Rock the Kasbah: An interview with Thanos Staikos

It all began with a closure... 17/9/2007 saw the long-foreseeable closure of an uninspired Coliseum, Coventry city’s last real showcase and beacon for live music.  After years of loyal but eventually lacklustre servitude, its doors closed upon an auspicious rollercoaster of an era.

Now, just 2 years later, the visionary who brought us the new Kasbah Nightclub (a beyond recognition Coliseum) takes time to address his public, as I get an insight into the mastermind of a man behind the resplendent rejuvenation.

Thanos, thanks for taking time out from your busy schedule...

•     Taking aim with your peashooter/pellet gun/sniper rifle, you’re aiming at whom?
•     Politicians, there’s too much corruption around.

•     Where do you go when it all gets too much?
•     Home!

•     Is bedtime more half nine with a half read paper or more half four with fully red eyes?
•     More 3a.m. and exhausted.

•     What do you do with any ‘you’ time?
•     Spend time with my girlfriend, watch movies etc.

•     What’s the last gig/concert you looked forward to?
•     Tiesto @ London Victoria Park.

•     What’s the best / your favourite music video?
•     Just Morale live @ The Kasbah.

•     If you were a musical instrument what would you be?
•     Piano.

•     What’s ‘love at first sight’ all about then?
•     The expression says it all.

•     Care to share any regrets, missed opportunities or things that might’ve been?
•     Finishing a computers course in university.

•     Will your past come back to haunt you or will karma be kind?
•     Karma will be kind.

•     What makes you better than everyone else?
•     I’ve got a good heart.

•     When do you plan to take over the world?
•     In forthcoming years.

•     What does a student strong crowd want?
•     Cheap drinks and a great atmosphere.  The once popular Thursday nights fizzled out; rock music saw a decline and so basically killed the appeal.  And so aside from being without any sense of direction, electro and rave music replaced rock.  Funeral for a Friend and the like still appeal to the 15/16 year olds crowd but mainly, the people want to booze and to chase the opposite sex!

•     Who were your heroes as a teenager?
•     Rocky and some football players.

•     What music are you listening to of late?
•     Anything that makes me chill.

•     Any career highs or lows you care to share?
•     Managing Just Morale.

•     Your career defining dream moment would/will be what?
•     Helping Kasbah being the best independent venue in the UK and getting Just Morale to the top.

•     Know of any upcoming bands that are destined for greatness?
•     Just Morale.

•     How important do you feel visuals are in relation to music?
•     Very important, they get the crowd’s attention.  

•     What’s been the highlight of your year?
•     Signing Just Morale.

•     Best song, movie or album ever?
•     Loads!  What comes to mind...? Delerium- Silence and Daft Punks Around the World, Heat with Al Pacino & Robert De Niro and Forest Gump with Tom Hanks.

•     Where did you sleep last night?
•     Home.

•     What does your head in?
•     The weather.

•     Where’s the place to be?
•     Greece or anywhere next to the sea.

•     Which instrument does it for you most?
•     Guitar.

•     Are you a good dancer and can you prove it?
•     Not really, but when I get the chance I dance.

•     What kinds of music (if any) do you dislike the most?
•     Rap Screamo and Grime.

•     Where will you retire to?
•     Greece.

•     When will the world end?
•     2012.

•     How important are the single / album charts?
•     They’re very important.

•     Fondest memories of this place?
•     When the Coliseum closed to become The Kasbah and was filled with stylish Moroccan decor, which was memorable to say the least.  Also, seeing Supergrass perform, Calvin Harris too, he had the whole room bouncing… and Therapy, they played with no security barriers, it was amazing!

•     Which era would you have been born in ideally?
•     70’s.

•     Are exercise and diet important to you?
•     They are but I don’t exercise very often.

•     If you could protect and save 1 thing in the world, what would it be?
•     My team Aek Athens.

•     Who’s the most gifted person alive today?
•     All of us.

•     Have you got any famous relatives and if so, who are they?
•     Not really.

•     Does complaining accomplish anything?
•     Sometimes.

•     Whose autograph do you have and why?
•     My favourite DJ, Tiesto.

•     Which rules... the digital age or the vinyl/cassette age?
•     Digital.

•     Which musical style should become extinct first?
•     Rock n Roll.

