silverguide.site –

What an ungenerous assessment of live music by Sasha Mistlin (The hill I will die on: Going to a gig is an endurance test, 20 June). As the relatively new owner of an independent live music venue, I can tell you that the joyous experience of coming together for a gig is alive and kicking on a weekly basis. Yes, the economic environment for hospitality in general, and grassroots music in particular, makes it really tough – but that just strengthens our resolve to put on great shows.

Perhaps Mistlin has just not experienced many gigs outside central London and the big festivals. I used to shuttle regularly between London, Hull and Newcastle, often seeing the same band two or three times in a week. Spoiled London audiences are far more cynical and unresponsive than those of us off the beaten track. I watched the incredibly talented Anton Newcombe play a 30-minute encore to a rapturous audience in Newcastle on a Tuesday and then return for one song to a muted crowd in London the next day. Same quality of gig, different quality of audience. You get out of it what you put in.

Should you ever wish to experience live music in a vibrant venue with a great sound system and a decent bar, at an affordable price, do come and visit us in Newcastle.
Paul Dyson
Pilgrim, Newcastle upon Tyne

• Sasha Mistlin writes of enduring rather than enjoying most of the music gigs he attends due to, among other things, bad PA systems, extortionate booking fees, gruelling tour schedules and, not least, having glasses of liquid of questionable provenance poured over his head.

Has he been to gigs on the improvised/experimental music circuit at venues such as London’s Cafe Oto and Hundred Years Gallery? These are run by enthusiasts, often musicians themselves, with an atmosphere of mutual respect between the owner/organiser and audience, very reasonable ticket prices and a wide range of new, original, adventurous and innovative music.

There’s a long-running history of great improvised and experimental music in this country, often being made far from the mainstream, but giving real satisfaction to dedicated and appreciative listeners without any of the drawbacks encountered by Sasha.
Clive Sykes
London

• Sasha Mistlin laments that he has never truly felt a sense of communion at gigs. He should have been at Charlie Harper’s recent 82nd birthday gig with UK Subs – a crowd united in its joyous celebration of the band, the music and of Charlie himself, still a great punk frontman and a genuine living legend.
Graham Larkbey
London

• Sasha Mistlin didn’t mention the interminable standing around waiting for the band you came to see actually arrive on stage. A good indicator of your advancing years is when your friend tells you your favourite band is in town, and rather than replying “great, see you there”, instead you ask “is that sitting or standing”?
Ken Shifrin
Oxford