A final celebration for Four Bars

DEMPSEYS is due to shut next month as owner SA Brain is planning an overhaul of the popular Cardiff music venue, but regulars and fans are not letting it close without a celebration of what it means to them.

For a farewell party featuring musicians who’ve played at the venue over the years is taking place next month – and proceeds will go to the staff who are being made redundant.

Event organiser Dan Nichols performed regularly at Four Bars (as the pub was known) in the 1980s and brought bands from across the UK to play its regular event Quality Control Meltdown.

“When we heard it was closing, we felt that we should do something to mark its passing and others seemed to feel the same way, with that in mind we’ve quickly organised a farewell Meltdown party involving some of our favourite Cardiff musicians from over the years who we feel fit with what Dempseys always seemed to be about,” he said.

“Brains are saying that it will re-open still as a music venue. If this is the case and it is done in a way that is genuinely sensitive to live music nights, rather than becoming a two-floor happy hour and hen night venue like so many others in the city centre, then we will be delighted to return to play and watch bands.

“Either way it is the end of an era for the old Four Bars Inn and Dempseys and the venue will be missed by generations of Cardiff music lovers.”

The Four Bars and Dempseys Goodbye gig will hark back to the Meltdown events which took place in Four Bars during the 1980s, and founders Paul Clarke and Debbie Manley will be reuniting for the occasion.

Also on the bill are Railroad Bill (pictured), JC’s Hopeless Sinners, Capra Mamei and Lindy Hop Cardiff, and DJs Liam Curtain and Ben Ja Meakin, to ensure it’s a night to remember.

The event starts at 7.30pm on Friday, February 3. There is no pre-sale for this one-off gig. Tickets are £5 on the door.