See the testimony.
In an interview with the Wales Online newspaper, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson criticized a current trend in the UK of closing or renovating small music venues, which are losing their place and identity. The musician said:
"Unfortunately, that seems to be what's happening in many places.".
It's the gentrification of the city center, the end of those cool, dark corners that young people love. Iron Maiden wouldn't have started if it weren't for places like that.
The good thing is that you don't need much to have a place that has good sound and that attracts people. Small music venues are indispensable for bands. They always have been and always will be. I think what we're missing here, and what some places in Europe do better, is the protection of social infrastructure. And small pubs and music venues are part of that.
Just because something costs X per square meter… This is the case with people who know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
These things are vital, and they're the reason people come to the city center, keeping the city alive. And it's not just the posh people who want to drink coffee; there are other people in the world who have cultural needs, and Rock N' Roll is truly fundamental to people's lives nowadays.”
