Manchester has been the birthplace of genre-bending, industry changing bands that have shaped the city’s cultural landscape for decades. Joy Division, Oasis, The Smiths, Witch Fever, the list truly goes on and on. We all know these bands for their success, but how could they have gotten there without independent venues.  

Take Joy Division for example; their first gig was in Pips Disco, which is now out of use. And pretty much built over. Is it ok that these venues are sacrificed while we capitalise and gentrify part of the city that have always belonged to the people? 

Think back to the last time you went to a gig. Where was it? Who was it? Did you buy merch? Did you get a drink? All of these questions lead back to one glaringly obvious factor – did you support the venue?  

Obviously, it’s harder to support grassroots venues if all of your favourite artists play at big venues like the O2 venues and Co-op Live, and I struggle with that too. I went to see Billie Eilish at the Co-op, and it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. But I know that my home is always where I can mosh with people I have seen at two different venues in the same month. People that say it is truly “heartbreaking” that these venues may be under attack/  

People are the most important part of music, the customer, the listener, the audience. Venues survive on that same audience. According to the Music Venue Trust over a third of independent venues were loss taking in 2024. In 2023, 125 grassroot venues were forced to shut down. Without people, venues that support and promote your next favourite band will collapse. The band won’t be able to tour, and you’ll probably never hear about them. 

I spoke to Reece, who is Rebellions booking manager, and deeply passionate advocate for the independent music scene in Manchester. Rebellion is a 500 cap, primary rock, and metal venue (with the odd K-Pop gig in there too), which Reece says, “affects them on all levels.” Rebellion is often on the same bill as places like the Underworld in Camden, the Black Sheep in Bristol and Slay in Glasgow. These independent venues which could be seen to prioritize audience and artist above bottom-line profits. However, with the rise in the cost of living, and the financial struggles of cost-effective touring, it is becoming harder and harder for artists to tour. Reece said: “…all venues of all sizes have less shows happening, but we’re the first ones to feel it, and the first ones to suffer.” Especially with the current political climate of America, bands from the States are finding it harder to get music visas to tour outside of North America, limiting the number of bands playing on say a Tuesday or Wednesday to fill out the week. 

So how do independent music venues survive? Rebellion includes multiple festivals, tribute acts, Reece commented: – “there’s no shame in this game, you know? – Venues like Rebellion have been able to gather communities and music lovers from across Manchester. While they have a good night, they’re also supporting the venues that allow them to have that experience.  

Now, we are not encouraging consumption of alcohol underage, but bar sales are truly the beating heart of independent venues. Even a soft drink helps the venue put money back into their gigs. “We need people drinking” says Reece, “-please buy a drink in here. Not in whichever pub is closest. Ultimately those bars will still be around, you’re not gonna miss anything. By having a beer in here before the show, before the support, means that we can stay open for longer. Independent venues are also better for the artist, Reece said, “ultimately we’re more affordable for the artist, which means that they’re making more money, which means they can tour more, which means they’re more likely to succeed and do better and have the resources to make better music.” Truly it is a no brainer.  

Live music, however, is a privilege. Tickets, merch, drinks, they all cost money that not a lot of us have. Supporting venues comes with sacrificing time and money, so should you feel bad? The answer is no but encouraging others to go to a show performed by a band that they’ve been ‘meaning to see for ages’.  Communities such as the one at Rebellion, people who are regulars at the venue, are actively encouraging you to become part of their world. “In here, you don’t have to worry about what you look like or what everyone else is thinking or you know… Rebellion is the people that own it, the people that come to the shows.”  

Within the (I think) biggest hub of musical creativity in the UK, it would be a shame to ignore the venues that have been propping up the music industry for years. Nothing is more exciting than meeting people who like to dance to the same music as you. I have met friends for life in the pit trying to avoid someone’s dad from knocking me out. There is no better feeling. 

So, support a local venue, go to a gig, buy a drink, talk to someone you think is cool. The venues will only be around so long as you are going to them and making memories.   “I have never regretted that for a second, you know?” – Reece on whether being involved in an independent music venue was the right job for him. Don’t regret something you could have experienced; live it.