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[french_disko]

Originally Posted by Swingin' Ryan

Yeh to an extent, and it's really come into its own recently getting really good bands in. They still only cover a certain market of bands however.

For example take a band like Placebo (I'm just using them as an example as they're playing the Glasgow Academy, the kind of venue I'm talking about). Now they're a big band, but not a huge band. Where are they going to play in Aberdeen? Moshulu's too small and the AECC is far too big, so they're just left with the Music Hall who rarely seem to host contemporary rock gigs.

I know you're only using them as an example, but Placebo played the MH a few years back.

you're right though - the MH is really bad for gigs at the moment.

What about the Beach Ballroom? What's the capacity there?

[french_disko]

here's the full article from the EE.

Personally, I'd love a venue like Dundee's DCA to be built in Aberdeen - but with a larger attached venue for bands to play in. Shame that the Tivoli is being neglected as well.

ANGER AS COUNCIL'S NEW PLAN LEAVES TIVOLI 'TO ROT'
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MOREEN SIMPSON

11:00 - 22 February 2006

Decision a final nail in coffin for city venue

Theatre-lovers are outraged at plans for a new stage and cultural centre in Aberdeen.

The city council wants a new purpose-built venue to replace the Lemon Tree.

It would house community groups like White Space and City Moves and be available for conferences.

But members of the Tivoli Trust, who have battled for eight years to restore the 135-year-old Guild Street building are angry over the plan.

They want it bought back to its former glory and fear a new venue is the final nail in the coffin

- blighting their own restoration plans.

But Cllr John Stewart, who heads the arts, cultural and heritage strategy task force, said the new venture would rationalise some of the city's performance venues and save cash.

There would be seating for up to 700.

Councillors are inviting consultants to tender for a feasibility study on the new entertainment complex.

As yet no site has been identified, but it is understood the Denburn Health Centre and St Nicholas House - both scheduled for demolition - would be considered.

Councillor Stewart said that a new venue meant the council could cut its overheads and put various groups under one roof. It would also be a chance to resite the Lemon Tree whose 30-year-old lay-out was limiting.

If the plan, which has not been costed, goes ahead, they would hope to get cash towards it from the Scottish Arts Council.

Mr Stewart said: "We told the Tivoli Trust when we visited the theatre about 18 months ago that it was no good for what we wanted.

"The Tivoli is not going to be a living theatre again.

"They estimate renovations would cost around £8 million, but I believe it could be closer to £14 or £20 million - and significantly more than a new centre.

It's never going to be a viable concern."

Tivoli Trust member Edi Swan said: "We are absolutely appalled.

"Councillors want a new-build, rather than developing the existing architectural masterpiece on their doorsteps - in a prime position if and when the Union Square development is completed."

Like His Majesty's, the Tivoli was designed by revered British theatre architect, Frank Matcham.

Since it was set up, the Tivoli Trust has been trying to raise cash for the restoration but suffered a series of setbacks.

They are negotiating with owner, businessman Tony Donald, to buy it for £1.5 million.

Mr Swan said: "It would be an absolute tragedy if it were left to rot then pulled down.

"Councillors in other cities would be proud of and cherish such a building. Not in Aberdeen.

"But we are going to battle on and hopefully harness some of the support we know we have from Aberdonians."

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Singingstarfish

put the bar prices down

As far as I understand it, the Lemon Tree bar is run by a seperate company, so any changes to the lemon tree won't affect bar prices.

[Mouse]

Lemon Tree is an excellent venue. There is no need to replace it

[french_disko]

Originally Posted by Mouse

Lemon Tree is an excellent venue. There is no need to replace it

tell the council - they don't seem to share your opinion.

[soundian]

The Lemon Tree's roof is too low, it's severely restricting as far as light shows go.
A venue with an 800-1000 capacity would be handy as well, as someone pointed out we have nothing between about 650 and 1500.

These problems, and others like the pillars, can't be sorted in the current building.
Unfortunately the council has a great track record of taking good ideas and producing shit.

[Marc]

Aberdeen should get a carling academy

Originally Posted by Marc

Aberdeen should get a carling academy

AGREE'D!

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Marc

Aberdeen should get a carling academy

And do what with it? We can barely fill the venues that we've got. If a medium sized band wants to play Aberdeen, there's plenty of options available already.

Relocating the Lemon Tree sounds like a great idea, especially if it was a custom-built structure located in the middle of town. The current St Nicholas House site would be perfect.

If they could move City Dance Moves there as well, it would also mean there would be another floor in Exodus...although by the time they get round to it I'll be in the retired DJs home reliving past glories with Smashie and Nicey.

[jester1470]

Originally Posted by Marc

Aberdeen should get a carling academy

The Carling Academy is one of those venues that's good for punters but not necessarily for bands, they tale a high percentage of merch sales, something like 15-25% which if it happens on every date on a tour can really cut into the money made that can make the tour viable. It's not unrealistic for bands playing 1500 capacity venues to still only be making money through merchandise sales and that's not a good thing if up to 25% of the money is taken. One of the things I've always liked about Aberdeen venues is they dont take a cut of the merchandise.

Cheers

Stuart