Staff vow to do all they can to keep venue open
STAFF are vowing to do everything they can to keep a Hull live music venue open – despite facing financial difficulties.
Hollywood and Vine in Beverley Road, Hull, has seen a number of rock acts play its stage and go on to perform at national festivals.
Members of staff are now encouraging the community to get behind the venue and manager Mac Tilley said he is determined to keep it open.
He said: "We have had quite a few financial problems but I didn't go into this for the money.
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"I have been working here for about two years and managing the bar for about six months.
"We are struggling to get people through the door and it is not because of the quality of music or the price of the drinks.
"I also pay the bands and look after expenses but there has been a downturn in trade.
"We have had nights with a DJ with only two people in the venue and we just can't operate like that."
Mr Tilley is disappointed by the turnout and says bands come from all over Europe to play to Hull fans at Hollywood and Vine.
He said: "It is becoming financially impossible to run but we have acts booked until November and interest in dates next year, so we will keep going and hope things turn around."
Fans have taken to Facebook to show their support for the venue and make suggestions for keeping it open.
One post reads: "Great news. I will make more of a point in coming in myself, I only live a minute away."
Another supporter wrote: "If there is anything we can do to keep it open, fundraising or whatever, then let everyone know.
"I am sure there would be a huge amount of us happy to help."
Bands performing at the venue in the coming weeks include heavy metal act Bloodwrath on Wednesday, July 18. The gig is free and doors open from 6pm.
An announcement from staff on the venue's Facebook page says: "Hollywood and Vine is still operating and will continue on a four-day week.
"If, however, after a period of time the numbers coming through the door do not pick up again, we will unfortunately have to close for financial reasons.
"We have seen a possible end to a place we have called our second home.
"I have personally seen so many amazing bands and people come through our doors and it has been brilliant.
"We have all made some lifelong friends in this place.
"It has been lovely seeing some of the Facebook posts from people mourning this possible loss.
"Hollywood and Vine should be a Hull institution.
"Long live Vine and watch this space."
Comments
by harrypotterer
Saturday, June 23 2012, 7:06PM
“Maybe team up with Adelphi as that needs more space, just a thought.”
by Owain55
Saturday, June 23 2012, 2:00PM
“A great place to see new bands and many of them return time and after time which is testament to the venue and the crowds. True the service could be a bit quicker when it's busy but it certainly beats the place opposite where you don't get served even if there are only 3 people in. Here's hoping more folk turn up regularly and the place takes off.”
by Mark_Hull_65
Friday, June 22 2012, 12:14PM
“Yes, it must be awful having to share a pub with foreigners.
Whatever next? They'll be using the same shops soon.
Coming over here... Using our Tescos...”
by Mark_Hull_65
Friday, June 22 2012, 12:14PM
“Yes, it must be awful having to share a pub with foreigners.
Whatever next? They'll be using the same shops soon.
Coming over here... Using our Tescos...”
by Stepehn
Friday, June 22 2012, 10:09AM
“I agree the toilets need sorting out in a big way.”
by rtyrty20
Friday, June 22 2012, 9:51AM
“Try not running out of drinks and serving punters faster. I've been there before left the bar having given up trying to get served. It's a regular sight to see staff going to the nearby garage to buy drink having run out behind the bar. Not really the way to run a business. Also what's the deal with the bright lights in the backroom? My friends and I have often commented it's more like a transport cafe than a pub. And please sort out the toilets, they're absolutely disgusting.
Despite all that I like having a rock pub to visit on a friday night, the DJ plays good tunes and I've seen some decent acts in there.”
by GarethC2010
Friday, June 22 2012, 9:47AM
“Next act is a heavy metal band called ''Bloodwrath''.
Can't understand why this place is not heaving !!!!
Doh.... it could have something to do with taking your life into your hands if you go out on Beverley Road and the fact that the music is not great. Just a thought.”
by Stepehn
Friday, June 22 2012, 9:29AM
“H&V is probably the best place in the city at the moment for live music and it's not ALL heavy metal. Apparently it has a great reputaion with the bands one of whom came up from Kent after playing in Bristol earlier on the same day. That's commitment. The regulars there are friendly even if the tatoos are a bit frightening!”
by goldenspecial
Friday, June 22 2012, 8:46AM
“It's a long while since i have had a beer on Beverley Road so I wasn't even aware this music venue even existed. I will pop in soon and offer some support hope others do likewise.
Long live rock!!”