News / Bristol Arena
Geoff Barrow: ‘It’s good to see a mayor focused on the people of Bristol for once’
Portishead’s Geoff Barrow wants Filton to be the location of Bristol’s long awaited arena.
Following Robert Del Naja from Massive Attack entering the debate in support of the Arena Island site next to Temple Meads, Barrow has backed the Brabazon hangars.
Barrow cited the fact that Filton is not in the city centre as a reason to build an arena there.
is needed now More than ever
On Twitter, he wrote: “Actual investment in the arts and jobs more than 2 miles from city centre would be a positive step forward.
“Also have you ever tried to leave Wembley after a concert? The centre would be gridlocked.”
In response to questions from Bristol24/7, Barrow said that Bristol needs an arena “like every other big city… Music fans have always lost out to Birmingham and Cardiff”.
“It would nice to see investment outside the centre for a change creating jobs and business. It’s good to see a mayor focused on the people of Bristol for once.”
Asked why the majority of Bristol seems to be in support of an arena in the city centre, he said: “No idea.. but if people keep using the term ‘tin shed in filton’ as the other option what do you expect?”
Barrow added that Bristol Arena “should of been built years ago but the last mayor was more interested in getting his picture taken”.
Bristol24/7 also asked Barrow if Portishead could be the first act to play in Bristol Arena, wherever it is built. He responded: “I think we’d better make another record first.”
Often outspoken on social media, the music producer memorably called Bristol Life magazine “Clifton village aspirational life f*******s” in August 2017 after they categorised Portishead as being a soundtrack for yuppie lawyers.
Portishead released their third and most recent album, Third, in 2008. Barrow has since produced albums by the likes of The Horrors, recorded music with his band Beak, scored a number of feature films and released records through his own label Invada.
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