Wedge’s boss is the man to save live music in once-vibrant city
Tuesday’s Remember When piece in The News about the former Tricorn Club reminds me just how vibrant Portsmouth once was with live music venues.
I first arrived here in 1970; there were dozens of live music venues like the Tricorn, Kimbells, SPECS, Clarence Pier, etc and bands in pubs all over the city.
There were folk and/or jazz clubs seven nights a week.
The polytechnic students had regular live gigs which were usually open to townspeople as well; I can’t recall seeing a live gig advertised by the uni students.
I’m acquainted with Geoff Priestley, the manager of the Wedgewood Rooms. Many, many moons ago we worked, with others, on staging live gigs. Geoff must have 40-odd years in the entertainment business. I bet there’s no-one in Portsmouth more experienced than him.
From the heady days of the 1970s, the only regular, grassroots, live music, venue in Portsmouth now seems to be the Wedgewood Rooms.
Its good to see the government is now offering cash to help support live entertainment.
I do impeach the powers that be to ensure the Wedgewood Rooms is top of the pecking order in Portsmouth.
I haven’t been in touch with Geoff for years but I can’t think of anyone better qualified than him to ensure this public money is well spent.
Without venues like the Wedge for up and coming bands to polish their trade there could, one day, be no top bands to see at Victorious or any other festival. Keep music live.