[delurking] Damn, that's harsh timing. Whatever your opinions on the LT, the strength of feeling here sure does show how important its potential was to all of us. It's the willingness to take long views and short risks in programming that made the place so successful for so long, and long may that outlook continue in whoever fills the gig gaps. Along with whichever twiglet-haired jangle merchant from Loreleiland posted upthread, I was at the opening gig too, and managed to work there for over 10 years (can you say Cherry 2000?). It was the most amazing place to be, and all the arguments here about business profit / subsidy / competing with other venues are thrashed out for great reason, precisely cos the place the LT occupied was one of injecting public money and talented people into an arts market that crossed all the boundaries traditionally dividing audiences of different genres, hopefully to create something that gave everyone more than they bargained for (sometimes even in a good way ) It was a real privilege being there at a time when this seemed to be working (no idea about recent years, left the LT 6 yrs ago or so and Aberdeen 2yrs). All that's just my opinion of course, I was never party to any of that stuff, you just couldn't spend time there without soaking up the love... My point I guess is we shouldn't loose focus on how Aberdeen, or any city, can benefit from this kind of outlook. And equally, take em to task over it mercilessly Sic Transit Gloria Tuesday, I guess...
