Outcry as Edinburgh's Studio 24 announces closure

Studio 24 bosses have announced that the popular nightspot is to close after 22 years. Picture: Google Maps

THE Capital's ailing gig scene was dealt a fresh blow last night as the owners of popular Edinburgh live music venue and nightclub Studio 24 revealed that they are to close down for good.

Citing renewed complaints from neighbouring residents over noise levels and the prospect of facing future license hearings, the owners of Calton Road’s Studio 24 revealed they have finally had enough and will be closing the venue next month.

The shock announcement was made at 10:25pm via Studio 24’s social media channels, sparking a mass outcry from fans of the nightclub.

Speaking directly to their Facebook followers, the venue’s emotive statement praised those who have supported them over the years but laid bare the owners’ weariness at fighting against a neverending barrage of noise complaints and council restrictions:

“For years we’ve fought the good fight, giving a place for lovers of underground music somewhere where they feel safe in a friendly environment surrounded by staff who genuinely care about the music playing, the atmosphere and making sure the customers feel the same love.

“We’re gutted we’ve had to come to this decision, but with years of investing thousands upon thousands in sound-proofing and legal fees in order to stay open, alongside complaining neighbours and harsh council-enforced sound restrictions, we feel these problems won’t leave us, with more complaints recently received and no real support from licensing standards officers, therefore threatening our ability to stay open.

“We feel that it’s better to jump than be pushed, and perhaps us leaving the entertainment circuit might make the powers-that-be realise the need for a shake-up of how a capital city’s music scene should be supported. Calton Road once pulsed with music – from The Venue, to The Bongo on New Street to Studio 24. This part of the Old Town is almost silenced now. It’s the heart of the city, but the beat has been silenced.”

Echoing the sentiments of hundreds of others, one Facebook user wrote: “No words can describe the impact the studios had on my life and the fun I had there with such amazing people. Eternal respect to Dave, Liz and Gill for keeping the candle burning so long. Huge love to Tommy, Shaun, Wullie, Womble and Coco. Without doubt the best venue Edinburgh has ever lost. I will treasure every memory.”

Venue bosses say they have grown tired of fighting against noise complaints and closure threats. Picture: Ian Georgeson/TSPL

Over two thousand people have already signed an online petition addressed to Edinburgh Council’s licensing board in a desperate bid to save the ‘essential venue’ from closure.

Expressing his sadness at the venue’s imminent closure, SNP Councillor Lewis Ritchie who represents the Leith Walk Ward argued that the Capital should be doing more to protect its music scene.

“For over two decades Studio 24 has been essential for the live music scene in this city because of its open, accessible and safe environment. It’s been a massive part of lots of people’s lives.

“Edinburgh is renowned for being a festival city, therefore we need to live up to that expectation and provide places like Studio 24 where people can go to enjoy themselves.”

Councillor Ritchie added: “The city will be a much poorer place without Studio’s vibrant mix of alternative music, live music, electro and metal.”

Situated at 24-26 Calton Road, the nightclub has been plagued by a string of noise complaints in recent years and has faced closure on a number of occasions in the past.