Music / Live Music Venue
Why we must support Bristol’s small music venues
The small gig venue circuit is vital to the British music industry. Small venues across the country bring communities together, who are able to celebrate and support fresh talent, keeping the music scene thriving.
In Bristol, we’ve created a culture and collective identity emphasising the importance of music, where multiple venues across the city create opportunities for new acts to work on their craft and create a fanbase.
The past year has proved extremely challenging for live music and the economy that surrounds it. Venues were shut, gigs were cancelled and artists were forced to adapt to a year without performing. For many small venues, the lack of support has put over 550 venues in the UK at risk of closure amid the Covid-19 pandemic, risking jobs and the opportunities for new musicians to create and share new music.
is needed now More than ever
Even before the pandemic, many smaller venues are under constant threat or forced to close due to developments or noise complaints. Take Bristol’s very own Hy-Brasil Music Club, formerly known as Start The Bus and Bierkeller – popular music venues that have all closed in recent years.
As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s more essential than ever to support smaller music venues across the city. If grassroots venues are not maintained, how will we expect Bristol to produce any new and incredible music?
“Grassroots music venues are important for emerging artists to hone their craft in a live setting. The 100cap venue circuit is instrumental for young artists gaining valuable experience in what it means to be a touring musician. Without those small venues, the stepping stones don’t exist,” says Rhys Friery, from Mr Wolf’s in Bristol.
Live music at Mr Wolfs. Credit: Jake Davis.
“Here at Mr Wolfs we pride ourselves on having music 280 nights a year and so do many other small venues across the city. Without the hard-working ethic of Bristol’s grass-roots music scene, the city would cease to have its stellar reputation, known both nationally and internationally. There are so many options here for creatives, it would be a shame to lose any other venues to this pandemic.”
Whilst the pandemic has created multiple challenges, it’s thanks to organisations such as The Music Venues Trust that venues such as Mr Wolfs have managed to remain open.
“It’s certainly been changeling for the live circuit. The Music Venues Trust has been exceptional in the support they’ve shown towards grassroots music venues. Without them as a lifeline, we’d probably all be in a very different situation,” said Rhys.
A night in Thekla. Credit: Shona Cutt.
Large music arenas have become more profitable over recent years, thanks to advertising and high ticket prices. They will continue to remain profitable. It’s the smaller venues and the smaller artists that need our support – without them, who will be headlining the big gigs in 50 years time?
In Bristol, we are lucky to have smaller music venues such as Mr Wolfs, Cosies and Thekla, which are all imperative to Bristol’s musical identity. As we emerge from over a year of lockdown, let’s make sure we protect and support our grassroots music venues and the next generation of our city’s musicians.
Main photo: Thekla
Read more: ‘The last few weeks have reinforced to me how special live music is’
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