Ilfracombe rock bar is silenced

dave.tanner@archant.co.uk

18 February 2009

The Marlboro in Ilfracombe has seen the music die - perhaps for good.

THE double whammy of licensing laws and the credit crunch has silenced the rock music at an Ilfracombe venue.

Marlboro
landlord Kit Goodchild said the regulations requiring him to have two
door supervisors on duty at every live event - and costing almost £100
a time - simply made it too expensive to continue.

Under the
promotion of Ray Williams from First Step Management, the venue hosted
numerous bands at least once a week, often with three on the same night
and with some very big names among them.

It became known
throughout the country and visitors to Ilfracombe have included Damon
Albarn's band, The Good, The Bad and The Queen, as well as Emilie
Autumn and Led Zep Too.

"It just seemed to be one obstacle after another,' said Kit.

"Re-opening again is a big risk, especially in this current climate, that's the problem,"

"If
we had the support of local people in numbers we could probably afford
to hire doormen - either that or if there are a couple of accredited
local door supervisors who are music fans and willing to work for
nothing on a Friday night!"

The club gathered quite a following among local teenagers and young people keen to see quality live bands on a regular basis.

"As
a venue it was on a par with the Cavern in Exeter and music-wise I
would say it was the best rock venue in North Devon," said Ray Williams.

"With
the Marlboro going, there's nowhere in Ilfracombe that has a gig every
week now. We do a monthly gig at Yam Yams, which has been great, but
we've lost the weekly one."

"We had all ages here from 16 to 60
and we never had any trouble. Most of the kids' parents were happy to
let them come because they knew it was safe and they did not drink or
take drugs.

"The reaction from around the country has been
horror that it's gone and the bands are gutted too. Emilie Autumn said
the reason she chose this as one of only five UK gigs is because she
could relax and be herself."

Kit and Ray are keen to hear from
anyone who has any ideas for resurrecting the Marlboro as a top rock
venue or even just wishes to show their support. Call the venue on
(01271) 862732 or email rayatfirststep@ yahoo.co.uk.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 



..
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.. FIRST YAM YAMS GIG IN NORTH DEVON JOURNAL .. Thursday, February 12, 2009, A BASEMENT bar in Ilfracombe rocked to the beat of three live bands at a benefit bands night held recently in aid of the neighbouring volunteer centre. The gig, at Yam Yamz in High Street, raised £64 and marked the start of regular monthly music nights being held there organised by Ray Williams, of Firststep Management. Barbara Grant, North Devon Voluntary Services volunteering manager, said: "Ray has been a great supporter, running many similar events for us in the past. "I know he'd join me in thanking local bands Dirty Gipsy, Falling Apart and new rock band, RPG, who came all the way from Wales to raise funds for us. We'd also like to thank Yam Yamz for allowing the gig to be held at their premises." The next event at Yam Yamz is an Indie Rock night on Friday, February 20, featuring Deluded, Hailing Star and The Adventures from Exeter.

im afraid that due to security and police issues at the club. the marlboro is shut as a music venue from now!!!

we still have 2 gigs pending this friday 19th dec and the 3rd of january which should have been the last night for the volenteer centre and i am working at present to find a venue for these 2 gigs,please watch this space

THE 3rd JANUARY GIG HAS BEEN MOVED TO YAM YAMS IN ILFRACOMBE HIGH STREET

AND IM AFRAID WE CANT FIND A VENUE FOR 19th DECEMBER SO THIS HAS BEEN CANCELLED

this isnt the way i wanted to finish at the club as there is no chance to say goodbye,but id like to say a big thank you to all the bands that played here over the years and the people that came and supported us.

if you know of any venue that wants live music run the same way as we did at the marlboro id love to talk to them.

the site will continue with our gigs at the palladium on and will become a site for a new venue when found thanks ray