This week city music lovers will be taking advantage of Independent Venues Week to back their favourite venues during a tough time for the live events industry.
Steve Lamacq will be broadcasting from Norwich Arts Centre tomorrow giving the venue a much-needed boost during a hard time for indie businesses across the city.
Venues across the city will be getting involved and I'm looking forward to experiencing something new by giving Young Fathers a go tomorrow night, and then bowing down before the psychedelic genius of the Brian Jonestown Massacre on Thursday.
But I'll be hoping to avoid a group who have plagued live gigs since their return at the start of 2022.
I'm talking about those who rather than watching the band they've paid a fortune to see, decide to chatter at will to their mates oblivious to the fact there's a band playing.
Love this @RamsgateMH 👏 pic.twitter.com/fZ1APRvB47
— Independent Venue Week (@IVW_UK) January 30, 2023
It all started at my first gig back last year at the Roundhouse in London, half the crowd would've been better off down the local boozer, but thankfully the Jesus and Mary Chain's wailing wall of noise was able to drown them out.
Later in the year, two blokes decided the more tender moments of Spiritualized's set were the perfect time to have a chat about work.
Those familiar with the work of Jason Pierce's group will know it's an ethereal experience backed by a heavenly choir and not really the time to shout to your mate "have you heard about Bob in accounts".
Even the might of the Rolling Stones wasn't enough to stop people arguing about others pogoing around enjoying the music. If you're at a rock and roll gig surely you expect a bit of excitement?
Thankfully, city venues seem to be bucking the trend.
Epic music manager Rick Lennox reported "better than expected" crowds last year as fans enjoyed returning to the live environment, and most of the gigs I've seen in Norwich have been chatter free.
The city is packed with great venues and it's crucial to support them this week and every other week.
But if you'd rather have a natter with your mates, go to the pub instead and let someone who actually likes music have your ticket.
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