Ricky Bates News Today

From graffiti to guest books, five venues share the scribblings of rock and pop's biggest stars.

Audience numbers in 2022 were down by 11% compared with 2019, according to the Music Venues Trust.

THE live music scene in Southampton is as strong as its ever been.

RESIDENTS have been advised to act responsibly and “stay safe” as Southampton reopens. As of today, the country has reached step four of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown meaning that rules like face mask wearing and social distancing are no longer mandatory. After 16 months of restrictions, Southampton and Hampshire is opening up again with clubs and events able to start back up. But residents have been advised to stay safe as infections continue to rise across the country...

A SOUTHAMPTON music venue famous for championing bands like Oasis and Coldplay in their early days re-opens this week with a fresh look. The Joiners on St Mary Street is hosting the first of a series of socially-distanced seated gigs on Thursday after being closed for most of the last 15 months. But while the sound system was silenced, work to maintain the historic building has been carried out by a collective of local musicians and supporters. Promoter Ricky Bates told The Daily Echo: ...