Statement: 1st July 2007
SPiT LiKE THiS / My Life in the Making / Rockin Monks Birthday bash
Friday July 6th
After a meeting with the new owners of The Football Club on Friday night I was left with my head spinning. They made it perfectly clear that as far as they were concerned that was it, finished But we have managed to secure this Friday's gig.
They have spent nearly a quarter of a million pound on refurbishments to the Homelands, both the pitch and the main building and they have not finished yet. The Function hall where we hold the Gigs is still to be overhauled but they have spent a considerable amount of money on the toilets already, which were in need of it.
The whole story about Ashford Rocks! Having to close will now become more clear, having spent that sort of money and as I said the function hall is still to have the majority of work done they don’t want it wrecked, understandably so to.
To continue with gigs there would mean rent of £250 per night plus a deposit of £500 to cover any damage or I will have to pay for any damage, it’s a risk I cannot take. How the hell can I afford to carry on ? the way attendances are falling, we’ve had a good run.
Beware those of you that in the past have sprayed the toilet walls, left used condoms in the toilets, broken basins, toilet pans and seats, put your fists through doors and generally vandalised the place, it is you that has helped close it down.
So to enable this Friday’s gig to go-on I have had to employ more security to look out for the vandals, up go the costs again.
This show will go ahead for three reasons.
The Battle of the Bands on July 27th will not be held at Homelands and the organisers will have to find another venue.
Please please if you have any respect for what I have tried to do, do not cause any damage either inside or outside, and especially in the toilets! and could I ask those of you that are adults to help me by keeping an eye out for any misuse or abuse, you don’t have to tackle it just inform security.
If you have no respect for what I have tried to do and hate me then please stay away.
If you want to good show come down and enjoy yourselves, it will be the last.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Statement: 24th June 2007
After nearly four years and a lot of deliberation it is with a very heavy heart that I have to call an end to the regular Ashford Rocks! Events.
This is mainly due to the fact that people are no longer supporting it in regular numbers, the last few shows have cost me money and I just can’t afford to carry on subsidising it. The Football Club are spending more on bar staff than they are taking over the bar and the Smoking ban is going to effect it as well.
As you can imagine this is something I have not taken lightly, over the years I feel I have put a lot of my spare time and my heart and soul into trying to provide regular events where young and sometimes not so young up and coming bands can play and show off their immense talents. This decision is going to leave a big hole in my life, but carrying on will leave a big hole in my pocket.
Over the last few years I have met and worked with some stunningly brilliant musicians and some wonderful people, truly professional and a pleasure to meet and work with. I have made many friends for life through these gigs.
I may in future put on “One Off’s” and will keep the Ashford Rocks website going so keep visiting ….. but I have no plans for any further gigs beyond the end of July this year. I will be cancelling all other bookings. There may well be one at Christmas !!! But keep an eye on the website.
I hope that in some way I can still be involved in the local Rock Scene, I don’t know how or when and where and the local Rock scene will have a nig hole in it without Ashford Rocks but I am hanging on to the thought that I can still be involved in some way.
I will still be involved with the band Led by Zeppelin so maybe that’s my future.
I would like to thank all those of you that have supported me in the past, far too many to mention but you will know who you are.
I apologise unreservedly to the bands that I am not going to be able to help anymore, it’s not your fault but I feel I am letting you down by stopping, but I just can’t go on losing money, I know you would all play for nothing, but I feel embarrassed at not being able to pay you, and the hall, PA, and security still need to be paid for, as I have made public in the past we need 100 people paying a fiver to cover running costs alone.
Please keep in touch and if and when I put on a “One Off” I hope you will support me.
There have been some real memories and some top class shows.
Thank you.
Come along to the July 6th SPiT LiKE THiS / My Life in the Making (Also the Old Gits Birthday Bash) and enjoy.
Steve.
The Rocking Monk
Ashford Rocked !
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SPiT LiKE THiS @ Ashford Rocks ! February 2007 |
Gig Guidance Notes - Please read all of it carefully.
To clear up any misunderstandings please note.
Anyone under the age of 14 years will need to be accompanied by an adult (18 or over)
The Security guys will want to see your ID if you have it, as there is no official ID for 14 to 17 year olds the security guys will have to make their decision on your looks if you don’t have ID. Please co-operate with them.
1) No Aerosols of any description
2) No Bottles, plastic or glass, even Water to be allowed in (water will be free of charge at the bar)
3) No cans of drink
4) All bags to be searched at the gate
5) All vehicles to be searched, including the boot
6) We may ask people to turn out their pockets
7) All customers to have ID checked if you have some bring it along
8) ID if you have it and hand stamps may also be checked at the door
9) No weapons!
10) No drugs!
As far as the bar is concerned for ID purposes we only accept, Passport, Driving Licence, Prove it ID card, Citizen ID card, Gun Licences or Forces ID cards. We do not accept the Connections card as that has proved to be easily forged.
Please DO NOT bring any bottles, cans etc and expect to sit outside the gates drinking them, even if you are 18 and over, there is likely to be a police presence and behaviour like this will not help us.
Please remember a lot of people have done a lot of work to keep these gigs going for you, please comply and respect those that have worked hard for you.
The End.
Ashford Rocks ! is now on myspace: www.myspace.com/ashfordrocks