Vital Venues

It's hard to believe in its heyday, Coventry was home to not one but two of the most significant places on the British concert goers map. The first, The Locarno, later, Tiffany's, encapsulated the 60's dancehall boom and was constantly rammed, a place where many couples met and relationships were formed. It hosted bands that reads like a who's who of the era's most important acts with Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Who playing there amongst many others.

It later saw visits from many of the main players in the punk and new wave movement such as Blondie and The Clash. My first times there were at the Saturday morning discos for youngsters and I was overawed by the size of the place and the huge crowds of kids. It's now the central library but still evokes waves of nostalgia amongst those of a certain vintage.

As does The Coventry Hippodrome, later to become Coventry Theatre. Here, legends in their pomp, from Laurel and Hardy to The Beatles and Rolling Stones trod the boards. It was in the right place and time during the golden age of variety with long bills featuring all the days main players. The Birthday Show and yearly pantomime were particular highlights.

At the base of the building during my youth, was a shop called The Poster Place which was a treasure trove of badges, posters obviously and other memorabilia. There was a rather inglorious end, with the venue becoming a bingo hall before being hauled down due to a highly controversial Council led building project. I saw it being demolished and it brought a tear to the eye to see such heritage being wantonly destroyed

Times have changed but it's hoped The Box will have an impact on the City's cultural scene. The main part of Coventry had been a ghost town for too long.  There are places such as The Roadhouse and Tin Angel contributing well. Let's hope for a turnaround that can drag people away from that other box, the one in the corner of the room.