the stage. The upstairs balcony is a really good vantage point if you get there early enough/don't go to the bar.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
the Tunbridge Wells forum was the largest public toilet in europe before it got converted, it's that special it also smells abit. Agree with above both The concorde 2 and The Freebutt are both top venues. I also have a fondness for the Buffalo Bar in Highbury.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I really like the Water Rats,
The ICA is crap
Really though as long as the sound is good what really makes a venue is the band that are playing and the people in it people in it. thus on some night the Astoria has been great, on others it has been shite.
The ICA is crap
Really though as long as the sound is good what really makes a venue is the band that are playing and the people in it people in it. thus on some night the Astoria has been great, on others it has been shite.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Carling That's a Carling fantastic list. Carling.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
But the sounds shit, bounces off the walls really badly because its a silly shape.
Half the time they dont open the balcony, so you if you're late it just obscures you're view.
Oh and the beer is even worse than carling is normally which shouldnt be possible...
Half the time they dont open the balcony, so you if you're late it just obscures you're view.
Oh and the beer is even worse than carling is normally which shouldnt be possible...
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
the astorias ghey, its like a grotty old factory or something, and it take about and hour to get out. I like the shepards bush empire, they pump in cold air so you don't even break a sweat and at the end every wall turns into a fire exit so u can leave. Its a bit of a mission though so i often miss the last train home
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
i find brixton really souless and totally impersonal - only band that have impressed me there were leftfield and they needed the biggest PA in the world to get the sound right.
Give me the wild west saloon (buffalo bar) any day - also helps the the bands playing there tend to be immeasurably better.
Give me the wild west saloon (buffalo bar) any day - also helps the the bands playing there tend to be immeasurably better.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
The Glasgow Barrowlands, what an amazing atmosphere, especially when seeing someone good who gets the crowd going.
I've never been to a gig in England, but I hear Scottish ones are always better because we Scots make a better audience, yay!!!!!!!!
I've never been to a gig in England, but I hear Scottish ones are always better because we Scots make a better audience, yay!!!!!!!!
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
How is the ICA crap? Apart from the overpriced bar... Its this perfect little black cube, nicely claustrophobic, and every band I've seen there has sounded good.
The buffalo bar is the best- perfect sound, atmosphere, kiwi vodka.
The buffalo bar is the best- perfect sound, atmosphere, kiwi vodka.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The sound at Rock City is better though
by fucking miles.
but the rescue rooms has the better atmosphere and is just the right size.
by fucking miles.
but the rescue rooms has the better atmosphere and is just the right size.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
rescue rooms - nottingham
shepherds bush empire - london
sanctuary - birmingham
chinnerys - southend
shepherds bush empire - london
sanctuary - birmingham
chinnerys - southend
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
Ahh the Forum. I grew up there, saw Dodgy and Green day as my first bands there when I was 14. Great venue but their bookin seems to have gone wildly downhill recently. Unless you're 12 and actually like Amen.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
I've never really had a problem with the sound - unless you're standing under the overhang of the balcony.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Betsy Trottwood - Farringdon, London - a great tiny and charming little place.
Rhythm Factory - Whitechapel, London - take away the 'smactory' reputation. I've been to some cracking gigs here and has stayed open late on midweek nights. All sweaty and rock n roll to the hilt.
Dublin Castle as well if it had more atmosphere.
Brixton Academy - for the big boys
Rhythm Factory - Whitechapel, London - take away the 'smactory' reputation. I've been to some cracking gigs here and has stayed open late on midweek nights. All sweaty and rock n roll to the hilt.
Dublin Castle as well if it had more atmosphere.
Brixton Academy - for the big boys
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
the birmingham academy is one of the most soul-destroying places on earth.
i've been there twenty times since september.
well, ok, i am including academy 2 and bar academy gigs. but they're practically the same thing.
i've been there twenty times since september.
well, ok, i am including academy 2 and bar academy gigs. but they're practically the same thing.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
The Academy is just so horrible. Academy 2 is a bit better for sound and seeing etc, but the whole place is a disgusting corporate joke. Last time I went there, the bouncer tried to confiscate a bag of dried fruit of me. Do the Academy sell dried fruit? No. Is there any way I could have damaged British Sea Power with dried fruit? No. Then why?
