In a landmark move for grassroots music venues, renowned DJ Fatboy Slim, alongside Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, has stepped in to help secure the future of The Pipeline, a cherished music venue in Brighton. This initiative, valued at £7 million and spearheaded by Music Venue Properties (MVP), aims to transform The Pipeline into a community-owned establishment, marking it as the tenth venue under MVP’s stewardship. Dubbed the “National Trust of music venues,” this initiative seeks to preserve the vibrant culture of live music across the UK.
A New Era for The Pipeline
Situated on Little East Street, The Pipeline has long been a haven for emerging talent and music lovers alike. With Fatboy Slim—real name Norman Cook—among the investors, the venue’s future appears brighter. Cook expressed his deep affection for intimate performance spaces, recalling the excitement of his early career. “Rooms like this are where dreams come true or where memories are made,” he remarked, highlighting the vital role such venues play in nurturing artists and creating memorable experiences.
The initiative is particularly timely, as many grassroots venues struggle to survive amid challenging economic conditions. Cook emphasized the importance of MVP’s commitment to maintaining affordable rents and providing long-term security for venue operators. “In this current economic climate, it’s quite hard for them to survive. If MVP buys the venue, we can be the benevolent landlord that listens to them,” he stated.
The MVP Model
MVP has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to safeguarding music venues. By securing funding through community shares and private investments, the organisation acquires venues and leases them back to operators, ensuring that these spaces remain accessible to artists and audiences. Other notable properties under MVP’s portfolio include The Booking Hall in Dover and The Joiners in Southampton.
Thomas Evrenos, who has managed The Pipeline since 2017, spoke of the significance of this transition: “Having landlords that understand our purpose is super important.” Evrenos conveyed relief that the venue’s future is now secure, stating, “If it didn’t turn out like this and someone had tried to increase the rent, then I would have probably given up.”
A Vital Lifeline for Grassroots Music
The Music Venue Trust has reported alarming statistics regarding the industry’s challenges. Over half of the UK’s grassroots venues operated at a loss last year, with 30 venues closing their doors and nearly 6,000 jobs disappearing, representing a staggering 20% of the workforce. Yet, amidst these struggles, there has been a notable increase in attendance at grassroots gigs, with 21 million fans flocking to support emerging talent.
Peter Cornforth of MVP pointed out the crucial role that venues like The Pipeline play in cultivating talent and community spirit. “Brighton is a really vibrant place, but you need live spaces for people to come and learn their craft,” he said. The preservation of these venues is not just about music; it’s about sustaining the cultural fabric of communities across the UK.
Why it Matters
The transformation of The Pipeline into a community-owned venue is a significant step towards ensuring the survival of grassroots music spaces. In an era where the music industry faces unprecedented challenges, initiatives like MVP offer hope and a blueprint for preserving the cultural heartbeat of communities. By fostering environments where artists can thrive without the fear of rent hikes, this model not only supports musicians but also enriches the lives of fans and the broader community. As the landscape of live music continues to evolve, the actions taken today will resonate for generations to come, reaffirming the importance of grassroots venues in shaping the future of music.
