Around the UK in 80 Venues: York Fibbers

Posted on Apr 9th 2010 6:42AM by Farah Ishaq
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Location: 8-10 Stonebow House, The Stonebow, York

Website: http://www.fibbers.co.uk

Capacity: 280

Come to See: Formerly a pub/venue but now part of the Barfly group, Fibbers covets literally all forms of music -- from unknown locals in its 'Battle of the Bands' contests to press-hyped singers like Ellie Goulding to new wave of heavy metal '70s acts like Tygers of Pan Tang, whilst also doing brisk ticket sales for singers on the folk scene. Plus there's the usual run of guitar-based indie bands.

The venue seems to be an artist favourite for showcases, one-offs and as a good place to begin a UK tour itinerary -- Blur's Graham Coxon chose Fibbers to launch his solo album 'Love Travels at Illegal Speeds' back in 2006, and the likes of Franz Ferdinand and the Libertines have tested new material here in recent years.

The Atmosphere: Once you get over the concrete facade of '50s brutalist-style architecture and the rather depressing surroundings -- which include the local Job Centre, a snooker hall and a betting shop -- Fibbers is actually a low-slung venue with great sound acoustics occupying the basement of the multi-storey, multi-purpose building. The bigger name gigs sell out super quick, mosh pits quickly form and the long, thin, low-ceilinged room is famous for getting hot and sweaty.

Fibbers promotions manager and band booker Joff Hall tells Spinner, "Because of the capacity and the shape of the room, some of the big names love it -- as it's like playing a small clublike gig. We vary from acoustic guitar music to death metal. We have a broad music knowledge, we know who to approach, which bands are hot at the moment, it's usually pretty busy."

You Saw Them Here First: Fibbers still boasts of being able to say Coldplay and the Stereophonics played here once -- as support acts. Others given honourable mention in their fastidious online gig archive include Elastica, Catatonia and Shed Seven. Hall swiftly adds, "Oasis played here, Arctic Monkeys. We've had the Kooks, Kasabian, Feeder, Lost Prophets. It's just a renowned 280-capacity venue that bands love."

Claim to Fame: One of York's tallest buildings, the Stonebow has made local and national news for being an "eyesore" -- most notably being criticised by none less than first-in-line-to-the-throne Prince Charles. Hall says Fibbers is "a venue loved by 6 Music's Steve Lamacq; he puts lots of shows on in here -- he got the Maccabees to do a showcase recently."

You Should Also Know: Their Web site -- for a small venue -- is amazing. Apart from buying tickets, there's links to free MP3s from artists booked to play, merchandise and even downloadable posters. Hall adds, "Watch out for Lost From Atlas -- a fairly new three-piece instrumental post-rock band. They're from York. They're great."

Booking Now: Ellie Goulding, Napalm Death, Idlewild, the Bluetones, the Primitives, Jim Bob (Carter USM)