London Greens have joined forces with scores of music fans and popular bands in a desperate bid to help save the capital’s cash strapped iconic music venue – the 100 Club, threatened with closure before Christmas.
The legendary club, which has hosted some of the biggest names in British rock history, is also a leading venue for emerging bands hoping to break into the scene.
Green Campaigns Officer, Romayne Phoenix was at the club recently to follow new bands: Salter Cane, Rita Lynch (Bristol) and the Blue Hearts (Brighton). She spoke from the stage before the final act saying:
"Greens support the 100 Club as part of our overall campaign to stop cuts to both cultural and public services caused by coalition government policy. We also support live music; the 100 Club is one of our most famous live venues and it would be a tragedy for it to go. Don’t let it happen!"
Romayne is urging people to join the 100 Club Facebook campaign and to stand up and fight the wider national cuts.
London Greens Social Officer, Jules Lyle, added: "Westminster City Council charge the 100 Club £1,000 a week for business rates alone which do not even include refuse collection. Together with commercial rent increases and HM Revenue and Customs’ huge demands, the Club cannot survive. Many now famous musicians played at the Club in their early days and this opportunity should not be denied to the musicians of the future."
Greens believe cultural facilities should be supported and protected and not treated as simply commercial operations. The Green Party opposes the homogenisation of our city centres by chains of retail and fast food conglomerates. It encourages small independent establishments and those that promote music and the arts, all of which are vital to well-being and our diverse and creative culture.
The Green Party thanks the owners of the 100 Club for the opportunity to lend support and create new campaigning links.
Support the 100 Club and offer a donation (minimum £10) to their appeal: www.savethe100club.co.uk/campaign.html