Wolverhampton Civic is way better - nice building, great view from the balcony, and they give you free water.
Wolverhampton Civic is way better - nice building, great view from the balcony, and they give you free water.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
Yeah i agree on the civic being far better, and the wulfrun's pretty good as well, shame that they're in wolverhampton and i dont have a car...
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I disagree. The atmosphere of the management and security towards its customers is, whilst not equally important, still a big issue.
For example, when Seafood played at the Islington Academy last year, the Security were disgusting - not only menacingly telling people on the front row to put their cameras away, but also shining torches into cameras belonging to people not on the front row [thus screwing up the picture].
When someone near me dared to complain, one member of the staff growled 'you got a fucking problem?' at them.
Ridiculous, and it really made it difficult for me to enjoy the evening.
For example, when Seafood played at the Islington Academy last year, the Security were disgusting - not only menacingly telling people on the front row to put their cameras away, but also shining torches into cameras belonging to people not on the front row [thus screwing up the picture].
When someone near me dared to complain, one member of the staff growled 'you got a fucking problem?' at them.
Ridiculous, and it really made it difficult for me to enjoy the evening.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
in the survey we did, brixton came top by miles, with hammersmith 2nd
Of the ones I've been to, I like the underworld and ULU, although i quite like the garage for irrational reasons
Of the ones I've been to, I like the underworld and ULU, although i quite like the garage for irrational reasons
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
well if it was Independent Music Venues then the Exeter Cavern reigns supreme. One of the best small venues in the UK and run by people who are interested in the music not the money.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
take the train! for the big gigs, it's always full of people going back to birmingham from the gig!
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
moles in bath.. night and day in manchester...
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
the brudenell social in leeds is fantastic. the layout is perfect for watching bands as the room gets wider the further you are from the stage. the bar is a bit cramped sometimes...
i also love the roadhouse in manchester. it's a total fucking dive but if it's full you can't really tell. it gets hot and sweaty and has a low suspended ceiling which i've seen people go right through during stage diving shenanigans - brilliant.
i also love the roadhouse in manchester. it's a total fucking dive but if it's full you can't really tell. it gets hot and sweaty and has a low suspended ceiling which i've seen people go right through during stage diving shenanigans - brilliant.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
yeah but then im still screwed when i get into brum at that time of night as i've missed the last bus by that point, so i end up still having to fork out the best part of £15 for a taxi to get home.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
the eden project is good because it has a giant bee.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Brixton Academy is great coz you can always see thanks to the slopey floor, I prefer slightly smaller venues tho. Scala is fantastic for all the reasons above and it's just so Loud!! I went to a big venue in Blackpool which was horrible (Blackpool, the venue and the crowd) to see the Scissor Sisters (for my sisters birthday honestly!), anyway, I wasn't particularly enjoying the atmosphere until they came on and everyone started dancing and the floor started bouncing up and down! That was very cool. Bouncy floors should be compulsory.
Buzz
http://photos.fotango.com/p/eba00490996f00000014.jpg
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Best for me are
London Scala
ULU
Liverpool Academy 2
Absolute worst are The Mean Fiddler and Manchester Academy 2. Urgh.
London Scala
ULU
Liverpool Academy 2
Absolute worst are The Mean Fiddler and Manchester Academy 2. Urgh.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
ahh gotcher... i've been living on the aston uni campus (it's like just down the road from the academy.. literally) so new street's within walking distance.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
the barrowlands is bloody amazing, saw idlewild there the other night and the atmos was mental. that place is so goddam sleazy, i fucking love it though
i'd have to say that king tut's is one of my personal fave venues, nice cosy place... plus it's pretty damn loud, which is nice.. worst venue is the carling academy in glasgow.. the sound seems so quiet
apparantly glasgow are the only crowd to throw loadsa beer at bands... is this true?having only ever been to two gigs outside glasgow i dont really have much to go on..
i'd have to say that king tut's is one of my personal fave venues, nice cosy place... plus it's pretty damn loud, which is nice.. worst venue is the carling academy in glasgow.. the sound seems so quiet
apparantly glasgow are the only crowd to throw loadsa beer at bands... is this true?having only ever been to two gigs outside glasgow i dont really have much to go on..
