Latest news with #localbands
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local live music scene desperately needs our help, says Inverclyde councillor
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: 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!
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Morgantown WüdStonk 2025: Rocking the ‘Across the Pond' vibes
MORGANTOWN, (WBOY) – The Encore in Morgantown came alive Sunday with the energy and talent of nine local bands as they took the stage for the annual WüdStonk concert, a showcase of the musical growth and creativity fostered during their spring session. The highly anticipated event, presented by PopShopWV, drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to experience this season's theme: 'Across the Pond.' Drawing inspiration from iconic English and Irish artists, each band brought its own unique interpretation to a setlist that spanned decades of influential music. Admission to the event was just $5, allowing the community to support the young talented artists and enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment. 'Some of the kids have never picked up an instrument you'll see them playing today before the start of this session. So, it starts really with just seeing what they are interested in playing and then kind of motivating them to really challenge themselves. And it is amazing, a kid can never touch a guitar and then play full rock song by the end of seven weeks,' music instructor at PopShopWV Mason Fanning told 12 News. EMS Week kicks off with rescue squad open house in Fairmont Beyond the music, attendees were able to further support the bands through the sales of band stickers. Also, PopShopWV debuted its new line of WüdStonk merchandise, with limited-edition shirts also available for purchase. 'If you always wanted to be in a band, this is for you, because you won't get very much people for now but after a while, you get a lot of people to look at you. And it is so exciting being in it,' student drummer and member of The Bananas Who Lived Band, Logan Gilleland said. WüdStonk continues to serve as a platform for emerging musicians, providing not only performance experience but also a sense of community and artistic expression. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Beloved 200-year-old pub confirms closure with heartbreaking message after locals launched urgent campaign to save it
A POPULAR pub steeped in history has officially closed, despite locals' efforts to keep it open. The Hare and Hounds in Clayton-Le-Moors, Lancashire, pulled its final pint this week, with the owners bidding an emotional goodbye to punters. 3 3 "Good afternoon all you beautiful people," began landlady Clare in a post on Facebook. "Well today is our last day open we will be open from 12. So why not pop down for one last drink and to say farewell." Clare added: "Me and the family would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to you all for all of your custom and support and love you have all shown us." The landlady also called out the pub owner, Thwaites, saying it "can't see just how important the pub is to the community." "We would also like to say a big thank you to all of the bands that we have had on and shown us all their love and support and enjoyed playing for us as we have loved every minute of it," Clare also wrote. She concluded by writing: "So let's raise one last drink to the Hare and Hounds and the memories we have of there today." The Sun contacted Thwaites by email on Tuesday afternoon for comment. Thwaites had told The Sun in April: 'After a significant period working with a very good local operator, we've made the decision to close the Hare and Hounds pub in Clayton-le-Moors, given the costs associated with running the venue. "The implications of the Chancellor's Autumn Budget have only further contributed to this decision. 'We aim to market the pub for sale shortly and have no plans to impose a restrictive covenant on the sale. 'We remain committed to our other pubs in the area, including our two pubs in Accrington – The Grey Horse and The Victoria, which have both benefited from refurbishment investment over the past two years.' They added that they have "no plans to impose a restrictive covenant on the sale", meaning the new owners don't have to keep the site as a pub and locals could lose their favourite watering hole. Gutted locals had launched a last-ditch campaign to save the 200-year-old community boozer. Regular Liam Loughlin started a petition to save the pub through a group called, Friends of the Hare and Hounds, when he heard the news. He wrote: "It's not just a pub [...] it's a place to laugh, cry, sing and dance for all members of the community no matter what your background is.' What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans Almost 700 people had put their names to the petition seeking to rescue the Hare and Hounds. A spokesperson for the campaign group explained how the pub's closure would impact both staff and punters. They said: 'For generations, the Hare and Hounds has been more than just a pub — it has been a gathering place where friendships are formed, local events are celebrated, and a true sense of belonging is fostered. 'The impact of this decision extends far beyond the loss of a public house. "It threatens the livelihoods of the dedicated staff who have poured their hearts into making the Hare and Hounds the welcoming establishment it is today. Many of these employees now face uncertainty, which will undoubtedly take a toll on their mental health and well-being. "Losing a job is never easy, but losing a job in a place that feels like family is even more devastating.' 3
