Hoping you mean PIL, but its an awful venue. Probably one of the worst I've been to recently in Yorkshire. Far too hot, far too full. And Lydon is far too much of a contrarian these days.
Nowt wrong wi WMCs, Bolton Club was great in the 70s, used to have bands on twice a week and a disco or two with the bonus of the odd game of bingo
Can't knock it for attracting good crowds though...more chance of it keeping open and fetching more acts into the area than if it was only half full or worse.
Can't speak for many other venues of similar size In yorkshire, as I've not done that many, other than wmc's in the SY area. But Birdwell has been a popular venue for decades. I've lost count of the many times I've been over the yrs and seen many a great band. Only other venue I'd put on a par in the 70's 80s was Wombwell Reform. Sadly went out of business due to young scrotes taking over, not having a clue.
Seems like I'm in the minority, but I don't think that Birdwell venue is anything like as good as the Brudenell or Picturedrome. Thinking about it, I'd put it on a par with the Old Wollen for the smaller venues and above the Corp.
Not been to any of them tbf. So can't offer an opinion. Been threatening to go to picturedome for many a yr. Never got round to it. But comments from those I know, recommend it.
I agree re wmc's. Re functions If you are referring to the old ings lane wmc. One thing I noted was the acoustics were very poor. And many an act (rock bands) agreed. Mexborough main st. Was in the same boat.
Its the only proper music venue we have in Barnsley. Not sure why you would be pulling it bits really.
I was talking about the one that was near The Angel (gone without trace now), and you're probably right about the acoustics but that didn't seem to matter back then. Talking about places that have gone, The Halfway at Highgate was where I misspent most of my youth, I was devastated when it was demolished