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Bush Hall is an amazing little venue. Saw Feist there last year. Everyone was just sitting about cross legged sipping wine enjoying the music. More gigs should be like that...
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
leeds cockpit is absolutely without a doubt the worst venue for sound in the entire country. seriously, it's fucking horrible! a nice size and a good bar but the sound is just shockingly awful.
my top 10 venues:
winchester railway inn
southampton joiners
manchester star & garter
manchester hop&grape
leeds joseph's well
bristol academy
camden underworld
manchester satan's hollow
london mean fiddler (i don't care what anyone says, it's a good size and has good sound)
shepherd's bush empire
my top 10 venues:
winchester railway inn
southampton joiners
manchester star & garter
manchester hop&grape
leeds joseph's well
bristol academy
camden underworld
manchester satan's hollow
london mean fiddler (i don't care what anyone says, it's a good size and has good sound)
shepherd's bush empire
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
Yeah aston's campus is really well placed for town. I worked there a couple of years ago in the libary in the summer, i spent more money drinking at lunch/after work than i earnt. Not the most successful attempt at saving, but i had a good time all the same.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
king tuts. and if you have to ask why, i can only assume you've never been.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
junktion7 is my favourite venue, right mix of people and bands, £1 shots, cool staff n the downstairs part is awesome too
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Eden Project no1? What's all that aboot?
The Leadmill is a superb venue, Cockpits good but not great.
The Leadmill is a superb venue, Cockpits good but not great.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
in no particular order:
birmingham academy 1/2
sheffield leadmill
london astoria
nottingham rescue rooms/rock city
all par up to me.
birmingham academy 1/2
sheffield leadmill
london astoria
nottingham rescue rooms/rock city
all par up to me.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The only one i've actually been to on that list is the Leadmill but i think it deserves its place. Cracking bands, great sound, alright bouncers and near to the station. What else can you want?
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I remember the Cap! I was terrified of it when I were a lass...
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
How funny, some venues I actually won't go to because I hate them so much (Shpeherd's Bush Empire, ULU) are on other people's favourite's list. ULU is like a giant school hall to me, absolutely soulless, and I've not yet seen a good gig at the Empire so I've given up going there - if a band are playing that as their London date I always travel out of London to see them as I've had so many let-downs there.
For my money, I really like the Scala, Brixton Academy and Dingwalls because you can always see and they feel quite cosy. And the Astoria and the Underworld because they feel like home.
For my money, I really like the Scala, Brixton Academy and Dingwalls because you can always see and they feel quite cosy. And the Astoria and the Underworld because they feel like home.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Anyone who honestly thinks the Glasgow Barrowlands is an amazing venue, has obviously never been to any others. King Tuts is by far the best venue in Glasgow! Even the Carling Academy is better then the Barras
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I used to love the Astoria - before it had the giant metal cage sound booth installed, which just ruins it for anyone who doesn't want to go towards the middle/front. They could do so much more with the upstairs too, but choose not to.
I went to the Borderline recently and was surprised at how cozy it was despite it being basically a pub. Can't pick a favourite though, it's like the lesser of a thousand evils.
I went to the Borderline recently and was surprised at how cozy it was despite it being basically a pub. Can't pick a favourite though, it's like the lesser of a thousand evils.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Yeah I agree with you.
I guess what I was trying to say is that most people will have a different top ten based on experience of who they saw at a venue and what the crowd was like rather than where the gig was held.
Security has always raised problems, friends of mine used to take their own security on the road because the local firms often were not used to dealing with gigs and as such were fairly robust in their approach. That was 15 odd years ago now so I think it's quite sad that attitiudes haven't changed, but....
