Article for UKFY on the live Blackpool music scene

This article first appeared in the UKFY publication around 2007. As a sidenote Jenx and the Tache are local Blackpool Indie and Rock clubs respectively.

One Man, his Dog and a Whole Lotta Rock n Roll


The Blackpool music scene as I see it is facing a choice decimation, evolution or revolution. Certainly for my own limited part as a protagonist within and more keenly as a fan, I hope it’s the latter two.

I previously talked of the massive development and growth I have witnessed since I became aware of this myriad of wealth of talent and diversity, however I along with everyone else is now faced by a series of questions. Do I or does anyone have the answers to those questions? Perhaps not, but asking questions is the road of change. Einstein once said “you cannot solve problems using the same solutions that created them.” A new or revised method of thinking is required; does Blackpool have too many bands, gigs or venues? Perhaps there is some truth to this. Blackpool certainly doesn’t have a student population to draw upon, many gigs are sparsely attended and the mainstream media largely overlook the entire music scene. So what’s the point of all the effort and cost for a gig with one man and his dog?

The answer to this question is easy. As I write this by candlelight the symbolism is so pertinent it could be scripted. Whatever doubts may creep the fact is plain and simple, on many occasions whether in conversation or on stage I have witnessed not a flicker from a candle but a roaring inferno in the eyes of those who believe, the musicians of Blackpool. We may be separated by varying levels of ability, application and style but the honest fire cannot be extinguished.
Perhaps our unfashionable location, alienation or commitment to content over style and not subscribing to the vogue of musical fashion presents an obvious obstacle. But it doesn’t have to, this is in fact a call to arms.

This article serves as my second contribution to what will hopefully continue to grow and become another great mechanism that turns the cog in the development of the of the Blackpool music scene. I would like to see the Blackpool bands website grow and reach out to others not currently involved in the scene so it can flourish further. Yes there is not a wealth of a student population in Blackpool but with a 14.7% of Blackpool’s population falling within 16-30 there is scope for further progression.

Blackpool gigs are mainly populated by the bands themselves and their close friends, whilst this loyalty is admirable and provides a firm basis of foundation to build upon. It does need building upon, acorns cannot grow into mighty oaks without nurturing.
Think of evenings spent in the Tache or Jenx there is an untapped market out there and its for the taking. It’s up to us all to wallow in self pity but reach out to these people and make Blackpool stronger.

Soon the one man and his dog won’t get into gigs as they will have to fight their way through a thriving scene that can be ours, a jubilant joyous scene fuelled purely by a

“Whole Lotta Rock n Roll!”