It has been decided in the last few days that both the Bournemouth Blues Club, and The Armadillo Club will no longer be taking place at Champions. Whilst the Blues Jams were generating good turnouts, the live gigs for both nights were falling well below the necessary turnover in order for them to be successful. Clearly, with the nights taking place on weekly Mondays and Thursdays it was always going to be a struggle to consistently get sufficient people to come to the venue. In order for both clubs to attain credibility a high quality of artist was needed, but these artists come at a price, and the subsequent tickets prices proved (in the current economic climate) a stumbling block for many, which is obviously understandable. So, tonight’s Armadillo Club gig featuring Los Albertos, Flippant Malarkism and The Denial Factor will be the last, maybe not forever, though certainly for the time being. Venues and clubs come and go, but the bands and music remain, right?

Here’s a statement from the venue owner at Champions regarding the Blues Club:

“I’m afraid The Bournemouth Blues Club is closing down at the end of April. After that date there will be no more Blues Jams or regular Monday night blues gigs. Although the Blues Jams proved successful the vast majority of the artist shows lost money. We have tried various approaches to try and increase awareness of the gig schedule but unfortunately didn’t manage to achieve the required numbers to make the venture sustainable.

The Ana Popovic show that has been scheduled for Fri 30th April will go ahead but that will be the final gig promoted under the banner of The Bournemouth Blues Club. I understand from Helen and Stan they will be continuing to run Blues Jams in the Bournemouth area and will have something to announce soon. Champions will also continue as a live venue and will present music from all genres”.

On a personal level, I have decided to end my employment at Champions. Having had various roles at the venue it’s been largely enjoyable, often frustrating, and I will do my best to remember the good times, the great bands and people who have supported both myself and the venue. I’ve worked with and met some great people, but ultimately the enjoyment has gone.

But, the venue continues so please do your best to support it. It’s not perfect (that damn pillar, and it’s soooo far out of town), but judging by the recent survey the vast majority of people have a largely positive opinion of it. If there are any promoters who are keen to use Champions to put on events (c’mon it’s a 230 capacity quality venue with a fully-stocked bar just a ten minute walk from the town centre), the owner would love to hear from you!

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