By Grace Gumpo
A regular gig-goer in Leicester who is passionate about supporting local venues and musicians is urging people to attend in person to help halt the decline in live band venues in Leicester for local artists.
Terry Burton has warned people in Leicester that venues will continue to close down if people do not contribute to local venues for artists to perform in.
The next showcase will be held at Big Difference at 68 High Street in Leicester on Thursday(DEC11).
Mr Burton said: “Supporting local venues is very important because it is a social centre and a creative hub for people to meet new people and make friends.
“To support local venues for gig-goers is to pre-order tickets and if you can buy two tickets and give one away. Some venues survive on gig takings alone and need reassurance that people will turn up.
“[The venues need to] have cheap beer for young adults, have a list of local support bands for various genres to create opportunities.
“Choose your own heroes, pick a band or artist that you like and support them, make connections between bands that you would like to perform together.
“For promoters and venues, keep ticket prices affordable (eg early bird prices).
“Create opportunities for unplanned experiences, for example allowing people to pop their head in for a minute or two before deciding to buy a ticket if there’s capacity.
“Tax changes mean hospitality is really going to struggle and staff will be cut also, meaning prices will too.”
Mr Burton added: “The music scene is cozy and quite small and there is a lot of talent in Leicester, there is a willingness for bands to help each other.
“I attended a heavy metal band four years ago at SoundHouse and it wasn’t well attended, four out of town bands performed at the start of the cost-of-living crisis.
“The owner had his hands over his head at the bar.
“From there I made it my personal challenge and started to attend more gigs.
“In 2023 I attended 180 gigs and have continued ever since and attendance has increased.
“It’s good supporting local venues and musicians so someone will pay it forward to my kids.”
To find updates on upcoming performances and showcases check his website.
