Local tip for
LG Arena, Birmingham
by Nick from Burntwood
Don't be fooled by the new name - the NEC Arena has not yet been renovated, it is still the same grey, decrepid aircraft-hangar Brummies have grown to hate. This venue is really starting to show it's age now. I have been attending concerts here for more than 25 years... [more]
Don't be fooled by the new name - the NEC Arena has not yet been renovated, it is still the same grey, decrepid aircraft-hangar Brummies have grown to hate. This venue is really starting to show it's age now. I have been attending concerts here for more than 25 years and it's hardly changed in all that time.
Because of it's open-plan layout, the place really lacks atmosphere. The catering is laughable - both expensive and inadequate. While attending a Simple Minds concert last week, the already-limited choice was further reduced because, by 8pm, the burger bars had run out of burgers! The car parking is extortionate (£7 for advanced bookings or £8 on the night) and they always use the car parks furthest from the Arena (allow yourself another 15 minutes to be transported by shuttle bus). Most midlanders don't even have the option of using public transport as the majority of services finish before midnight.
I hope that the new LG Arena is all-enclosed with some terraced seating on the floor to improve sightlines. I look forward to seeing a variety of food outlets similar to those we now see at most festivals. I also suggest that they re-organise the car parking so that you can actually walk to the Arena, or better still, that they hold discussions with local transport companies about the possibility of providing extra services after events. [less]
Review of
Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, Dudley
by Emma
Alison, these guys are a charity and need all the help they can get to get the ball rolling. Ever considered volunteering to do something worthwhile for the community instead of complaining about it? You could help with the gardening, cleaning or helping with the animals. Much more possitve! These... [more]
Alison, these guys are a charity and need all the help they can get to get the ball rolling. Ever considered volunteering to do something worthwhile for the community instead of complaining about it? You could help with the gardening, cleaning or helping with the animals. Much more possitve! These guys are rescuing neglected and unwanted animals, there is nothing disappointing about that. The prices are also very reasonable; £3.50 adult and £2.50 child, great prices for an afternoon out. [less]
Review of
Robin 2, Wolverhampton
by Phil & Sheena A from Northampton
Well, now we've been I can say how pleasantly surprised we were by everything! Saw Maet Loaf, Cavern Beatles, Legends Bob Marley / Johnny 2 bad here all over Xmas week so quite a range of music. But they cover last 5 decades of music from soul, prog rock (e.g.yes),... [more]
Well, now we've been I can say how pleasantly surprised we were by everything! Saw Maet Loaf, Cavern Beatles, Legends Bob Marley / Johnny 2 bad here all over Xmas week so quite a range of music. But they cover last 5 decades of music from soul, prog rock (e.g.yes), head bangin', blues, pop, all rock etc. Check out ents24 and their own website but holds 500? Huge hall with great views, mainly standing but flexible seating, no pillars, nice friendly crowds - no trouble here, they attract the best tributes and orginal bands, great sound, show adverts for upcoming bands (great idea but too much bass on soundtrack?). Got 56 page booklet too with more info on gigs, 12 room hotel (saw one room for inspection and was very clean and new). Wife was bit dubious prior to viewing (as bit fussy!) but would be very happy to stay here - same standard as Travel Lodge but cheaper, smaller, includes B&B and adjacent! - space unimportant as only sleeping pre/after night I guess. Gig bar good (love the lighting), staff great, engineer/duty manager Sean was very pleasant and gave us room tour (Ta - like Planet Hokum CD ?- band will come to the open mic session which start in March 09). Clean loos, seats and tables around walls, easy to find as 2 mins from pedstrian precinct, 10 mins from J10 M6. Tips - safe illuminated car park behind, 2nd one further down road (NHS), front entrance thru' Woody's bar (Love the Roy Wood / Wizzard theme!), had a very nice Indian meal next door (tell them if in rush for gig and will oblige), also opposite are Fish & Chip takeway, indian, Taxi rank and police station !
Come along and support this venue - we travelled 2 hours - its like a mecca for music fans. Need more reviews please. [less]
Review of
The River Rooms (Formerly The Rock Cafe), Stourbridge
by Kevin from Wall Heath
Wow - i can honestly say the venue is now stunning and would not be out of place in Broad Street or Brindley Place. Great atmosphere, plush seating and carpets, DJ till 2.00am and free entry to lots of the bands before 9.00pm - it really is a a smashing... [more]
Wow - i can honestly say the venue is now stunning and would not be out of place in Broad Street or Brindley Place. Great atmosphere, plush seating and carpets, DJ till 2.00am and free entry to lots of the bands before 9.00pm - it really is a a smashing venue [less]
Live Review of
BB King, John Mayall @ The NIA - June 25, 2009
by Marianne from Didcot
Great original blues, funny and a privilege to listen to live on stage. A bit of a ladies man ;-)
At the age of 83 he's slowing down a bit, just doing 200 gigs a year .... that's the way to go!
Fabulous, thank you to King and the band, and... [more]
Event Date: June 25, 2009
Event Venue: The NIA
Great original blues, funny and a privilege to listen to live on stage. A bit of a ladies man ;-)
At the age of 83 he's slowing down a bit, just doing 200 gigs a year .... that's the way to go!
Fabulous, thank you to King and the band, and a marvellous set by john Mayall + band. [less]
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