Jehnny Beth Of Savages Calls For Small Venue Funding
Tuesday, 08 October 2013
Written by Elliott Batte
Savages frontwoman Jehnny Beth has spoken out at the state of the UK’s small venue scene, claiming that there needs to be more funding and investment.
Writing to fans via her Tumblr page, she admitted that the circuit in the UK is among the worst in the world, for important factors such as PA quality and backstage facilities for bands, and that music bigwigs need to start putting hands in pockets in order to make a change. She said:
“The production and customer service standards of small venues in the UK have the world’s worst reputation among touring musicians - we secretly call it the TOILET TOUR! There are many great small rooms in this country who do great work with limited resources, and they should be applauded and supported.
“There are also great bands, great musicians and great audiences who love music and deserve the best. It definitely seems a shame that when you ask musicians around the world about the touring conditions in the UK, backstage, PA system quality… you don’t get a more positive response.
“The music industry can definitely affect a change. Labels, managers, big promoters, booking agents, artists and bigger live venues can group together, reinvest their money, and start to repair the UK’s reputation in live music.”
The post also contains insights from the band's tour manager, Andy Inglis, who questions the distribution of wealth between larger arts venues and the clubs that form the backbone of the new music scene.
“While The Arts Council dishes out £20,000,000 a year to London’s Southbank Centre, TJ’s in Newport gets not a penny. This has to change. We cannot wait for those who hold the money to wake up and realise the worth of our small independent venues. Nor can we rely on Government.
“It is time for the music industry itself to step up. Some of our labels, promoters, booking agents, artists and bigger live venues are - comparatively speaking - staggering wealthy. We call upon them to support the grassroots venues that they book their bands into, those venues who nurture the bands who will, one day, go on to play these bigger venues.”
What’s your opinion? Leave us a comment in the box below. If you’re a fan of Savages, check the dates and links below to find tickets to their upcoming live tour!
Tue November 5th 2013 - BRIGHTON Brighton Concorde 2
Wed November 6th 2013 - LONDON The Forum
Thu November 7th 2013 - BRISTOL Trinity
Sat November 9th 2013 - MANCHESTER Ritz
Sun November 10th 2013 - GLASGOW Classic Grand
Mon November 11th 2013 - LEEDS Vox
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