Local live music scene desperately needs our help, says Inverclyde councillor

Yahoo

5 days ago

As Oasis mania sweeps across the country this summer, the nostalgia of the music scene of my youth has left me saddened at the decline of such an important part of our culture.
Inverclyde was a hive of musical activity then and there were a range of venues all offering acts a chance to perform to packed out audiences every weekend.
We even attracted renowned British artists, like Ian Brown, which made our town feel like it was on the map and created an exciting atmosphere about the place.
There were also lots of local bands that garnered a loyal following wherever they played. It was a great time to be young and the music brought us together.
Oasis fever has gripped Britain once again as the band's reunion tour gathers pace - but with live music venues closing at an alarming rate, where will the next Oasis come from? (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) The scenes from the Oasis tour were reminiscent of those days, as you can feel the connection their music creates for those attending, with or without tickets.
It's been something joyful to witness in amongst what appears to be a never-ending, doom-scrolling cycle of societal division and bad news.
Sadly, the local live music scene today is barely existent. The weekends seem eerily quiet and, with a few honourable exceptions, barely any live music is on offer.
Of course, this problem is not solely one Inverclyde is grappling with. The threat to the UK's music scene is well documented, as venues continue to close at an alarming rate. Last year, almost 44 per cent of grassroots venues reported a loss, with the average profit margin being only 0.48 per cent for live events.
Since 2005, 70 per cent of Britain's late-night venues have permanently closed, and at the current rate there will be no clubs left by 2039.
Since 2005, 70 per cent of Britain's late night venues have permanently closed. (Image: Unsplash.com) The UK is renowned worldwide for our music scene and we have produced some of the best bands to ever walk the earth. The threat to these venues means that the Oasises of the future may not even get a start.
I have spoken with promoters, band managers and artists themselves about this issue and they have all reported these concerns.
Coupled with the issues Brexit has caused for artists touring in Europe, we have created a perfect storm for our emerging talent. We still have world-class acts: we need to ensure we have places they can perform, or we risk losing them too.
Beyond the threat of cultural decline caused by the closure of live music venues, losing these places where people gather to enjoy a shared interest could also exacerbate the rising mental health issues we are facing.
Inverclyde councillor Kirsty Law says live music venues have a huge role to play - not just in promoting new music, but in helping people socialise. (Image: George Munro) I know personally that live music has helped me through times of poor mental health; it allows me to immerse myself in the music and to escape any worldly woes for a while as I dance my cares away.
These venues have been places where I have formed life-long friendships, and they are vital for providing spaces for people to socialise.
If we don't use them, we'll lose them - and once they're gone, we'll all be worse off as a result.
Let's support our venues and help us find the next Oasis!