The BlueCat Cafe Bar, Heaton Moor

I had the grave misfortune of visiting this hellhole recently. I play drums in a band and had been asked if we could step in to replace the headlining band who had been forced to drop out for reasons outside of their control.

I have never, in my entire 44 years, been treated with such utter arrogance, rudeness and contempt, as I and my band was here.

This began well in advance of the gig itself, with short, rude, and oft-times actually quite nasty email exchanges. The owners have a major complex about bands who play covers...they repeated on numerous occasions, quite curtly "no covers". This wouldn't trouble me, other than the fact we are not a covers band anyway. To be lectured in such a manner is irritating to say the least.

Things got no better on the evening of the gig. We were kept hanging around in the rain whilst the manager messed around in some kind of team briefing...the sound engineer then spent 15 minutes pfaffing around for equipment stored under the stage.

We'd then been instructed to be set up and soundchecked by 7pm so as not to interfere with incoming customers (although we didn't see hardly a single customer all evening...other than those who had come along to watch us and the other band performing)...and hey guess what..because of the dipsticks running the show...it just wasn't possible.

After constant mithering (which is really rather irritating when you're pushing to set up quite a demanding instrument as drums) I was forced to ask them "do you want us to actually play here or not"....they answered "no...go home".....I said "right" and began to pack up...they then backed down calling me "childish".....NICE

No..not childish....just someone whose now 44 and too old to be bullied around by talentless, spineless, and frankly quite odious idiots.

We played the damn gig...for no pay I wish to add....they don't pay bands here....they believe that because Johnny Marr did some crappy instrumental session god alone knows how long back, that bands should be grateful for playing in their crappy little, soul-less and atmosphere-less pit.

They allow a free bar....well, when I say a free bar...they allow a free bar excluding alcoholic drinks, tea, or coffee....GEE THANKS GUYS I FEEL SO VALUED.

I hear that this place went bust a little while back and the current owners (also the previous owners) re-purchased the gaff back from the adminstrators. This surprises me not in the slightest given the disgusting attitude they have to people giving up their time, money, and effort, for absolutely no thanks or consideration whatsoever.

Give this place a wide berth.

Bands...go play somewhere where your efforts are valued. There are plenty of them around. Punters...go next door. It's nicer, busier, sells better beer, and has an all round better atmosphere.

5 Nov 2013 13:47