[Hugh Anderson]

Shows I've seen AND enjoyed in the lemon tree in 3 years and 3 months:

Mylo
Bloc Party
Skatalites
The Kills
Part Chimp
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Six Organs of Admittance
Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit
The Black Lips
Akron Family and Howlin Rain

Not that my taste or attendance to shows is any measure but 10 shows in over 3 years isn't a great innings. You often get as many good gigs (of similar size) in glasgow in a month, why were so many missed e.g. decemberists, interpol, clap your hands, explosions, my morning jacket... the list is endless.

With the exception of Bloc Party and possibly the recent Akron Family/Howlin Rain i feel every show (especially "club" nights") would have benefited from being in a different venue. I always leave the lemon tree feeling i have been to a gig in an airport foyer (with airport prices). This along with often trigger-happy bouncers leaves the atmosphere turgid.

Finally, in the time i've been in aberdeen the heavy reliance on tribute acts was detrimental, i accept they can be quite profitable but the integrity of a "cultural" venue is surely more important? - if you're making a loss, you might as well make the most of it!

Better booking, promotion and more attention to atmosphere rather than a ridiculously expensive PA and soundproofing may have saved the place... but this is Aberdeen. People are still complaining about Drakes closing but the few times i was there, there was only about half a dozen folk in the place (one of which was Steven Dedalus... each time... Fun!). With gigs also canceled in Cellar 35 for people having fun, can the music scene win?