I guess what I was trying to say is that most people will have a different top ten based on experience of who they saw at a venue and what the crowd was like rather than where the gig was held.
Security has always raised problems, friends of mine used to take their own security on the road because the local firms often were not used to dealing with gigs and as such were fairly robust in their approach. That was 15 odd years ago now so I think it's quite sad that attitiudes haven't changed, but....
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Ask Keith TOTP the fun we had the first time Art Brut played there.
I have also been to gigs that have been misleadingly advertised. i.e. a full Gonzales show was advertised, got there to find he was playing a solo piano set. Whilst I did not mind seeing him playing a solo piano show I would have liked to know that was what I was buying tickets for.
Sadly most of the bands I have seen there have not had the same quaility of sound as they have had in similar sized venues.
I have also been to gigs that have been misleadingly advertised. i.e. a full Gonzales show was advertised, got there to find he was playing a solo piano set. Whilst I did not mind seeing him playing a solo piano show I would have liked to know that was what I was buying tickets for.
Sadly most of the bands I have seen there have not had the same quaility of sound as they have had in similar sized venues.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
Oxford Wheatsheaf - a room above a pub, but the sound is nearly always spot on; hot, sweaty and packed on the best nights.
The Garage - despite arsey staff, I always seem to have a good time here; looks like a shithole, as all good venues should.
93 Feet East - a bit of a rabbit warren, and a bit Barley, great booking policy though; drinks a bit pricey.
The ICA - again, top sound every time I've been; I kinda like walking through art to get to the music.
The Cavern, Exeter - only been once, but a really nice venue; good food, good hospitality.
The Garage - despite arsey staff, I always seem to have a good time here; looks like a shithole, as all good venues should.
93 Feet East - a bit of a rabbit warren, and a bit Barley, great booking policy though; drinks a bit pricey.
The ICA - again, top sound every time I've been; I kinda like walking through art to get to the music.
The Cavern, Exeter - only been once, but a really nice venue; good food, good hospitality.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
I used to quite like ULU, nice high stage, but then they changed the layout so you have to go in that ridiculous side door to get to the gig, and you can't go through into the student bar any more either, so you are limited to a much smaller choice of much more expensive alcohol. It's also a pain to get to, being largely in the middle of nowhere.
I still like upstairs at the garage for obvious reasons, the buffalo bar is also great (but the beer is a bit yee), the main Garage can be great but it sort of depends where you stand and who's doing the sound. I don't like seeing bands in big venues so the Astoria, Forum, Brixton are all out (even though they're cool tolook at) and I hate 93 feet east, the sound is always complete shite and the beer's ridiculously pricey. The scala looks great, and like Mike said, you can virtually always see, but it brings back memories of losing lots and lots of money fo me, which isn't good. Haven't been in the big bit of the islinton Academy but I really didn't like the bar academy. I quite like the Spitz but it always seems to be full of very twee people.
Outside London I used to like going to the Hop & Grape in Manchester, I was pleased to hear it's still doing gigs, and the Road House too, is that still going, it used to have a great atmosphere, but that was 10 years ago! The Boat Race in Cambridge was really good too, but it closed gown last year and was converted to a trendy wine bar.
I still like upstairs at the garage for obvious reasons, the buffalo bar is also great (but the beer is a bit yee), the main Garage can be great but it sort of depends where you stand and who's doing the sound. I don't like seeing bands in big venues so the Astoria, Forum, Brixton are all out (even though they're cool tolook at) and I hate 93 feet east, the sound is always complete shite and the beer's ridiculously pricey. The scala looks great, and like Mike said, you can virtually always see, but it brings back memories of losing lots and lots of money fo me, which isn't good. Haven't been in the big bit of the islinton Academy but I really didn't like the bar academy. I quite like the Spitz but it always seems to be full of very twee people.
Outside London I used to like going to the Hop & Grape in Manchester, I was pleased to hear it's still doing gigs, and the Road House too, is that still going, it used to have a great atmosphere, but that was 10 years ago! The Boat Race in Cambridge was really good too, but it closed gown last year and was converted to a trendy wine bar.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Definetely Exeter Cavern it's small has good owners who care about music and it's dirty BRILLIANT.
