On Saturday 10th March local Leeds venue ‘The Well’ held its last event with 600 people packed into a 375 capacity venue, it was one hell of a send off!

Leeds is a great place for new music, the city welcomes all types of bands and the venues around the city host some of the best new music each night.

Joseph’s Well began to host local bands as early as 1995. Throughout the years major names like Catatonia, the Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party packed the venue. In 2009 ‘The Well’ reopened with a new look and a new name began to concentrate on Punk, Metal and Hardcore bands.

Until February, manager Kevin Berry posted a statement on the website announcing the closure of The Well…

“The Well isn’t a viable business” … “Sadly with the sheer level of restrictions (partly due to the building possibly being turned into a restaurant in the future) there is no way to break even, never mind make anything which resembles a profit.
“We’ve loved helping rebuild this once great venue’s reputation back up these past few years, and would like to thank all who mucked in.”

The Well stood as an iconic place for niche hardcore bands to play proved by bands travelling from America to be included in the final gig on the 10th.

Now it seems that a new lease of life will be given to the venue. The latest news is that the unit that stood as The Well has been bought.

Rumours spread that a new name and a face lift will be made to keep the live music venue alive, but the alternative sound will die with The Well. The new venue will stick to a more conventional sound.

The last event at The Well was a celebration of it’s legacy began lasting 12 hours, 12 bands played at a half day festival continued by a free after party hosting local talent and DJs. 600 people came to the send-off, promoters unwilling to turn away anyone wanting to join celebrations in the over capacity venue.

Fans travelled from around the country to witness The Acacia Strain, Brutality Will Prevail, TRC & Martyr and many others, Promoter Chris Flynn commented
“We had people from Scotland, London, Cornwall, Ireland and loads of people attending the last show. The Well is famous all round the world. There’s something about the space which just connects with people. We are often told we’re more of a family rather than your average venue staff. We have always gone that extra mile for customers and visiting bands.”

Music fans and bands have posted messages and memories on the venue facebook as well as expressing their upset at rumours the venue is to be turned into a restaurant.
“RIP The Well Leeds guys, been a massive part of us and many other bands, not only from Leeds. Another good venue will be turned into a restaurant serving posh fish and chips. We wish the ex- staff luck in their future jobs.”  Decayed Messiah- Band

The Regular promoters at the venue have consistently put effort and passion into organising these events, although there is an understanding that the closure will affect the metal/hardcore scene in Leeds they will now work hard to rearrange gigs and pass the torch to the other independent live music venues in Leeds.

Watch highlights of the gig at http://vimeo.com/38686859