5 West North Street, Aberdeen AB24 5AT
01224 641122
http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/index.asp?VenueID=281
Pix by ABZ Quine.
Comments from FnS contributors…
I used to like the Lemon Tree best of the Aberdeen venues but not nowadays. Since they’ve reopened under APA I’ve been to a fairly wide range of gigs there. Without exception, all of them have been badly promoted and overpriced so therefore poorly attended. Wise up! Selling tickets at a reasonable price = selling more of them. Bands and punters alike prefer a fuller gig = better atmosphere all round = more chance of both bands and punters coming back again! It’s not rocket science.
Also, the bar is always understaffed meaning every time you go for a drink you have to queue for like 20 minutes, all the while missing the gig you paid through the nose to see. It’s not good. Particularly when the bar manager is chasing you out of the building at 12:30 when it’s supposed to be open till 1.
Fairly often, the cloakroom hasn’t been open which is a pain. Just because you’re only pulling 50 people in to your shows, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to dump their coats for a wee bit of dancefloor action.
I have to concede though that the sound system is good. The last few gigs I’ve been to, I’ve stood close to the PA stack and it’s been crystal clear with no ringing or whistling ears afterwards. Just how it should be. Shame it’s generally crappy for the support acts though. New York Johnny 10/11/09
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Now this is a venue I like. Good sound, and probably as close to the band as you get without actually lurking inside their drum kit. Its my kind of venue, with a slightly raised level at the back where you can take in the act without having to be on the dance floor. Would maybe benefit from having a `bar next door` but still only a five minute or so walk from Union Street. Having to pay a booking fee on top of the ticket price when paying at the door confuses me, when the LT used to have one of the best ticket policies ever (only charging the price of the stamp) back in the day. Its now common practice to rip off people for booking and delivery fees so they’re only getting themselves up to date I guess. Also think that many gigs are overpriced (£14 to see an AC/DC cover band?) which is a shame as I’d attend a lot more if the prices were based on the band, not the actual potential profit/loss figure for the event. Still one of the best in Aberdeen though. Still Burning 10/11/09
