What's The Point
OXFORD'S FUTURE MUSICAL talent may be strangled at birth, fear local music-lovers. For The Point ? Oxford's premier live music venue, and the scene of many a top act's first gig -? is likely to receive a late licence and stop putting on live music.
Late-licence seeking brewers Bass ? who own the pub that hosts The Point ? have not met with a positive reaction from fans, who fear this will spell the end of live music at the venue. This will certainly be its fate if the pub follows in the footsteps of The Jericho ? also owned by Bass ? which has not played host to a single live band since it gained a late licence 3 months ago. Patrons are angered by the brewery's willingness to sacrifice standards in the hope of attracting a larger student crowd.
As part of a campaign run by The Point promotor Mac, fans are being urged to write to Bass' Area Manager and the Licensing Committee to lodge their complaints. Around sixty music-lovers attended a meeting of the Public Licensing Committee held on October 2nd. Council members deny the allegations found on the Point website (http://thepoint.oxfordmusic.net) that protesters were "turfed out" before being allowed to express their opinions. A busy agenda meant it was not in the end discussed. Another meeting will be held on 13 November.
Mac laments the demise of a club that has seen names like Catatonia and Space play, and where The Webb Brothers ? his tip for the next big thing ? will perform next Friday. Oxford has been an important breeding ground for new British talent, spawning bands that have become household names. After all, is there anyone in the country who hasn't heard of Radiohead?
Although Local Council spokesman Colin Gregory refused to comment, Mac believes Bass ? the country's biggest brewery ? will wield its influence and overcome these difficulties.
19th Oct 2000