I find it hard to believe how venues bigger than a few hundred capacity can be classed as good it's so impersonal and boring because there's loads of people. Maybe it's just that I hate people
I find it hard to believe how venues bigger than a few hundred capacity can be classed as good it's so impersonal and boring because there's loads of people. Maybe it's just that I hate people
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
i think the railway is awful. far too small and no ventilation so you can't see for the smoke in your eyes coming from all the 12 year old goth smokers.
Jamie
Jamie
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
Highbury Garage - Nice and small, no barrier between stage and crowd and decent sound
Colchester Arts Centre - it's a converted church so it looks nice on the inside and out with good sound. Pillars in the middle are a bit of a bugger though. As is the fact it's impossible to leave colchester via public transport after 11.
Colchester Arts Centre - it's a converted church so it looks nice on the inside and out with good sound. Pillars in the middle are a bit of a bugger though. As is the fact it's impossible to leave colchester via public transport after 11.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Exeter Cavern is the best venue in the country with the nicest owners and the best ethos of a venue i've ever been to.
its small, independent and they know what they're doing.
second best venue is liverpool barfly. 3 fantastic rooms and some cracking shows.
its small, independent and they know what they're doing.
second best venue is liverpool barfly. 3 fantastic rooms and some cracking shows.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Ica, 100 Club, Buffalo Bars, Garage for London...
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Upstairs at The Garage is usually good, as is Bush Hall. Usually get some interesting gigs.
I think I'll always have a soft spot for the TW forum.....got me into music....and i could get pissed underage!!
I think I'll always have a soft spot for the TW forum.....got me into music....and i could get pissed underage!!
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
i think glasgow's more mental than most, edinburgh crowds are supposed to be really uptight an boring. a lot of bands seem to say glasgows one of their favorite places to play... unless they say that to all the crowds...
youre right about the barrowlands, its pure sleaze
youre right about the barrowlands, its pure sleaze
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
yeah edinburgh crowds suck.. saw biffy and franz at the liquid rooms, at biffy me my mates and two other random glaswiegens were the only people goin' nuts... four from the front and everyone's standing still.. totally shite
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Liverpool Academy 2 is awful. The sound is terrible and its basically a glorified church hall. The Liverpool Carling Academy is pretty damn good. Always has a top atmosphere and the sound is pretty incredible.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The Windmill in Brixton - grotty and dirty - but so many joyful memories and such good value
The Spitz for arty, sophiscated stuff
Notting Hill Arts Club
100 Club for history
93 feet east for dancey stuff
The Yatct Club in Embankment - I mean its a boat!
but ultimate best for acoustics and character was
London Union Chapel - b4 they closed it down
And yes, what on earth is long London Astoria doing there?
The Spitz for arty, sophiscated stuff
Notting Hill Arts Club
100 Club for history
93 feet east for dancey stuff
The Yatct Club in Embankment - I mean its a boat!
but ultimate best for acoustics and character was
London Union Chapel - b4 they closed it down
And yes, what on earth is long London Astoria doing there?
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
no way! i hate the academy... for a start its a fair walk from the centre and the sound there is never impressive, and tick prices tend to be a bit crazy.. tut's is the best, but the barrows... com'on that place is utterly classic, sleazy as.. what a venue
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
joiners arms.
and the Freebutt, and some others.
and the Freebutt, and some others.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
Bristol Academy - overstuffed to within an inch of its life, so you can never see the band or get round the venue. They have tons of fire exits and therefore a very high fire limit. It's an absolute pain.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
like:
leeds cockpit (mmmm fans!)
manchester academy (squashed in but fun)
don't like:
manchester carling apollo (stupid security, well they were at franz, tried chucking my mate out cos she called one of them a bitch)
oh and they need to get rid of the damn posts at leeds uni refectory
leeds cockpit (mmmm fans!)
manchester academy (squashed in but fun)
don't like:
manchester carling apollo (stupid security, well they were at franz, tried chucking my mate out cos she called one of them a bitch)
oh and they need to get rid of the damn posts at leeds uni refectory
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I've yet to see a bad gig at The Garage in Islington, and at Brixton Academy.. maybe I've just been lucky.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
Yes, us Edinburgers are a pretty shitty audience. It has to be said. Not enough people with any passion or interest through here.