•     Was it easy becoming who you are today?
•     I chose a hard life but I’m happy about it.

•     Have you ever been conned into or out of something?
•     Yes.

•     Do politics have a place in music?
•     Yes. Music talks about life and politics are part of our life.

•     What effect has the name changes had on the place, 2 years on?
•     It’s business as usual and a lot of people still refer to The Kasbah as The Coli (seum).  We’re torn as to whether the roof should keep its ‘The Coliseum’ design, as an adage to the old days... I’m undecided but it’ll probably remain.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Speaking with Thanos, it’s instantly clear that more than anything, he has integrity, drive and perhaps most importantly, the respect of his colleagues; being as charismatic as he is, it’s no wonder why the staff are so familiar, relaxed and comfortable in his presence.  Therein lies the man’s secret to success perhaps?

Please visit http://www.kasbahnightclub.com/ for a greater insight into Coventry’s top spot.

Interview conducted by Ant Standring- http://www.wordsmithonline.co.uk/

The Kasbah Nightclub: REAL MUSIC REAL PEOPLE REAL LIFE REAL VENUE

Formerly known as The Coliseum, Coventry city’s The Kasbah is renowned to say the least.  This vibrant and popular haven for all music lovers has stood the test of time (give or take a facelift here or there) and has done so in style, for over 10 memorable years.  Now, here it stands and faces another decade of decadence.

Both as a nightclub and live music venue, The Kasbah is widely recognised as a leader in the entertainment industry, recognition that surely stems from its majestic history, forthcoming features and the loyal fan base who continue to enjoy its offerings.

Supporting the local music scene is also another avenue for which they’re revered.  They’ve opened the live music scene up to the people of Coventry by comfortably accommodating groundbreaking audiences of up to 1150 people.  Discovering up and coming, unsigned talent, some of which even get to support the big name bands that regularly feature here, is a proven attraction, especially amidst their student strong clientele.

Securing popular acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Gary Numan, Calvin Harris and Klaxons has certainly raised The Kasbahs profile and put them in competition with similar sized yet longer standing venues.  Along with regular club nights Poptastic, Kinky and Groovy Garden proving to be every bit as popular as their drinks promotions, it’s no wonder the place is so often found packed.

And now, with its recent Moroccan themed rejuvenation, The Kasbah simply shames any local competition.  How many heated beer gardens feature a luxurious barbecue area and extensive outdoor bar... how many establishments can boast of an outdoor area that mirrors the opulent decor found within?

So now, with all looking forward to the festive season and a happy New Year that already promises the likes of Ocean Colour Scene (7/2) & The Sunshine Underground (13/2), Kasbah proprietor Thanos Staikos gives us a little insight into what The Kasbah might have in store for us in 2010...

“We’ve a whole host of massive artists lined up to play for 2010, particularly within the D ‘n’ B and Dub-step scene; rumour has it that Roni Size, Shy FX, Hazard and Scream will grace our stage!”

“One of our targets for 2010 is to have more local bands like The Enemy, breaking big into the music scene and I’m confident we’ll do it too because the city’s real thirsty for new music.  Bands like Pint Shot Riot and Just Morale are ready to break, so watch this space.” 
 
“Kasbah has always been the place to be and to be seen, there’s something for everyone and every night differs from the next.  We aim to create a memorable party atmosphere every night, in a safe environment for all our clients to enjoy.” 

The Kasbah Nightclub:  REAL MUSIC REAL PEOPLE REAL LIFE REAL VENUE.

Treehorns: Live at The Kasbah, Coventry 14/10/2009.

In front of the 70-strong crowd, Coventry’s own The Treehorns (TT) open and close their 1st track to the usual reserved encouragement, the most an upcoming band can hope for perhaps.  Aside from the 5 punters distracted by the charms of the bar, everyone is gazing stagewards; as they deal with the unexpected pleasure that TT deliver from their 3 guitars, lead vocal and engaging, energetic on-stage performance. 

And so, stirring echoes of Dodgy and Johnny Flynn as they go (and boy do they go!), TT crack on, injecting little needed imagination or variety into their blistering and suitably billed set.

I don’t think that anybody cares about the inaudible, vocally mumbled bridge of banter between songs either, which is a shame, because whether they know it or not, they’ve just been informed that Frightened Rabbit, the second support act, won’t be playing due to their late arrival.

