8/12/2006 More pub rock in Barnet

Subject	More pub rock in Barnet
PostedDate	12/15/2006
	I have a local night out for a change - something that doesn't seem to happen that often these days. That's probably because the Barnet music scene has been dying on it's arse for several years now.  Most the places that used to put bands on have either shut or just stopped having live music. Unless you are in a cover band you can forget playing locally, and even then it's a struggle.  I go to a pub within walking distance to see a cover band who I've known for about ten years. When I first saw them at the Duke Of Lancaster (now demolished) all those years ago I didn't think they were that good, but with regular gigs they soon changed my mind and I now reckon they are one of the best and most entertaining cover bands you'll see anywhere.  Over time and as they turned professional they ditched the old rock classics they cut their teeth on in favour of more trendy indie and alternative material - going for the Virgin Radio/Xfm audience and the much more lucrative west end club gigs. After much nagging they have now started going back to their roots a bit and playing some more classic rock stuff like Thin Lizzy and G'N'R - when they play in Barnet at least as they know there is a strong rock fanbase around these parts. It's always good to see the boys again, and the pub was pretty full - a rare feat in a largish Barnet pub these days. They are drawing a new younger crowd these days as well as their regular fans from years ago, but the atmosphere is good and it's great to hear some classics by Led Zeppelin and AC/DC mixed in with the more contempory material - the band look like they are loving playing this old stuff too - a top night all round with plenty of good friends and a late licence.

PS: This pub was the 'Bell & Buck', formerly 'The Bailey', and before that 'The Warwick'. It has now shut.