Rock City is one of Nottingham’s, and the country’s, most recognisable music venues.
And 2015 proved to be a highlight in its history as it celebrated the 35th year of its existence.
In that time, ‘City’ has hosted some massive names including Oasis, the late David Bowie and more recently Brit-nominated Jess Glynne.
Reverend and the Makers, The Enemy and The Darkness are just a few groups who returned to Nottingham to help celebrate its birthday in style.
Jon McClure, front man and lead singer of Reverend is an artist that has never been shy about his love of the venue.
He said: “I absolutely love playing at Rock City,
“You can feel the history throughout the place, it’s just a classic venue and the sort that musicians love to return to time and time again.”
Frank Turner has had numerous sell-out gigs at ‘City’ over the years, with the most recent coming in November of last year.
He said: “Rock City just kind of represents most of what I think a venue should be; they are independent and they’re doing it for the right reasons.
“I always feel like I’m part of the family when I’m there. Long may they reign.”
The next level:
Nottingham is not short of quality music venues, with The Bodega and Rescue Rooms also featuring big names in the past.
But the Talbot Street venue holds a special place in the hearts of many local musicians.
Joe Soltysik is one of them. He is lead singer and guitarist for Amulet, from Carlton.
His band has performed at Bodega, Rescue Rooms and even in the Spiegel Tent that was up in Market Square at the start of October.
Joe said: “It would mean a lot to one day play at Rock City.
“It’s one of the most well known venues in the country let alone Nottingham. Playing there would mean that we had reached the next level as a band, and that’s something we would love.”
Photo: Joe Soltysik in action with his band, Amulet
Rock City’s gig list over the years could rival any venue anywhere in the world.
“It would just be a great feeling to know you’ve shared that stage with some massive acts. As I said before it’s the next level for us and I would love to get the opportunity to play there,” added Joe.
“I just love how intimate it is.”
As well as being a legendary venue for music, Rock City has also become one of the city’s most popular night clubs. ‘Tuned’, the official student event on a Thursday, pulls in thousands of revellers every week.
Benedict Mason, the venue’s social media manager told Notts TV what he thinks makes Rock City so special.
“I think it’s the prestige and the history of the place. People have got an acute awareness of the nostalgia that Rock City brings.
“It’s a very intimate setting, if you come here you know you are going to get a good gig and you could be close to some legends.”
Even if you missed last year’s festivities, Rock City has plenty to look forward to in 2016 including the re-scheduled appearance of the Kooks, who had to cancel last minute in December.
There’s something for everyone and who’s to say that Rock City’s 36th year can’t be just as special as the last?
