Updated Gander re-opening information for 2008 (please read)...
Current mood: rejuvenatedAnyone who visited The Gander over the previous year and a half will be fully aware of the effort and enthusiasm put into running the venue by Fin & Nodd. They quite rightly gained a great reputation for putting on a wide range of quality music, and doing so with incredible passion.That music policy remains, and it goes without saying that for this venue to be successful it needs the backing and support of local bands, promoters and punters alike. Spread the word, THE GANDER IS BACK!For anyone interested in playing at The Gander On The Green, contact Tone @ bh one either via email -
[email protected], or tel 07903674029.Thanks! Hope to see you soon...
THE BAD NEWS?
THIS WAS THE REALLY, YES REALLY BAD NEWS
DON'T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ok here it is… The Gander’s demise was due to, yes you guessed it MONEY!
When Nodd & I took over the building the real damage had already been done. In trying to turn The Gander on the Green, a busy pub/music venue, albeit not the best place to see a band, but a place with great atmosphere and character into another trendy bar (Karma).
We were made well aware of that fact by the amount of people who would come in (right to the very end) and say. “What have you done to our fuckin’ pub� Not our fault!!!
The costs involved in running a building this size are huge (energy, rent, rates, alcohol, wages, etc.) so the money you have to take on a regular basis has to match it or obviously better it, to survive!!! We weren’t and didn’t. The dreaded harsh reality strikes again. We did look into splitting them but downstairs would have had to cope with thundering metal going on upstairs and the money involved in doing that, blah, blah, blah. We are small fry when it comes to swallowing losses on a week to week basis and financing major refurbs.
Now upstairs was, (I’ve not given up trying to get the corporate pound to understand this, yet) a success and going from strength strength. From inheriting a diary and chasing bands to being inundated with them, yes myspace playing a huge part in that and also people like, Tone & Bob @ BH One, Dan & Lewis @ G.M.W., Ben @ Livin’ it up Live, Andy & Co. @ Ejector Seat, Chris & The True Swamps, Change of Scene Promos. Dom (pain in the ass sometimes) @ Chalk Ink, Jase & The Sloths, Lawrence & Voodoo Vegas, The Pirate Ships, Dan & Fall Victim, Dan & Joda Cema, Dan (why so many Dan’s in Bournemouffff) & Y B L T, Pip & all the metal heads, Martin'n Meryl & White Room & whatever their spin off is called this week, Dom & The Upchucks, Steph & Spit Roast, Sean’n Andy & all the punks, Grant Read Photography, etc. etc. etc. I’m sorry if you’ve been left out but you know who really matters. Also playing a BIG part was sound engineer Alf, a sound (sic), reliable all round good guy.
Special mention too to Si & Sarge @ Revolving Doors & all the open mic. Crew (even if you were mince! no not all of you were. Ha!) Who made Tuesday's downstairs @ The Metropole, truly, awesomely, fabulous!!!
So to all you armchair critics and students who seem more interested in cheap booze & getting pished (Scottish) than supporting the local music scene, you have to play your part in keeping venues open. Get off yer arses when the next one opens.
Keep it Real & Live,
Fin x
I wrote this on my own, but I would not have been able to do any of this without Mr Nodd. He's a top bloke & great friend.
Thanks for all your support, it broke my heart to close the doors.
If you would like to play or perform at The Gander
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THIS IS AN 18+ VENUE
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