international news _ 30th October, 2006
UK Superclub Evicted Due To ‘Dying Dance Scene’
Text by Jonty Skrufff (Skrufff.com)
South Coast clubbing organisation Slinky are seeking a new venue, after the owner of their home for 10 years, the Opera House, announced he’s rebranding the Bournemouth Hall as a ‘Victorian style’ comedy club.
"It is the end of an era and we are looking forward to newer and better things,” John Butterworth told local newspaper the Dorset Echo.
"It is a dying business. The dance scene has changed because of the new licensing laws. People used to go to nightclubs because they couldn't drink after 11pm - now that's changed,” he claimed.
Slinky representatives told Skrufff they’re sad about leaving the venue, though pointed out their business is still thriving with world tours, compilations and record releases scheduled for the immediate future. They also categorically disagreed about the threat to serious clubs posed by late licensed bar discos.
“Obviously if - for a night out in town - the choice is between paying £10 or £15 to go to a club until 3am or going for free to a bar open until 3am, then some people will make a choice affected by the financial implications,” they conceded.
“But with Slinky and other brands such as Hed Kandi, decisions are made with other considerations in mind; people are happy to save and even travel long distances in order to spend a night with likeminded people listening to “their” music,” they pointed out.
“There are still many people out there who want to listen to dance music played by DJs in the limelight; it’s the same as seeing a real band and a tribute act: they can play the same tunes but it’s all about that extra element that the real act brings – as well as obviously actually being the genuine article.”
Regular Slinky guest Judge Jules was sympathetic.
“Slinky has been an institution for as long as I can remember, but it's always battled against the odds,” Jules told Skrufff.
“It's a Friday night club when all the other so-called superclubs have operated on Saturdays. It's also in a venue that's outside its town centre. However, I have no doubt that they'll easily find an alternative location,” he predicted.
Slinky themselves were equally optimistic and magnanimous towards Mr Butterworth and his plans.
“Opera House definitely deserves the facelift that it is going to get,” they said, “We look forward to attending some of the comedy and musical acts promised by Mr Butterworth.”
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