Gigs in Glasgow are noticeably different: much more fun! Barrowlands does own indeed...I also love, for Scottish venues, The Venue (in Edinburgh) and King Tut's...I can't believe that wasn't in the list!!
Gigs in Glasgow are noticeably different: much more fun! Barrowlands does own indeed...I also love, for Scottish venues, The Venue (in Edinburgh) and King Tut's...I can't believe that wasn't in the list!!
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Is the original Indy article online anywhere?
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I like the Carling venues because of the great beer!
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
night n day
cos you sweat more than a ------ outside a --------
cos you sweat more than a ------ outside a --------
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
smilingcrazylady shouldn't knock blackpool based on the scissor sisters, go and see a real band. at the cedar tavern.though it doesn't compare with the cities there's a good crowd.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The Carling Academy is closer to the city centre than the Barrowlands. For instance walk there from somewhere like Central Station, its far far closer. It is classed as being in the city centre whilst the Barras is in Gallowgate.
I totally agree with you tho as to the Barrowlands being a fantastic venue. I have many great memories of gigs there (from earlier Mogwai right to Bloc Party recently), i really hope that the rumours that its due to close are untrue.
Ticket prices at Carling academy need to be drastically dropped. £24 for Sigur Ros, i nearly didn't buy one.
As for King Tuts, many bands say that its there favourite venue to play anywhere. Great sound, great atmosphere, nice pub downstairs. I love the place! i cant believe that it wasn't on the list
I totally agree with you tho as to the Barrowlands being a fantastic venue. I have many great memories of gigs there (from earlier Mogwai right to Bloc Party recently), i really hope that the rumours that its due to close are untrue.
Ticket prices at Carling academy need to be drastically dropped. £24 for Sigur Ros, i nearly didn't buy one.
As for King Tuts, many bands say that its there favourite venue to play anywhere. Great sound, great atmosphere, nice pub downstairs. I love the place! i cant believe that it wasn't on the list
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Manc Apollo can be brilliant when it's full. It's a gorgeous place.
Best venues in Liverpool:
Masque Theatre (part of Barfly these days)
Magnet
Royal Court
Heav n Hell's horrible, with nasty sonics. but it's sorta ace too, for dirty Punk stuff. The Slaughterhouse is top for the DIY gigs when they get em there an all.
Sadly missed - Heebie Jeebies. Shit sound but what a smart place.
I quite like Joseph's Well in Leeds land when it's full an all, it can rock very hard indeed.
Best venues in Liverpool:
Masque Theatre (part of Barfly these days)
Magnet
Royal Court
Heav n Hell's horrible, with nasty sonics. but it's sorta ace too, for dirty Punk stuff. The Slaughterhouse is top for the DIY gigs when they get em there an all.
Sadly missed - Heebie Jeebies. Shit sound but what a smart place.
I quite like Joseph's Well in Leeds land when it's full an all, it can rock very hard indeed.
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I've just thought of another one. Madame JoJo's in Soho. Decadent.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
Good sound at the wheatsheaf? Are you mad? Saw YMSS there three times and thought they were great , and then saw them in a venue with a good soundsystem and was absolutely blown away. The wheatsheaf turns everything into a big fuzzy mess, which is only a good thign when it's intentional.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
only been to leadmill and rescue rooms off of that list but would say both have provided me with enjoyable nights of entertainment. Rescue rooms being the best of the two because its less manky than the leadmill and has a nice separation between a bar/food area and the live performance section.
I quite liked the academy 3 in Liverpool when I went there. And TJs in Newport is pretty good in an intimate way - with shitty cans of beer and bands on horrendously late.
As regards Sheffield I also like the Fez Club, and the Barfly when it was still in existence.
