With all the gloom surrounding grassroots gig venues these days, it was heartening to read the remarkable story of Minsthorpe High School in Yorkshire, which for a halycon few years in the late 80s and early 90s hosted gigs by the likes of Therapy?, Lemonheads, The House Of Love, The Wonder Stuff and Redd Kross.
Two members of staff were the catalysts and ultimately responsible for what developed, but - as the author of the Off The Records post makes clear - the kids were closely involved in every aspect, from roadie work to security to marketing. Pupils not only had the opportunity to experience live music as audience members but also to be in the student bands that supported the touring stars.
The whole enterprise was as thoroughly DIY as you can get, and as such should be a valuable source of inspiration to anyone who needs a nudge to make good things happen.
Little wonder there are plans for a documentary, School Of Indie-Rock. This is a brilliant tale that deserves to be told much more widely.
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