* * UPDATE 4/12/09 * *
This is an update
on the situation of The Halfmoon facing closure by 31st January that we
announced last week (see original statement below).
There
has been overwhelming support from the public, the press, the music
industry, our local MP, Wandsworth Council, The Musicians Union and
even a few celebrities, all shocked that a successful live music venue
with over 50 years of legendary music heritage may be forced to close
it's doors to make way for a gastro pub.
While
the future of the Halfmoon remaining as a music venue is by no means
secure, we are confident that the ultimate decision-makers have been
unable to ignore the strength of feeling towards the Halfmoon's
closure.
The current management have
always maintained that even though they accept they may have to leave,
all they want (like everybody else) is for the Halfmoon to continue as
a live music venue. Despite this, our brewery Youngs have remained
quiet about the future of the Halfmoon after the 31st January.
It
is also important to reflect, that the troubles the Halfmoon have faced
financially are not because of low turnout of gigs. Ordinary pub custom
is down but music custom is down only very slightly. Rising rents,
alcohol duty, wholesale beer prices and the recession are the reasons
for the Halfmoon dilemma, not a downturn in live music. Since we
announced the closure, the venue has continued to thrive with a number
of sell-out nights and a forthcoming programme of music right up to the
end of January which is both diverse and popular. The Halfmoon is not a
failing music venue, it is a success, and this popularity and success
would undoubtedly continue if the building were to remain what it has
always been - a music pub.
* *PRESS RELEASE 25/11/09* *
Dear Music Lover
Your favourite live music venue is facing closure.
The
Halfmoon Putney, one of London's last independent live music venues,
may have to call time on almost 50 years of hosting live music.
Due
to market forces, the current economic climate and other circumstances
beyond our control, The Halfmoon will not be able to carry on as a
music venue after 31st January 2010.
As a
customer you probably already know that The Halfmoon is a beautiful
welcoming pub and an exciting atmospheric venue, but it possibly holds
even greater value to the bands that play there.
The
Halfmoon has been hosting live music regularly since 1963. Since that
time it has seen performances by, among others, The Rolling Stones, U2,
The Small Faces, Ralph McTell, Badly Drawn Boy, Kate Bush and countless
more.
As well as still catering for touring
bands and artists The Halfmoon has, more recently, been an important
stepping stone for emerging talent, notably Kasabian, Imogen Heap, The
Wombats, Newton Faulkner, Mr Hudson, Amy McDonald, and Natasha
Bedingfield. Oh, and Jamie Archer of X Factor fame!
When
bands are making the transition from playing in the corner of a pub to
much bigger venues, they need that stepping stone. Places like The
Halfmoon fill that niche.
Current tenant
James Harris says "We are at the grass roots of live music and The
Halfmoon is an engine room for rising bands throughout the UK, who are
now running out of quality venues to play."
Band
member, sound engineer and host of Halfmoon Unplugged - Redvers Bailey
says "It will be a sad day when The Halfmoon closes. I can’t think of
many venues I've been to who can cater for professional touring bands
and rising unsigned bands and are willing to treat the two no
differently. Speaking as a band member I'd say I haven't played at any
200 capacity venue that offers as good sound/lighting production,
atmosphere and door deal."
Without the
right measures being taken The Halfmoon could easily join a growing
list of music venues that have closed in recent months/years. It would
be another blow to music and culture in London if The Halfmoon
disappears as well.
You can help save The
Halfmoon. Please vote with your feet and come for a drink, or come to
one of our nightly live music shows. To see what's on visit the gig
guide at
http://www.halfmoon.co.uk. If you can't make it down in person then visit our forum here
The Halfmoon Forum and show us some love for all to see
Warm regards,
James Harris
Tenant
Halfmoon, Putney
020 8780 9383
“The real shop floor for musical talent is pubs and clubs, that is where the original
work is. But they are being closed down on a daily basis. It is impossible to
put an act on in a pub. It has become too expensive through excessive
regulations. The music industry has been hugely important to England, bringing
in millions. If anyone thinks the X Factor is going to do that, they are wrong.”
Sting in the Evening Standard 11.11.09
CAMPAIGN WEB FORUM
People
from all over the world have left messages to show their support,
including a number of celebrities and important figures in the music
business. Leave a comment and fight the closure
HALFMOON FORUM