We have been touring for a relatively short time and we were shocked that even since we started, several iconic venues that we have played have gone for ever – 12Bar Club being an obvious one. We will never be able to play The Cockpit, The Marquee, Madam Jojos, Arches and neither will any band coming up behind us. We believe that music is such a huge and important part of what makes Britain great; people all around the world pay attention to British bands. Can you imagine not having ever had David Bowie or the Beatles, nor now having Ed Sheehan, Adele, The Rolling Stones, Muse?!! – all different, but all British and all started out in the venues and clubs we play in now. If we don’t start to wake up to the slow, insidious shutting down of these grassroots nurturing grounds we will lose such an important part of our cultural richness. We know that we cannot do this on our own, but being part of Music Venue Trust’s efforts gives us confidence that we will not only stop the rot, but turn it completely around.