I quite liked the academy 3 in Liverpool when I went there. And TJs in Newport is pretty good in an intimate way - with shitty cans of beer and bands on horrendously late.
As regards Sheffield I also like the Fez Club, and the Barfly when it was still in existence.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
yeah man, but being 'too small' is hardly a criticism for the type of gigs you see there, nor the types of shows i put on! it's got a capacity of about 120, yet is really intimate with pretty much perfect sound. and it's a nice pub, too!
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
I've seen ash,idlewild and placebo at both venues.....astoria was far better on each occasion.brixton is just too.....clean
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
Meh? Decent sound?!?!?!?! I've had the misfortune to go to a lot of gigs at the Astoria and the sound is fucking awful. My least favourite venue ever. Guaranteed to ruin any band. I've come to the conclusion its not really worth going to anymore.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
why, what beer do they sell there?
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
1 Brudenell Social, Leeds
2 Scala, London
3 The Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
4 The Hobbit, Southampton
and a load more that I've never been to
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
How about the comfortable venues that put on shows for grown ups?
Boardwalk - Sheffield
Ritz - Manchester
Irish Centre - Leeds
New Roscoe - Leeds
Blues Bar - Harrogate
Springhead - Hull
Mill - Preston
Cluny - Newcastle
Borderline - London
Boardwalk - Sheffield
Ritz - Manchester
Irish Centre - Leeds
New Roscoe - Leeds
Blues Bar - Harrogate
Springhead - Hull
Mill - Preston
Cluny - Newcastle
Borderline - London
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The astoria rocks
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
Nottingham - Green's Mill Old School Hall. Long live a venue which is a listed building, located underneath a windmill, where you can bring your own booze AND see great bands like Oneida, Weird War and Ted Leo & The Pharmacists!
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
Manchester Ritz is really good actually, bit different and decent size. And The Mill in Preston is brilliant, heard good things about the new venue there, 53 Degrees, n'all, keep meaning to get down there. Like the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool too, there's been a great sound and atmosphere there every time i've been. Although i can't believe the Manchester Apollo got on that list, really don't like the place (A Perfect Circle is the only gig i've ever really enjoyed there).
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
leadmill is a shithole full of nazis who only like oasis
livepool academy is ace all 3?4 of them
forum has the worst sound in london
notting hill arts is great as is spitz
moles is weird and all round the corner
rhythm factory is good and real but weedy p.a no subs
pretty much anywheres ok as long as you dont have to
wait for doherty or the others to show up
x
livepool academy is ace all 3?4 of them
forum has the worst sound in london
notting hill arts is great as is spitz
moles is weird and all round the corner
rhythm factory is good and real but weedy p.a no subs
pretty much anywheres ok as long as you dont have to
wait for doherty or the others to show up
x
The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours
My most visited music venue is the zodiac in Oxford. It qualifies as my favourite, jsaut because of all the nostalgia.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
Hmmm. I rate Brixton pretty highly too but saw Interpol there a month back and they sounded shit. Couldn't work out whether it was the sound or just that it "didn't work".
A bit of a fan of the Garage myself also the Cavern in Exeter is pretty good. Anyone remember The Old Trout in Windsor? Now that was the best venue of all time before it closed.
A bit of a fan of the Garage myself also the Cavern in Exeter is pretty good. Anyone remember The Old Trout in Windsor? Now that was the best venue of all time before it closed.
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
The freebutt, i was gonna say just the same (you are talking Brighton arent u?)
Claire x
Claire x
Re: Buzz
that's the one!
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're yours?
yep, the Brighton one indeed. i had a great time in there...
Re: The Independent pick top 10 venues - what're y
Yeah, true that the wheatsheaf sound does not favour anything loud - it's fine for acoustic or twinkly indie stuff, but the bass does tend to completely overshadow everything else quite often.
But that doesn't stop it from being one of my favourite venues.
Clwb Ivor Bach was always good when I was still in Cardiff, too.
But that doesn't stop it from being one of my favourite venues.
Clwb Ivor Bach was always good when I was still in Cardiff, too.
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