The Intimate Venues Hosting The Next Big Thing: Midlands
Posted on Monday 8th April 2024 at 16:00
Written by
Jimi Arundell
Intimate venues are a vital part of regional music communities. Not only are they a great place to enjoy gigs and enjoy the shared experience of live music, but they also provide a focal point where like-minded people can meet and embark on new creative endeavours. Local venues are the birthplace of new scenes, where musicians dare to try something different as they play to their peers on their rise to greatness.
Gigantic Tickets applauds the efforts of everyone involved in running intimate venues. Join us as we shine a spotlight on the top grassroots gig spots in the Midlands. If you are looking to enjoy live music in your area, click the links to book tickets and to get the latest announcements in your inbox.
Dubrek Studios
A favourite of musicians and gig-goers alike
Since 2001, Derby’s Dubrek Studios has been a vital hub for music lovers, artists, and musicians. A key space in the Midlands for budding creatives, Dubrek works collaboratively with artists as a recording and rehearsal facility, providing a comfortable and inspiring space. It also hosts art galleries and live performances, and in the coming months plays host to the likes of LISEL and Trenton Green.
CLICK HERE for full listings at Dubrek Studios.
Metronome
The high-tech venue offers a versatile range of eclectic artists and performers
Premiere Nottingham venue Metronome is found in the city's vibrant Creative Quarter. The versatile space hosts everything from live music to comedy, spoken word and gaming events. Metronome offers unrivalled audio-visual facilities at the 400-capacity main stage, with room for an additional 560 people in the stylish bar and atrium. It also boasts multi-camera live stream and broadcast facilities. Coming shows include performances from Bernard Butler, Electric Six and Seth Lakeman.
CLICK HERE for full listings at Metronome.
The Drill
Lincoln’s premiere live music venue
The Drill in Lincoln is a former drill hall, now repurposed as a live music and events venue. Doors opened to the public in December 2021, seeing performances from such greats as Buzzcocks, Iron Maiden and The Damned. The Drill will also play host to Newton Faulkner, The View, Ferocious Dog and more in the coming months.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Drill.
The Engine Shed
Full steam ahead for thrilling nights out
The Engine Shed is Lincolnshire's largest live music and events facility operated by the University of Lincoln Students' Union. The renovated award-winning venue boasts a remarkable 1800 capacity, offering live music, comedy shows and club nights. See Paul Weller, Nik Kershaw, The Undertones and more play The Engine Shed when you book tickets with Gigantic.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Engine Shed.
The Flowerpot
The Derby pub offers great beers and fantastic gigs
Scottish pop duo Hue & Cry, Celtic rockers Big Country and synth-pop legends China Crisis are all due to play The Flowerpot in the coming months. The music venue and real ale pub in Derby can be found in the heart of the city's Cathedral Quarter and is popular with patrons right across the region.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Flowerpot.
The Chapel at The Angel Microbrewery
Hallowed ground for Nottingham music fans
The Chapel at The Angel Microbrewery is found above the popular Nottingham pub located in the vibrant Hockley district. Catch live music in The Chapel all week, with DJs playing downstairs on the weekend. Their coming shows include Michele Stodart Band, Jerry Leger and the Situation and An Evening With Otis Gibbs.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Chapel at The Angel Microbrewery.
The Hairy Dog
Get ready to rock at the Dog!
The Hairy Dog is a favourite haunt of rock fans in Derby. First opened in 2012, they take pride in catering for a wide selection of music tastes with gigs ranging from metal to punk rock, plus indie, alternative and electronica too. Major names InMe, Skids and Pet Needs are all booked to play The Hairy Dog in 2024.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Hairy Dog.
The Old Cold Store
The Vat and Fiddle’s awesome venue next door
The Old Cold Store transforms the Vat and Fiddle’s large storage room into a live music and events venue. The Nottingham pub sees headline performances from punk icon Steve Ignorant, mighty metal band Sleep In Motion and rap-rock group Riskee & The Ridicule in the coming months.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Old Cold Store.
