Doncaster gig by 80s band Blow Monkeys made FREE after only 13 tickets sold

A Doncaster gig by 80s chart stars The Blow Monkeys has been made FREE - after only 13 tickets for the show were sold.
The Blow Monkeys.The Blow Monkeys.
The Blow Monkeys.

The group, best known for their 1986 hit Digging Your Scene, are set to appear at the town's Diamond Live Lounge this Saturday.

And promoter Dominic Gibbs has taken the usual step of making the concert totally free rather than cancelling the show after poor ticket sales.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a statement on the venue's website he said: "We have the Blow Monkeys due to appear on Saturday.

"With only 13 ticket sales it would be foolish to go ahead with the gig, however, I also feel it would be damaging to the scene to cancel.

"Promoters, agents, artistes would be very wary of booking in the future. That said, this is what I propose to try and keep the gig on.

"Come along, support the local scene and help us to attract more acts. The door will be open, the entry will be free, bring your friends and have a great time watching these 80’s icons."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The band, fronted by vocalist Dr Robert, enjoyed four albums and eleven singles in the UK charts between 1986 and 1990 before splitting up. However, they reformed in 2007 and have continued to tour and release music.

Added Mr Gibbs: "I never agree that music should be free. Everyone pays to go the cinema, sports events etc.

"There are occasions though where tough times make for tough decisions.This is one of those times. I have to abandon my views and do what I think is right for the scene at this time.

"I take full accountability for any gig that hasn’t sold, I don’t look to blame the people. We may have got the wrong act, got the wrong price, or even the wrong day. We have to analyse and learn for the future if we want to be here in times to come."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Gibbs, who has been running the Wood Street venue for two years, described the statement as a personal one rather than a business one.

It concluded: "Those that have bought tickets. Firstly, thank you so much. Secondly, you will receive a full refund, and get to come in for free. Gather some friends up, bring them along and I personally buy you a drink for doing so.

"I need your help, the team need your help to make this venue work. Please share far and wide and help us to keep this venue operating at the level it should be. I hate the term ‘use it or lose it’ but it is, I am afraid, that simple. I hope to see you all there."

Earlier this year, the venue was forced to apologise after a "distressing" concert by US rockers Puddle Of Mudd which ended in chaos.

The March concert saw the band abandon lead singer Wes Scantlin on stage as the star, allegedly high on drink and drugs, stumbled around the stage and abused the audience.