Moles, a popular music venue and nightclub in Bath, has announced its closure after 45 years in operation due to the increasing cost of living crisis. The 220-capacity venue was famous for hosting gigs for renowned bands such as Oasis, Radiohead, and The Smiths. It also hosted other events like Boiler Room. However, since 1978, Moles has struggled to maintain its financial stability due to numerous factors, including rental costs, increased utility costs, and higher stock expenses. As a result, the club didn’t have a choice but to close.
On Twitter, Moles expressed its heartbreak over the closure of the venue, adding that the cost of living crisis has crippled the grassroots music industry. They further explained that it wasn’t the sole reason for their closure, but it was a massive accelerator. Due to the financial crisis, most of their customers felt the impact. Moles co-owner, Tom Maddicot, stated that the decision to close the club was horrendous and that grassroots music is no longer economically viable.
All future shows have now been canceled, leaving many of the club’s regulars sad. The Bath venue also condemned the increasing number of large arena-sized venues opening across the UK while smaller venues are forced to close. They suggested that there needs to be a major shake-up of the live sector, with the big players supporting the grassroots where it all begins to secure that pipeline of talent.
Moles was also one of the last venues from the first Oasis tour, and the closure has brought down the estimated 366 grassroots music venues. As a parting shot, Moles hoped that whoever takes over the building would keep it as a live music venue as without it, Bath would lose so much. The Bath music venue was an essential establishment in the City’s activities, and its closure leaves a big hole in the City’s music scene
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