COSTA DEL SOL
A collective of musicians, singers and their supporters are launching a campaign in support of the coast's once thriving live music scene
13.06.11 - 13:22 -
The Costa del Sol was once renowned for its live entertainment, with much of southern Spain’s famous lust for life manifesting itself through music and song.
From a purpose built, late night venue with professional sound systems, to an intimate restaurant with an upright piano where diners could play for their friends; from a traditional Flamenco tablao where the foot-stomping dancers and cajón-playing percussionists whipped the crowd into a frenzy, to a pub offering British cabaret-style acts, holidaymakers and residents were always spoilt for choice when it came to live performance.
Decline
Yet according to many SUR in English readers the coast’s live music scene is in sharp decline. “When I first came to Spain many years ago, you could walk along the ‘paseo’ (promenade) and every other bar or restaurant would have live music.” says well known local and music event promoter, Martyn Wood. “But now there are very, very few places offering it and it’s a real shame.”
Long term Benalmádena resident and musician Sammy Byers shares the nostalgia. “Live music, in what I call the ‘every day’ kind of bars was one of the first things we loved when we moved here. In fact, this brilliantly relaxed, almost spontaneous approach to it inspired a song I wrote,” he says. “Nowadays, however, there’s almost no live music in the bars and for me at least it makes it a less joyful, less fun place to be. Like most people, I love going for a drink or dinner and having someone play or sing live. But sadly, it’s something that has been dying out here over the last ten years or so. It reminds me of that Don McLean lyric, ‘The day the music died!’”
So is the decreasing number of live music venues due to a lack of demand? Not so, says Martyn Wood. “There’s an insatiable appetitive for live music. You only have to look at the ferias. In the American ‘caseta’ (pavilion) at Fuengirola’s international feria, for example, we had 10 hours of music each day and it was packed all day, every day. People couldn’t get enough.”
Music maker and SUR in English columnist, Peter Edgerton, like many others who have contacted this newspaper, believe that it is the municipal authorities who have effectively put an end to the coast’s once thriving live music scene. “Business owners cannot get licences for live music anymore. Since 1997, as far as I understand, it has been nearly impossible for bar owners to get approval to put on artists, even if they wanted to play piped music they could get in trouble! However, anyone who held a licence granted before this time could, if they wanted, put on a heavy metal band at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. This seems unfair.
“I think it's time there was a sensible, reasonable review of the regulations so live music can come back to the coast’s towns and cities once again. For example, I believe that a bar with adequate sound-proofing and which complies with the rules to turn off the music at midnight should be granted a licence.”
He continues: “In recent years, the Town Halls have brought out various laws on the issue of live music venues, saying they are in response to pressure and complaints from residents as the establishments contribute to noise pollution. However, if there were proper, stringent, new regulations, which everyone stuck to, including the ones who have had their licences for many years, this could be avoided.
“Many bar and restaurant owners have commented to me that since the authorities started not issuing licences, or clamping down on those who do put on musicians and singers, they’ve noticed a downturn in their business. It is adversely affecting the livelihood of many people – from the bar owners themselves, to their suppliers and the musicians, of course.
“Also, visitors coming to the Costa del Sol tell me it has now becoming boring. It’s important the authorities realise that we need to offer tourists as wide a choice as possible to compete with other holiday destinations.”
Sammy Byers says the reduction in venues offering live music is “ripping the heart out” of the coast: “The fun atmosphere is why people have always liked coming here. It’s similar to the authorities wanting to remove the ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars). These too are part of what makes the Costa del Sol a tourist favourite!”
Campaign
In response to what they believe is an “anti-live music” policy from local councils, a collective of music supporters is organising the Keep Music Live Festival on Sunday 19th June. “The aim of the all-day music festival is to bring to the attention of the Town Halls the importance of live music on the coast as a tourist attraction, as well as a cultural asset for residents,” explains Martyn Wood.
The festival is being held in Le Chic, the 1,000 square metre, elevated terrace bar in the Mijas racecourse. “There will be 11 of the coast’s best-loved acts playing throughout the day and entrance is only 10 euros. With proceeds going to the local cancer care charity, Cudeca, by attending you will be showing your support for a great charity and for the continuation of live music on the Costa del Sol,” he adds.
Lonnie Donegan was a supporter of live music
The Keep Music Live Festival is co-organised by Sharon Donegan, the wife of the late Lonnie Donegan MBE, a British artist with more than 20 UK Top 30 hits to his name, who lived for many years on the Costa del Sol.
“He would have been all for this event; Lonnie was a big supporter of live music,” says Sharon. “He used to love to get up on stage and would entertain for a plate of spaghetti!” she laughs.
Known as The King of Skiffle, The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles & Albums says of Lonnie Donegan that he was “Britain's most successful and influential recording artist before The Beatles.”
For tickets for the festival on 19th June, 'Google' or visit the Facebook page: "1st ANNUAL KEEP MUSIC LIVE FESTIVAL MIJAS"
