Rallying call to save Royal British Legion clubs
- Today's leader
Quarry ‘too quiet’ for Status Quo
Thursday 15th October 2009, 9:02AM BST.
Rock legends Status Quo would not even consider playing in Shrewsbury’s historic Quarry because they could not play loud enough, it has been claimed.
It is now feared other big name acts would refuse the chance to play in the open air park because the restrictions on the noise level means it would be too quiet.
The Quarry has already played host to an array of big names over the past few years.
They have included Will Young, the Sugababes and 80s music stars such as Rick Astley, Belinda Carlisle, Go West and Shropshire band T’Pau.
See also:
- Carol Decker criticises Quarry sound restrictions
- Back to the 80s review
- Drawn from California to hear Carol singing
But following complaints from local residents about noise a policy was drawn up by the former Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council earlier this year.
Members of the new Shrewsbury Town Council asked yesterday what the chances were of attracting Status Quo to perform an open air concert at the town centre park.
But Mike Cox, officer for the authority, told the meeting that the band had already been sounded out by a promoter who was informed that the decibel level restrictions were too rigid for them.
He said noise levels would have to be increased if the town was to attract top name rock stars to perform there.
But councillors also heard that since the levels were set out in a policy earlier this year the number of complaints from nearby residents about noise had plummeted.
Councillors agreed to keep the same policy in place but some suggested bosses should look into ways of organising one-off events when the noise level could be increased with special permission
Mr Cox said Keith Louch, from IML Concerts, was in negotiations with a number of bands to come to the Quarry, some of which he described as “very exciting”.
Councillor Jon Tandy said: “We could have a special event application put into Shropshire Council and if we could get someone like Status Quo let’s put it as a special event and go with it.”
But Dr Alan Shrank, from Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association, today said it would be a “disgrace” if applications were made to increase the decibel level on certain occasions.
By Russell Roberts
Sponsored Links
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
Why would they want to come to Shrewsbury and play when they only just played Glasto last year! come on don’t punch above your weight! go for someone like Wham!
Report abuse
Typical of Shrewsbury Council. I’ve not lived in the town for 25 years now, but have to say I’m in no hurry to return to such a backward-thinking place.
Report abuse
Yet again it shows complete disregard for entertainment in Shrewsbury by the council. They never seem to worry about noise, traffic and congestion when the flower show is in town, but anything which has entertainment written on it isd restricted beyond belief.
Report abuse
Ok. So move these concerts to the West Mid Showground, it has a licence to cater for 20,000 I believe. Point the stage away from the town and compensate the few moaners in Coton flats.
Come on! Lets do it!!!
Report abuse
And the council wonder why they haven’t got City status. Wake up and shake up the council.
Report abuse
I’m delighted at this news!
The fewer dinosaurs like Status Quo and Carol Decker perform in Shrewsbury, the better.
Keep the big open-air concerts for the middle of nowhere, where the only disturbed residents are cows, and keep the filth and mess left behind by grotty middle-aged concert-goers out of our beautiful town.
Report abuse
Firstly, I am questioning the caption on the front of the Shrewsbury Edition “Status Quo want to play their music really loud” – Its not a question of really loud but at an acceptable volume for a concert. The levels the crazy council set to are slightly over everyday noise.
Im glad this has come to light and I hope the Star slaughters the council in spectacular fashion. Since when did Dr Alan Shank represent MY views – I dont mind the flower show even though I get hayfever, I dont moan about the town roads shutting for various festivals – but why do a minority bunch of unelected people have such a strong hold on the mass enjoyment for others. If people want it quiet – do and live in the countryside! Otherwise simply be a courteous and hospitable member of society and let the masses enjoy 3 hours of ‘loud’ music,
Report abuse
Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association are killing the entertainment in this town. They want nothing modern, nothing that ‘normal’ people might enjoy, they just want a quiet life and I am amazed that somebody on the council is prepared to listen to them and do as they wish.
Report abuse
noise restrictions ? somebody should remind the council how loud fireworks are at the flower show!!!! status quo are a legendary group who have been arround for decades and are still going strong despite stupid sound restrictions,i personnaly think that showcasing somone of their stature could only be good for the town.
Report abuse
I am honestly astounded a what a bunch of whingers some people in this town are and how much the council panders to the few rather than the many. The comments on this website alone whenever this issue appears surely show what the majority view is about it!
These concerts happen over one weekend, once a year. Can people really not live with some loud music every so often, on dates that have been publicised months in advance?! Like, as many people on here have already stated, everyone is simply expected to live with the racket of the Flower Show fireworks and the young bands who play at the council-run Teenage Kicks festival? (Some of which have been very good, I will add!)
Honestly, this is exactly the reason we will never get anybody decent in the world of music coming to this town. The very reason we end up with has-beens like Rick Astley instead of Ryan Adams*, with Will Young instead of Green Day* or The Killers* (*insert your own favourites here).
And, while I’m at it, is the Theatre Severn ever going to get a decent music act on the bill who doesn’t just appeal to middle-aged housewives?
I’m not a fan of Status Quo myself but have seen them in concert before and they have a massive sound and it’s great entertainment. No wonder they don’t want to come here if they can’t play any louder than a bird singing! A great gig experience is one where you leave with your ears ringing and your heart beating a new rhythm thanks to the thumping of the bass drum.
But never mind, eh Shropshire Council? Let’s stay stuck in the dark ages, it’s not like most people who live in Shrewsbury genuinely WANT to see some great music come to town.
