by Marsbar » Tue Mar 14, 2017 2:58 pm
Live venues closing is a very sad situation. We hear that - it too often has something to do with rent increases. Unfortunately, Commercial Land Lords are that. Lords. They will continue at every opportunity to raise rents or if the price is right - sell the building and its land.
However I see another reason. People are staying away from live venues, often a direct result of folks getting a little older. Life style changes. And much more. Empty rooms spell disaster. And then there are those crowds standing outside the clubs while they have a smoke.
Once upon a time one would have a smoke while drinking another beer or whatever. The club would sell more product, permitting them to make a little more money. I'm not suggesting anyone should stop smoking (that a personal decision) but it is costing clubs a lot of lost revenue.
A half empty room, people not drinking as much, both lead to live venue closures.
As one feels sad about the closings one must also dim that sadness if one hasn't been out there at least once a week supporting the club and the artist.
One final thought - we are living in a time when clubs have found other ways to attract customers. IE: DJs - Karaoke - etc. As with all things live venues will make a return but they will look different and perhaps even sound different.