Nottingham? Liverpool is a bit further but still not that far south . Even Birmingham and Leicester are doable for a gig. Saying that, I've been out to London for gigs before.
Yep I've done all those cities too, mate. Didn't include Notts as I see that as more Midlands than 'the north'...forgot Liverpool though which do tend to get some but Manchester tends to be the main place if bands from States tour here. Plenty of small venues in Wakey etc. but unlikely to get top acts, more stuff from 90s etc. such as Black Grape like someone mentioned.
Always thought that the old bingo hall (now demolished) opposite Morrison’s would have made a good smaller version of Manchester Academy
We are so fundamentally lazy in this country. It's literally 20 minutes to Sheffield Arena. Twenty Minutes. If you tell one of my American colleagues that people are complaining about having to travel 20 minutes to see world-class talent perform, they'd laugh you out of the building.
Not much world class talent at Sheffield Arena these days as most Arena tours prefer Leeds if they're venturing in to Yorkshire.
We did have a venue, The Civic Hall. John Symmons could attract decent bands to the tarn. Wombwell Baths use to attract it's fair share of bands in the 60s when they put a dance floor down in the winter months.
It’s not about being lazy, it’s about the ease and affordability of the commute as well. If the gigs at the arena, a train and a team are easy and affordable. If you live on the train route... However the leadmill, O2,etc can be reached by train then taxi back. (Trains stop running quite early especially on a Friday). Taxis are around £25 to £30 plus the train tickets... starts to have an impact. The theatre on wellington street is a good shout... or at least it was, not been in for ages. They would need some crowd restraint, but would afford good views and a decent sized stage. One other option that does have gigs, but doesn’t seem to have a decent promoter is the Metrodome... it’s quite big in that main hall.
They have likely held the license for a long time. Gaining new ones is much harder than keeping preexisting ones.
Its not about being lazy. Its about wanting to see your favourite artist in your hometown and Putting Barnsley on the map a little bit more. I have no issue with travelling to leeds, sheff, manc, Liverpool for gigs, done them all plenty of times.
I don't drink. You can have a drink and stay well under the limit, though, if you feel the need. It's unrealistic to expect any major acts to come to Barnsley. That's just how it is. Can't say I blame them.
Are you serious? It has nothing to do with that. All the top bands don't play towns, it's not the 1960s and the era of Batley Frontier anymore. They will never overlook Leeds or Sheffield in favour of Barnsley. It makes no financial sense whatsoever. If you're wanting to sell tickets you hold them in the most densely populated areas. No other towns get a look in. That's not because they don't have adequate venues, it's because tour managers don't want to go there! Wakefield has some decent sized venues and doesnt attract current high profile bands. Not going to happen.