Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB Published: 11 April 2008
Music fans are made to wait for Garage
HUNDREDS of disappointed fans will miss out on gigs at The Garage venue in Highbury after building works were delayed indefinitely.
Walthamstow rockers The Rifles have apologised to fans after cancelling two dates in June, while Cardiff-based group Future of the Left have also been forced to call off their April 21 gig.
Spokeswoman Clair Chamberlain, representing Mama Group who bought the 600-capacity venue from Mean Fiddler, was unable to confirm an opening date for the club, which has been closed since July 2006.
Rumours in the music press suggest the grand opening, planned for last month, was put back after an “asbestos issue” was uncovered, but the club’s management were unable to confirm this.
Ms Chamberlain said asbestos was probably one issue contributing to the delay, but that it was down to “lots of unforeseen things that still have to be done”.
The Rifles apologised to fans through their website. It said: “The band apologises for this situation, which is out of their hands, but promise that their fans will get the chance to see them in London soon. Ticket-holders are advised to contact their point of purchase for a refund.”
Ms Chamberlain added: “We haven’t been able to keep to the opening date. We won’t be issuing a statement until we have a confirmed opening date because we’re in the process of rescheduling shows, which is our priority. Our original tickets are still valid. We can only apologise.”
She said she could not say how many tickets had been sold for the gigs because “sales information is privileged information from the promoter”.
An “exciting line-up” will be announced when The Garage eventually opens, she said.