Music clubs saved from closure in deal with venues owner and rock star
A weekend deal has saved two iconic Manchester music venues.
Last week their owner, Mission Mars, announced that The Deaf Institute and Gorilla would not reopen when lockdown on public gatherings is lifted.
The news caused an outcry among the city’s music sector and punters over the loss of The Deaf Institute, on Grosvenor Street, and Gorilla, on Whitworth Street.
But it has now emerged that a deal struck over the weekend involving Tokyo Industries and Tim Burgess, singer with 80s rock band The Charlatans, has saved both businesses and all their jobs.
Tokyo Industries founded by Aaron Mellor, and restaurants and bars owner Mission Mars issued a joint statement last night, saying the venues will operate “in much the same way as they have done in the past”.
Aaron Mellor said: “These are extremely difficult times for all grassroots music venues around the UK.
“It’s vital venues like Gorilla and The Deaf Institute are kept alive, the cultural fabric of our city centres depends on venues like these.”
The rescue deal was formulated by Tokyo Industries, Tim Burgess and events promoter SSD Concerts.
Mellor said: “Over the weekend we have put together some great ideas with SSD Concerts and Tim Burgess to help save both venues and their existing operating style in a post COVID world.
“We’re not so keen on this ‘new’ normal and want to keep the ‘old’ normal alive for when we all get through this.”
So, looks like the story is out – @DeafInstitute & @thisisgorilla have been saved and will be kept as live music venues as we know & love them
I’ve been talking with the new owners over the weekend & we’ll be doing all we can to help with the next chapterhttps://t.co/mDb4sdGyz2— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) July 21, 2020
Steve Davis, from SSD Concerts, said: “The music industry is facing some of its toughest times at the moment.
“Ever since I first promoted a Charlatans acoustic show at The Deaf Institute 10 years ago, I have had a real love for the venue so it will be an honour to work on the next chapter in their stories.
“Gorilla is one of my favourite places to watch gigs in the whole of the North West’s amazing music scene.”
Newcastle-based Tokyo Industries owns clubs and bars including Factory 251 and South in Manchester, and The Stein Bier Keller and Tokyo in Oldham.
