brownie

If the line up was appealing then I think the venue itself may not have been an issue.

As it is you have one band who had their moment in the spotlight, another who didnt even really reach the spotlight and two local bands to make up the numbers/draw local people in.

If they are offering tickets at half-price at this stage then I think there is a very real danger that this will not go ahead.

I think this year has shown that a number of people have misjudged the Aberdeen music scence. The Northern Lights festival fell through as some had initially suspected it would.

When push comes to shove, Aberdeen is a small city with a transient population. Selling out Drummonds etc is one thing, getting a full house at the AECC or Seaton Park is another thing all together.

I think the line up is certainly an issue. Its poor and its a line up that would be suitable for a much smaller venue. Even the Music Hall or Beach Ballroom would be pushing it.

Whoever thought it would be an idea to charge £40 for that line up needs their head checking.

Tickets reduced to half price now.

Looks in danger

Im not surprised, the line up is tragic.

£40 was pie in the sky. £20 is still steep for a line up that could grace the Tunnels.

Do the people booking these things have any idea whatsover ?

Will tickets be available at the door ?

Another one that I couldn't understand was the 14+ ruling.

A few of the acts are the types popular with young kids. In addition this ruling prevented families going along together.

Camp in your fucking back garden, probably a similar walk from fest to site.

Unless this was a festival for only those people living in or around Aberdeen city centre then camping is certainly an issue. London has a population of a fair few million whilst Aberdeen is closer to 250k.

People like you may not want to accept what has happened here but the reality is that camping is certainly an issue.

the reason ive heard some people saying that no camping would put people off is rubbish, its a central location, not like in the middle of nowhere like some festivals. Hyde Park festivals etc dont have camping.

The lack of camping did put people off.

You may not agree with that but it is certainly a factor when people are buying tickets for a festival.

True but they also had the accommodation at Hillhead for those needing to stay overnight.

Which in itself is fine too and the chalet arrangement works well for ATP but this was meant to be a summer festival. People are going to want to stay out in the evening air and take in the glorious weather.

The no camping thing was a huge selling point for me. The option to get the bus into Aberdeen then a bus/taxi home again once the day's finished seemed perfect.

Which is fine if you are only aiming the festival at local people only.

Surely no camping should be a bonus! Camping is horrific.

They did have rooms available in hillhead halls, which I thought was a good idea.

Im not keen on camping either but some people do love that camping experience though and the ability to chill out with other festival goers.

I feel that a petition wont save this. The news is now out and people/companies will be very wary of buying into this.

Location, no camping, cost and the mystery guest scenario has put people off.

I get it, because old bands are old.... right?

xx

Bob Dylan is old.

Quo are old and shit.

Wise up Ian, your sort aren't wanted here

I have heard this is incorrect, thank goodness...

Playing the gig, that he has been approached or both ?

Aberdeen is just as good as Glasgow in some respects, it just isn't as immediate or as noticeable at first.

I don't agree with that.

The Aberdeen music scene has always been quite small but it has never been great IMO. Someone on here mentioned a while back that there is a lot of mutual back slapping and not much else. I agree with that.

I think a Tunnels related thread went through this.

Anyway, back to the festival itself. Heard a whisper that Ian Brown is playing/or has been approached to play. If that is true then this will sell out without any problems at all.

are we not just describing Estaminet?

That was what came to mind here too.

The problem with these sort of places is the clientele. You will have a hardcore of Tarquin's and Tamara's who will be friends of the owner spending a few quid during the week.

People out spending serious money and/or company expenses will be put off by that sort of atmosphere and wont frequent it as much.

So to confirm, the price of ticket does not include accommodation/camping ?

Hope it goes well and as this town has a fair bit of cash people will snap the tickets up, minkers and music fans alike

Cracking line up for a first attempt but will echo the chat amongst friends today, it's going to be minker central. The likes of Wizard mean that people have to travel and dodgers stay clear.

Would love to see Twilight Sad but there is going to be far too many dodgers for my liking.

Im another person interested in a wedding band.

Feel free to drop me a pm with price if your band is interested.

Ah but John, sometimes it is easier just to bitch and moan rather than be proactive...

Why does a paying customer have to be proactvive ?

People have given reasons as to why they do no longer venture out to many gigs in Aberdeen. If promoters/venue owners/bands feel that the reasons given are bitching and moaning then they need to get their heads out of the sand.

When it gets to the stage where people drive 60+ miles to see something different then you know something is wrong.

II've never been a fan of Drummonds as a gig venue, and I doubt I ever will be. But The Tunnels could be great. Really great. A few years back, it was looking as if it would dominate Aberdeen's live music scene for years to come, but it's laissez faire attitude has seen it almost collapse. The space is good, the size is good, and the sound is often good, but they really do need to restructure their live programming in a big way, coupled with how they approach advertising (i.e. by actually doing some). It's been quite a number of years since I attended an inhouse booked show at The Tunnels - it was always external promoters' shows that appealed to me. Because more often than not, they gave a damn. Well the promoters I liked did, anyway.

Totally agree.

Tunnels was the place a while back and looked like it would turn into something special, however it has not turned out that way. Seeing the likes of Lightning Bolt at the venue were truly great nights.

However it looks like Aberdeen will continue to be the sort of place it has been for years: The same few bands playing the same few not so great venues until a new generation of the same bands play the same not so great venues.

Bought this a while back for a trip to Asia. Been sitting around not getting much use so it's time to sell it.

Looking for 100

foxeym - sent you a pm