Guildford’s much-loved Star Inn will close its Back Room music venue on December 9 because of noise complaints from a property developer.
Owners Shepherd Neame will appeal the decision issued by the Guildford Borough Council. Council leader Paul Spooner previously ensured the Star will retain its full live music privileges. He maintains he will do what he can to prevent the closure.
Famous bands like The Stranglers played their first live show at the Star Inn in 1974, proving this isn’t any ordinary pub. Guildford’s longest running music venue has been integral in pushing musical boundaries.
The Surrey town is just one of a handful of locations in England where rising local bands can gain valuable gigging experience with the aim of breaking into the mainstream music industry.
Cllr Spooner told Get Surrey: “I strongly believe that it is absurd that the law allows for a centuries-old live music venue to be under pressure due to recent development nearby.
“That said, I have to accept that officers are following due process.
“I am reassured that the lead member for licensing is doing all he can to resolve the situation. I know that among politicians from all major parties there remains strong support for the Star Inn.”
Property developer Neil Young converted a former office building into four flats that back onto the pub. The Star Inn owners told Mr Young there may be a noise problem when he applied for planning permission five years ago. Nevertheless he went ahead with the project.
Either the Star comply with the abatement notice issued by the council, or they pay up to a £20,000 fine. The pub believe jobs are at stake and that they will suffer from the loss of added income. Its closure will also put a dent into local bands’ opportunities to promote their music.
Here at Andertons Music Co. we believe pubs like the Star Inn are crucial in keeping the area’s rich musical history alive. The loss of such an important establishment can only be detrimental to a thriving local industry.
Andertons have a history tied into the Surrey music scene. We host gigs, clinics and masterclasses with everyone from well-known professional musicians to local bands in various venues around Guildford. It will be a shame to see a venue we have seen grow for the past 50 years finally close.
We also work with the Academy of Contemporary Music to provide students with discounts and chances to attend our events at discounted rates. Many of the students at ACM, Andertons customers and Andertons staff have a strong affinity with the Star Inn.
We’ve been ‘Making musicians since 1964’. But that can’t be achieved without your support of extremely important grassroots infrastructure like local pubs and music venues. It’s always a sad day when a local music venue closes.
Support them by attending one of their events scheduled before closure. Buy tickets here:
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