York | Archive | 2002 | August | 14
From the Evening Press, first published Wednesday 14th Aug 2002.
LEADING York live music venue Fibbers has closed its doors.
Owner Tim Hornsby said it was not financially viable for the club to remain open because it had hit severe cashflow problems.
The pub, in Stonebow, was one of York's few significant live venues and was due to celebrate its tenth anniversary today.
Dozens of bands across York and Yorkshire, who were due to play at the venue, have been left reeling at the shock announcement. More than 120 gigs have been cancelled.
Mr Hornsby, who ran Fibbers with his partner, Michelle Hodgen, said no money was owed to any bands or suppliers and confirmed they will be writing to people who had purchased gig tickets over the internet.
Twelve jobs will be lost with the closure.
"This was not planned," Mr Hornsby said. "As far as we were concerned it was going to be carrying on for another ten years.
"We're owed a considerable amount of money, which was meant to be here on Friday.
"We could have carried on for another two or three weeks, but wanted to go out with great memories of the birthday weekend.
"We've got a good asset with the Fibbers lease but no cashflow to buy beer and everything," he said.
Mr Hornsby said he had previously been approached by a national venue company which was interested in taking over Fibbers.
"I think there is a good chance of it reopening," he said. "I don't feel Fibbers is dead, but just sleeping."
Rick Witter, frontman with York rock band Shed Seven, who played some of their earliest gigs at the venue before hitting the big time, said he was "very sad".
"Every city needs a decent small venue for up-and-coming bands," he said. "Fibbers fit into that quite nicely. I've got some good memories."
Young band members who were due to play at Fibbers last night and but had to relocate to The Junction pub, in Leeman Road, were also saddened.
Simon Baker, from R505, said: "When you start off, Fibbers is always seen as a great place to play. People rely on Fibbers and I think they take it for granted."
Updated: 11:59 Wednesday, August 14, 2002
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