Legendary Rotherham music venue The Dickens is set to re-open

The Dickens at Westgate was a popular meeting place in the 70s and 80s and attracted such legendary performers as Joe Cocker, Frank White, Def Leppard and Saxon.

Now it has had a makeover and a new lease of life as live@dickens offering a platform for local nationally known names.

And the response so far has been more than encouraging.

Mick admits: “Of course it is a gamble financially, beari9ng in mind the state of pubs and clubs, but we are determined.

“It takes time to become established but we’ve already had some nights.

“We want people to get out of the house and support a really good live venue.”

Mick says: “It was always a dream to be involved with the old venue and now it has come true.

“It was a pub we frequented as teenagers with our cowboy boots and long hair and faded jeans listening to the likes of Pnk Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Saxon and Deep Purple and the like.

“We had some great memories of the old place and made many new friends over the years and are still in contact with many.

“With our love for live music and supporting live music especially local talent we hope the Rotherham public will come support this music venue.

“We want to encourage young musicians and are working with Get Sorted Music Academy and also RCAT in a few other projects including charity events the students organise.

“In the 70s the Dickens was a more full on rock venue but we are now looking at putting a more diverse genre of music on which will include bands such as mod legends The Lambrettas, The Beat, punk bands UK Subs ,999, Ed Tudor Pole and also local original bands such as Monte Carlo Safe Crackers, Alvarez Kings and top class tribute acts like Rotherham’s very own U2-2.

“We want to make Rotherham a great music scene and along with other venues Rotherham has got a chance to rival Sheffield in future with top live music venues in the town centre.

“Rotherham has got the music factor but needs people to come along and support it and maybe one day soon the next big band will come from Rotherham and you can say ‘I saw them at live@dickens’.”

Mick added: “Thursday nights are unsigned local band nights, so if you want to gig let us know.

“It was a great shame to lose  the Blues Cafe, so people of Rotherham if you love music come and support the local live scene and join us at live@dickens.

More information is available at www.dickenslive.co.uk or facebook.