Firebug
The perfect place for those with a burning passion for music
Leicester hotspot Firebug opened in 2004 and is an essential part of the city's nightlife. Offering a wide selection of beers and cocktails, the venue is popular with drinkers and music lovers alike. Make sure you Ghost Dance, Skeletal Family and Dropdead who all play at Firebug in the coming months.
CLICK HERE for full listings at Firebug.
Duffy's Bar
The proper pub hosting great comedy shows and music gigs
Duffy's Bar is the Irish-owned friendly pub found in the heart of Leicester's city centre. It hosts comedy gigs and is a part of the Leicester Comedy Festival, plus live music too. See Lizzie and the Banshees, a tribute to Siouxsie & The Banshees, and folk-punks Headsticks at Duffy's Bar.
CLICK HERE for full listings at Duffy's Bar.
The Robin
West Midlands premiere gig spot
The Robin is the home of live music in Wolverhampton. The 700-capacity concert venue attracts the highest quality bands and entertainers. Get tickets to see platinum-selling R&B star Alexander O'Neal, synth-pop sensations Johnny Hates Jazz and pop-rock paring Go West at The Robin with Gigantic today!
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Robin.
The Station
The best place to enjoy live music in Cannock
The Station is Cannock's only dedicated gig venue and alternative nightclub! The town centre venue has already seen performances from such major names as Wheatus, InMe and Craig Charles. Catch top tribute acts Rio Gold who will be playing the hits of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran, plus The Jam'd covering your favourite songs by Paul Weller and the gang at The Station.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Station.
The Asylum
The independent venue is a favourite with music fans of Birmingham
The Asylum was designed and built by musicians, with musicians in mind. The 600-capacity Birmingham venue is accompanied by The Asylum 2 which offers a more intimate experience with a smaller crowd of just 100. Dream State, FM and Lake Malice can all be seen in The Asylum during 2024.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Asylum.
The Rigger
Newcastle under Lyme’s biggest and best rock music join
Music and entertainment venue The Rigger was built in 1963 and has remained a popular draw in Newcastle under Lyme ever since. Patrons can expect to enjoy everything from live bands to burlesque shows, spoken word and poetry plus cultural events. Coming shows include performances from No Favours, Papa Shango, and Syteria.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Rigger.
Foxlowe Arts Centre
The art and music space is run by local people
Foxlowe Arts Centre is run by local people in the historic market town of Leek. It has recently expanded to also include a cinema, comedy club, theatre productions, exhibition gallery and arts fair in addition to live music shows. Make sure you book tickets to see Robert Vincent, Mark Chadwick and Bywater Call plus more great artists coming to the centre.
CLICK HERE for full listings at Foxlowe Arts Centre.
The Devil's Dog
The perfect place to rock out in Birmingham
The Devil's Dog in Digbeth is Birmingham’s heaviest hardcore metal venue, playing the best in local and national talent. The 300-capacity venue also offers a bar and restaurant. Their unmissable upcoming gigs include headline appearances from Rotten Sound & Escuela Grind during May and Unprocessed in October.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Devil's Dog.
The Assembly
Leamington Spa’s award-winning gig spot
See The Overtones, From The Jam, Trevor Nelson's Soul Nation and more at The Assembly in Leamington Spa. The award-winning venue opened its doors in 2008 following a multi-million redevelopment, going on to win Best Live Music Venue at the Music Week Awards in 2010, plus Best Live Entertainment Venue at the 2009 and 2010 Godiva Awards.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Assembly.
The Sugarmill
The Stoke nightclub and venue has seen performances by the biggest names in rock and indie
The Sugarmill music venue and nightclub first opened its doors to the public in 1994. The subsequent years have seen performances from such greats as Coldplay, Muse, Daft Punk and The 1975 to name just a few. The coming months see indie-rockers The Academic, anthemic Scouse indie group Rats and blues-rock band These Wicked Rivers all grace their fabled stage in Stoke-On-Trent.
CLICK HERE for full listings at The Sugarmill.