Gorilla has assured fans that ‘it’s not the end’ as it nears its third week of temporary closure.
Forfeiture notices have been pasted into the windows of the hugely popular gig venue, worrying music fans across the city.
Gorilla first announced that it would be ‘temporarily closed’ due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ back on 21 April, but has yet to reopen its doors.
Several gigs that were due to take place in the days since have been moved to similar-sized venues, like Canvas, YES, and Band on the Wall.
Notices in the window of the Whitworth Street West gig space say that the locks have been changed and bailiffs acting on behalf of the landlord have re-entered the property.
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It’s an ominous sign, but Gorilla has now issued a second statement to assure gig-goers that they’re working on a solution.
Notices in the window of Gorilla in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupNotices in the window of Gorilla in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
The much-loved venue said: “It’s not the end! We are working on getting back to causing mayhem & having fun as soon as possible.”
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Their original statement said: “H I E V E R Y O N E ! Due to unforeseen circumstances we are temporarily closed.
“If you have a food and drink booking with us this weekend our reservations team will be in touch to reschedule or find you somewhere else to party! If you have tickets for a club or live event over the weekend, your ticket agent will update you if there are any changes.
“Our closure is only temporary and we will be back with you all very soon! Loads of love, Team Gorilla xx.”
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The next gig due to take place at Gorilla is Kneecap on the 11 May. Everything before then has already been moved to a new venue.
Both Gorilla and The Deaf Institute were closed down by previous owners Mission Mars in 2020, but were saved at the eleventh hour by Tokyo Industries.
It’s still operated by the same team but under the umbrella of Artisan 4 Limited.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Iconic Salford music venue The White Hotel to reopen under new ownership from 2027
Clementine Hall
After announcing plans to close at the end of the year, famed Manchester club The White Hotel is changing hands.
Just a couple of months ago back in May, it was announced that one of Greater Manchester’s most cutting-edge and best-loved nightlife venues would be closing its doors for good.
Despite ‘continuing to draw full houses’, co-founder Ben Ward told The Guardian that the venue had found itself in a flood-risk zone, saying: “Basically, it’s a swamp.”
He added that it was better ‘to go out on our own terms, long before we became a museum’.
But it seems the swamp may live on…and although it is the end for the cult favourite nightclub as we know it, the former garage in Salford will be reopening in new ownership from 2027.
From January onwards, the disused Dickinson Street space will be known as BASTION according to a social media post shared to Instagram yesterday.
It will be run by the team who operate neighbouring venue The Bag Factory and will be supported by the Strange Art Collective CIC.
Images: The Manc
The Bag Factory shared a black and white illustration of the iconic White Hotel’s exterior, along with coordinates to the venue, stating: “The underground has a new stronghold”.
Rather cryptic we must say, and although we hope The White Hotel that we know and love could stick around forever – we hope the new owners will keep some of its magic alive.
Violet Grohl addresses fans after cancelling Manchester gig just hours before doors opened
Daisy Jackson
Rising rock star Violet Grohl has addressed fans after cancelling her sold-out Manchester gig just hours before fans entered the venue.
The singer (who, yes, is the daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl) had been set to perform to a packed-out crowd at Band On The Wall last night.
But just hours before doors opened, Violet announced that the show would be postponed, along with tonight’s show in Glasgow.
She said in a statement that she was ‘really f**king bummed’ to be cancelling the shows.
Violet told fans that the gigs had to be cancelled because she ‘doesn’t have a voice right now’.
She is due to perform on The Canopy stage at Leeds Festival this Friday, and its sister site Reading Festival on Sunday.
The star added ‘it pains me to make this decision’ as she officially postponed her Manchester show.
Those who had tickets will receive updated information soon, with the plan to reschedule them.
She wrote: “hey everyone. really f**king bummed to have to let yall know i’m canceling tonight and tomorrow’s shows in Manchester and Glasgow.
“i don’t have a voice right now and it pains me to make this decision, but i just can’t perform.
“we’re rescheduling these shows and everyone who bought a ticket will receive the updated info. looking forward to seeing you soon xx i’ll be back!!!”
Violet Grohl released her debut album, Be Sweet To Me, back in May, produced at the home of acclaimed producer Justin Raisen.
Her music takes influence from late 80s and early 90s rock, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Bjork, PJ Harvey, and more.
When she announced her UK tour dates, demand was so overwhelming her Manchester show was upgraded from The Deaf Institute to Band On The Wall.
Daisy Jackson -
4th May 2023 
