I listen to a lot of music.
So naturally, I like Concorde 2. This venue hosts the widest variety of bands, artists and events in Brighton.
But it's a fucking mission to get to. If it's raining, fughedaboudit.
When you walk down towards Concorde 2, you are briefly entertained by the pier and then the big wheel. You might glance into "The Gym" and comment on how you're thinking of joining (lie).Then you humour whatever new bar has spawned under the arches. At the moment, it's "Fish + Liquor". It'll never last.
As you look ahead, you realise Concorde 2 is STILL a mile away. You sigh.
Whenever you go to a gig here you can be sure that it will always be windy and there will be an 80% chance of rain.
It's anyone's guess who works the security at Concorde 2. Sometimes it just looks like the promoter's weed guy, other times it'll feel like you've got to get past the Mitchell brothers before you can get in. Still, I've never had a problem, it just sometimes feels like a bit of a free-for-all.
One time recently, one of my mates tried to get in, only to be told that his ticket had "already been used". This is despite the fact that my mate had photo ID on him. We think someone may have just looked on Facebook, saw who was attending a gig and managed to get in just by using a fake name.
Like I said, it feels a bit slack.
The venue itself is fine. The real fans get here super early, make their way to the front of the stage and don't move for the entire evening.
The cool kids hang around at the seating area just opposite the bar. It wouldn't matter if Jay-Z and Beyonce were performing, you will see these guys shuffling between here and the smoking area. Puffing, slouching, walking back and forth and then leaving before the gig even starts.
You do get the odd bunch of twats. Usually groups of uni lads who still aren't sure if they are out to drink, enjoy the music, pull or fall in love with each other.
It gets super hot. Don't worry about taking a jacket.
If you're stuck at the back, you've got no chance of seeing what's happening on stage. So don't get here too late, check the website or phone them in advance to figure out stage times.
I have no idea whether the "acoustics" are good or not. The sound seems sufficient, definitely worth going if you love the way that bass mashes up your brain.
Toilets are terrible, as you would probably expect.
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UPDATE: My girlfriend told me that, "the toilets are good now". read more