Okay, rant over.
Report abuse
Is anyone really suprissed by this. The counsil is a joke and a laughing stock to people that dont live here. Not using the quarry for decent concerts begggers belief.
Report abuse
Mia – a great post and someone who’s into Ryan Adams aswell! Can’t imagine him ever playing here though unfortunately.
I’m hoping there’s a generation type thing going on here. I predict that the flower show will die out along with most of its patrons in the next 10 years or so. All I would ask of the council is to consider that it’s not just Shrank/his mates/your mates in the 60-80 years of age bracket who pay their taxes in this town, we all do and consequently we should all be treated fairly and listened to.
Report abuse
When are the council going to wake up and realise that a bit of noise for a few hours isn’t going to kill anyone? How can Dr Shank & his band of merry (or should that be miserable?) men have so much influence over Councils decisions and claim to be the “voice” of the town? I think it’s time that an alternative Town Residents Association is set up??
Report abuse
@Frank Zappa. Nice to see another Ryan Adams fan! I think he is a genuine musical genius for this era and he is quite simply one of the most incredible live artists I have ever seen. It would be an ultimate dream to seen him play Shrewsbury but you’re right, he would never even consider it. I mean, when I saw him in Manchester his Fender guitar amp was taller than he was! Shropshire Council’s noise police and members of the Town Centre Residents Association would have panic attacks at the mere sight of it being wheeled off the bus!
Report abuse
@Mia, agreed, although the last time I saw him at Birmingham he had a big strop over noise issues and walked off stage. Can you imagine somebody trying to tell him to turn it down if he’s on stage in the Quarry with the Cardinals? More to the point, I wouldn’t want to see anybody I like if they were playing with noise restrictions. So we all travel to the Civic, Manchester, Birmingham etc instead. As for the new theatre hosting anybody reasonably modern and/or cutting edge – forget it. So much for catering for all.
@Mark, just elect yourself and your mates and give yourself a name. Then you can moan about anything you like so long as it disturbs your peace and love of flowers, old buildings. After all, that’s (what’s happened) with the Town Centre Old Residents Association. Oh but sorry, if you’re under 60 you probably won’t be listened to.
Report abuse
I think Frank and Mia have clicked. I’m sure Rick and Francis would love to raise a glass from the stage to you. That would be from the stage down at the West Mid Showground {as suggested earlier}. Is there a sensible promoter in the house?
Report abuse
What a bunch of whiners!
“Yeah, we want noisy concerts. So what if residents suffer? Who cares about them? We want…”
To grow up?
Report abuse
Anything that stops Status Quo from playing their execrable ‘music’ is good news in my book
Report abuse
A real shame that a potentially great concert venue for all Salopians and visitors from far and wide is being denied by a few local residents. I have walked the quarry hundreds of times and nowhere do I see “property of the town centre residents association; all proposed activities to be accepted by this association before being granted”. Shrewsbury relies heavily on tourism and yet potentially its greatest source of income is being denied by a few. Status Quo might not be the biggest draw now but they could fill the park. Previous big name acts must’ve felt embarassed at the pub volume they were forced to play to thousands. The Star gleefully reported these gigs with little mention of the fact that anyone more than 50 metres away from the stage strained to hear the music.
Report abuse
Re: Simon (post #19)
“The Star gleefully reported these gigs with little mention of the fact that anyone more than 50 metres away from the stage strained to hear the music.”
http://www.shropshirestar.com/2009/07/17/carol-decker-criticises-quarry-sound-restrictions/
http://www.shropshirestar.com/2009/07/20/the-song-quietly-remains-the-same/
http://www.shropshirestar.com/2009/07/15/quarry-concert-was-too-quiet/
Report abuse
Think those in charge of the design of the new theatre missed a trick as had the theatre had a bit of a bigger capacity they could have attracted some more modern acts to the town and catered for a youngeraudience. We’re not talking Oasis, Killers or U2 type bands, but up and coming acts like you bet at the Civic in wolverhampton of Academy in Manchester.
I’m told aroung 70% of Shropshire youngsters who leave the county to go to university don’t return once they finish their courses, which will have significant impact on the economy of the area in the future. Having a good venue for decent bands to play – be it the quarry, Theatre or other venue is important to the town and those making the decisions about cultural provision in the town need to consider this and not jsut pander to the middle of the road 50+ stuff we get at the moment.
Report abuse
Matt, if people choose to live in or very close to a town centre, they shouldn’t whinge about there being a bit of life and noise in the town. Same way I wouldn’t whinge about the lack of parking in my street, given I chose to buy a house with no driveway so I live with parking pot luck every time I get home and if I moved next door to a pub, such as The Albert, I then wouldn’t complain about the noise of live bands one night a week.
We choose where we live, if you want the quiet life Matt, go live in a field in the middle of nowhere. Not in the middle of a county town.
Report abuse
@Frank Zappa
With you on that one, I would LOVE to see Ryan Adams react to being told to keep it down. It would be hilarious! I’d probably pay my ticket money just to see the reaction, so long as he got to play a good few songs first.
Report abuse
Status Quo haven’t played a loud concert for at least 20 years. The band have long gone for sound quality over loudness as it caused excessive feedback. In 1982 I saw them at Brighton and was deaf for 36 hours after, my own fault for standing in front of the speaker stack, so Shrewsbury Council are worrying about nothing. Get real people thats what councils do!!
Report abuse