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You are in: Birmingham > People > Your Community > Goodbye Jug Of Ale

The Jug Of Ale

The Jug Of Ale

Goodbye Jug Of Ale

The last ever night of live music at Moseley's Jug Of Ale took place on Sunday 11th May 2008. See our pics and have your say!

Dozens enjoy a summer night

Dozens enjoy a warm night

The famed Birmingham pub - a landmark for the local music scene - is being sold off by owners Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises to make way for redevelopment.

For 16 years, hundreds of West Midlands bands have performed at the venue and it has become a haven for unsigned groups hoping to hit the big time.

The likes of Oasis, Ocean Colour Scene and The Verve all performed at The Jug on their way to super-stardom.

The Mexicolas

The Mexicolas playing live

With news of the pub's closure only being made public in the final few days of March, Birmingham music promoter Arthur Tapp quickly booked three farewell gigs, featuring some of the best up-and-coming bands in Birmingham.

Envy & Other Sins headlined on Tuesday 6th May, with fellow West Midlands bands The Traps and The High Society taking to the stage two nights later.

The final ever gig at the venue occurred on Sunday 11th May, with Misty's Big Adventure and The Mexicolas topping the bill.

Fans toast farewell

Fans toast farewell

To mark the occasion, all the bands on the last night performed for free and there was no entrance charge.

"It's not about making money at all tonight," said Arthur Tapp. "I just wanted everyone to have a good night and come down for a beer.

"In the early 90's when I started promoting there were actually very few places where bands could go and perform. The Jug Of Ale is loved by fans and bands alike as it's been a place where you could see great live music on a regular basis.

Arthur Tapp

Promoter Arthur Tapp

"This is a strange night, very sad in a lot of ways. It's really hitting me now. This is a real blow to the local music scene."

The Jug Of Ale in Moseley is set to close for good in a couple of days with its demolition happening soon after.

To see some photos taken at the final gig, click the link at the top of the page.

You can also hear an exclusive interview with Arthur Tapp that was broadcast on BBC WM Introducing.

last updated: 12/05/2008 at 00:22
created: 11/05/2008

Have Your Say

Tell us your memories of The Jug Of Ale.

The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted.

buster
bad news man!!!!!!

Dave
Best off tore down, twas a dump afterall

Catherine Groom
I've pretty much grown up in the Jug. I love the music, the atmosphere, the friends I've made there...It's unique and I can't believe they're tearing it down. I think we showed last night how much it will be missed.

Mark Golland
Goodbye to the Jug of Ale on behalf of the now sadly defunct Silver Dawn and Tainted Red. I have many happy memories of carting drumkits and heavy amps up that flight of stairs, and of lead guitarists rolling around on the floor, and of appreciative lively crowds, and of meeting other bands and most of all for feeling part of a scene.Well done to the staff at the pub and to Arthur for their years of effort and for helping Birmingham's lively music scene to become what it is today.The Jug will be very sadly missed.

You are in: Birmingham > People > Your Community > Goodbye Jug Of Ale



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