Rock City in Nottingham is gearing up for a major milestone as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2030. The renowned venue, located on Talbot Street, has seen unforgettable performances from legendary artists such as David Bowie and Nirvana throughout its impressive history. As the anniversary approaches, venue management is determined to ensure the celebrations are memorable and resonate with the community.
The planning of the anniversary festivities unfolds against a backdrop of challenges facing the live music industry. A recent report revealed that 40% of the UK’s grassroots music venues operated at a loss in 2024, despite their significant contribution of more than £500 million to the UK economy. Adam “Relic” Wood, senior promotions manager at Rock City for the past 17 years, emphasized the importance of these venues, stating, “People need to come out and experience live music.”
Rock City is recognized as a unique independent venue, and Wood conveyed concern about the increasing rarity of such establishments. He remarked, “Scarily, it seems that we’re becoming more unique as time goes on.” Despite the broader industry challenges, leaders at Rock City have confidence that their reputation and commitment to adaptation will help them thrive as they approach their significant anniversary.
DHP Family, the parent company of Rock City, was established in 1980 with Rock City as its inaugural venue. Since then, it has grown into a network of eight venues across three cities. The company employs approximately 400 people, organizes festivals such as Splendour and Dot to Dot, and has collaborated with artists including Ed Sheeran and Lana Del Rey. Rock City remains the heart of this family, and its long-standing staff believe that flexibility has been key to its success.
When Rock City first opened, it operated only two club nights each week. Now, it hosts four club nights alongside a robust concert schedule. Wood highlighted the introduction of a dedicated welfare team to enhance the safety and comfort of patrons. This team assists guests with everything from securing transportation to ensuring they can locate their friends after events. “This has been quite a drastic change for us, which is really positive,” Wood noted.
The venue’s management also recognizes the need to support artists amidst rising touring costs. Amy Lawson, a promoter and programmer with an impressive 25 years at Rock City, described how costs related to touring have escalated, influencing ticket prices. In an effort to support artists, Rock City has removed its merchandise rate, navigating the balance between affordability for customers and fair compensation for performers.
Will Richardson, previously the general manager and now operations manager at DHP Family, articulated the challenging position venues face. “We want to support the music scene and ensure it’s worth their while coming to play,” he said, while also emphasizing the necessity of operating profitably.
Rock City has cultivated a reputation that attracts musicians who consider it a “second home.” Bands like New Model Army and Shed Seven insist on performing at the venue when touring. Lawson recalled a personal highlight when she brought the Northern Irish band Ash to Rock City as part of their 20th-anniversary tour, which featured only three English venues. “I went and bought that album the day it came out and I was like ‘oh my God, I love this job,’” she recalled.
While details about the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations remain under wraps, Rock City’s management assures that the events will honor the venue’s rich heritage. Richardson observed that many attendees today are the children of those who visited Rock City during their youth. “It’s great that the venue has evolved and always stayed true to what we’re doing,” he said.
As Rock City approaches its momentous anniversary, the team is focused on continuing to adapt to both customer needs and the evolving landscape of the live music industry. Some characteristics, however, are unlikely to change. “It is still a bit sticky,” Lawson remarked, while Wood added, “It’s always going to be sticky.”
