You are not a registered member of Norwich Darkside yet!
Until you register, you will not be able to reply to posts, or start new topics! The Norwich Darkside forums are the best place in Norfolk to get exposure for your band, find all the latest music news and reviews, share your experiences of local gigs, and become a member of the biggest music community in East Anglia. Registration is free, quick and will also remove this annoying box!Register Now
Joined: Feb 25, 2005 Posts: 587 Location: south of heaven
i doubt anybody reads this anymore, but i guess it's still relevant to this board that the Marquee seems to be shutting down. it appears (from what people have said) the landlord nicked the safe and everyone's wages, did a runner, tipped off the council about some building work that needs to be done, and it's been shut down.
The council are probably loving the fact they have another reason to shut a live music venue in Norwich, Ferry Boat, Queen Charlotte and now the Marquee, fucking wankers.
I dont think that the council just go round closing venues for fun, theres usually reasoning behind them. I'm sad to see another venue close, although it was hideously dangerous, smelly and always had terrible sound.
The reason that so many "rock" venues get closed is people try to run them on a shoestring, H&S is often overlooked as are things like decent PA's, sound treatment and facilities. Investment will always be the key along with booking good quality bands, the local scene just get battered by the heap of total dogshit kiddie bands who only play in a band to go on tourz and have the best lolz evaarr.
I dont think that the council just go round closing venues for fun, theres usually reasoning behind them. I'm sad to see another venue close, although it was hideously dangerous, smelly and always had terrible sound.
The reason that so many "rock" venues get closed is people try to run them on a shoestring, H&S is often overlooked as are things like decent PA's, sound treatment and facilities. Investment will always be the key along with booking good quality bands, the local scene just get battered by the heap of total dogshit kiddie bands who only play in a band to go on tourz and have the best lolz evaarr.
tbqh, I'd be happy with a cheap venue with PA supplied in the city centre.
although it was hideously dangerous, smelly and always had terrible sound.
.
Glad to see the sprit of 'punk' is still alive
R.I.P marquee Norwich now has zero grass roots venues, plus IMO bill was one of the best sound engineers in Norwich,
it is also going to kill small local promotors unless you can front £500 for the art centre
Joined: Feb 13, 2005 Posts: 4509 Location: The Rock Boudoir
Premium Member
In addition, I've only ever been to one metal (or anything heavier than prog) gig at the Arts Centre. The diversity of music they put on there isn't exactly groundbreaking.
Zero grass roots venues? The Eddie is still well and truly alive, and as much as everyone hates it, the B2 is still a viable venue - they just need to make it nicer for people to go there, instead of the sterile near-soulless place it is at the moment. _________________
although it was hideously dangerous, smelly and always had terrible sound.
.
Glad to see the sprit of 'punk' is still alive
R.I.P marquee Norwich now has zero grass roots venues, plus IMO bill was one of the best sound engineers in Norwich,
it is also going to kill small local promotors unless you can front £500 for the art centre
punk died the day that Billy Joe stood on top the pops with an acoustic guitar and whined about someone having a great time.
The last time i played at the marquee, the monitors couldnt handle our sub drops and crapped out after less than half a song.
although it was hideously dangerous, smelly and always had terrible sound.
.
Glad to see the sprit of 'punk' is still alive
R.I.P marquee Norwich now has zero grass roots venues, plus IMO bill was one of the best sound engineers in Norwich,
it is also going to kill small local promotors unless you can front £500 for the art centre
punk died the day that Billy Joe stood on top the pops with an acoustic guitar and whined about someone having a great time.
Joined: Feb 16, 2005 Posts: 2866 Location: Ploughing Through Your Beanfield
clydefrog wrote:
the B2 is still a viable venue - they just need to make it nicer for people to go there, instead of the sterile near-soulless place it is at the moment.
I do agree, especially on the less busy nights it can be a pretty soul-less room, though what could we do to make it nicer? _________________ ShowCAD would complain of the horrors of fletchcadillac?.
Joined: Feb 13, 2005 Posts: 4509 Location: The Rock Boudoir
Premium Member
I think it'd be nicer to be able to drink in there before bands start, with tables and chairs so that an atmosphere can get going, and be able to hang around and drink after the bands finish.
It's just too, hmm, "band-y" at the moment, so it's hard to get an atmosphere. I know you've got the pub proper next door, so maybe there could be some link-up between the two on gig nights perhaps...
I dunno. I mean it's a good venue of a decent size and it's good when people fill it, but it's attracting the people through the door that is going to be tough part. _________________
I think a lot of the b2's atmosphere comes from the amount of dogshit that gets put on, again bands need to be of an adequate standard before getting gigs in a proper venue. I dont think i've ever been to the b2 to see a gig, i've only ever been there as a performer. Its a decent set up although the room is still a bit lively, they could do with some treatment around the stage area to stop the reflections. They could also do with upgrading the monitors.
Totally agree about there being nowhere to sit and drink. I actually think they'd be better off closing the b2 entrance and having the entry in through the brickies, that would then be a bit more like most venues.
what the place really needs is a couple of really good shows, ticketed sell outs with good upcoming supports from the city.
Joined: Feb 13, 2005 Posts: 4509 Location: The Rock Boudoir
Premium Member
The problem is that B2 *has* had some proper bands in with decent area supports, but turnouts have been poor. Now that's probably the promoter's fault, and only slightly the fact that it's B2, but I think if the venue was open as a watering hole with some decent music on and something to do of an evening, more people would go there and see it as a good place to hang out.
If bands they like were playing there, then all the better. _________________
The major problem with the b2 is that it is out of town, the only time I've ever been there is when I'm playing ( and that's the same with all my muso mates) simply because you don't really think "oh i will go to the b2" because you have to mess around with buses and stuff if you want a drink.
That's why it tends to have poor turn outs for gigs, I know that's the reason most people give for not going to gigs there.
I would never 'dis' a venue as one is always better than none, but The atmosphere is a big problem at the b2 as well.
it's far to sterile (unlike the marquee was) it feels a bit like a youth club with rules everywhere and I have found it one of the worse venues in terms of sound to play at with a weak rig and the engineer there didn't seem to have clue, or seem that interested in what they were doing.
I think all those factors stop me considering it as a 'serious' venue to play or promote at.
Back to hiring places like take 5 cyrpt I guess at least you have atmosphere even if you have to bring in your own pa!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