And despite the noticeably responsive crowd not going into hyper drive upon the news that CDs (which should sell if there is any justice) are for sale, TT launch into their 4th song with the addition of a 4th guitarist (a friend who couldn’t afford a ticket) who honestly takes the band onto a new, well seasoned sounding level.

My failure to spot any sing-along classics or future anthems counts for nothing I feel, because TT prove their worth as they superfluously provide tonight’s support act to the mighty Gomez.  Bravo TT bravo...  2010 should be ace!

TT are Luke Clark – (Vocals, Lyrics, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), Danny Marley – (Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals, Lyrics, Harmonica, Keys), Mart Law - (Bass Guitar, Keys), Paul Jones – (Drums and Percussion).


For full info, please click here.  

Gomez sent to Coventry!

INTRO.
After an extensive break from the UK, Gomez are finally back home where they belong, not Southport, but the UK!  Tonight is the first date of their somewhat low-key European tour, a tour which sees Gomez take on a collective pioneering approach as they venture into lands unknown and particularly tonight, as they investigate a brave new world.

Yes, tonight sees Gomez sent to Coventry for the very first time in their 13 years together.  They’re playing at the renowned Kasbah (formerly The Coliseum), perhaps the last of the city’s live venues that can actually boast of its opulent history of hosting live music and of the bands to have played there.  
Tonight, the mighty ‘mez enrich The Kasbahs majesty in front of a subdued but surely anticipation-filled audience.  After an impressive and suitably billed support act from Coventry’s own The Treehorns, Gomez take to the stage, after a long day that was accosted with tragic circumstance and a suicide on the tracks.  It happens though, right? 

To quote a pre-show Olly Peacock...”The suicide express to Coventry shouldn’t be missed; I’m off to save my ears” (From the rapture that’s escalating from TT show).  I go on to shake Bens hand as Olly heckles me from behind, fearing I might be armed (as I soon will be) with interview material!  I leave them to hastily gobble up their take-away and to shift from chow time to show time (20:30) in a matter of minutes.  Along with 99% of the people in here tonight, I stand poised and ready for my wait to end, to see Gomez live!

REVIEW.
As the rest of the band prepare, Olly takes the roll of showman and engages a maniacal crowd,”You forgotten who we are?  We make music, pure and simple” he adds, before Ben unfolds the show with ‘Little Pieces’, which benefits from a typically charged delivery that holds the attention of a crowd that’s perhaps unsure of these newer Gomez sounds. (I know I should be happy to see the first 8 rows going crazy, I guess I’m just getting impatient to see the whole room bouncing). 

Personal favourite ‘Hamoa Beach’ (originally titled ‘Advice for Potential Divorcees’ before the label refused it) warms the crowd, which now holds most of its arms in the air, clearly thankful for another exemplary execution from Gomez.  Thanks for Frightened Rabbit (FR) follow (who, due to their vans faulty ignition and late arrival, couldn’t play tonight) and, after a considerate yet not to subtle reminder from an audience member, thanks are given to TT too!

‘Love Is Better Than A Warm Trombone’ quickly kick-starts the proceedings once more, and being a familiar old school favourite, the effect is indeed sweet, seeing the crowd finally settle into their devout role.  A tight rendition of ‘Mix’ unfairly seems to undo some of the previously cast Gomez spell, leaving a mainly motionless crowd in its wake. 

All’s well however, as ‘See the World’ stirs the crowd into frenzy, like a celebration that yes, this is happening!  With Olly asking the full room  “Y’all alright...YEAH... time for a big dirty blues song” at the songs close, we’re given something of a comedown, when ‘Charley Patton Songs’ leaves the crowd shuffling around and somewhat baffled, with these sublime but less upbeat sounds all around.  Still, what a ride and yes, before you know it, the crowd are up again!

Forthcoming single ‘If I Ask You Nicely’ (which pleasingly features a cover of ‘Ain’t no Sunshine’ on the flipside, Nov 30th) awakes the rested onlookers, enticing them to sing along with its infectious “Hey La...” chorus.  However, their effort is put to shame with the next interaction, and as a sampler drones in the background, a noticeably distant Ian struggles with a cable before ‘Tijuana Lady’ hits the mark like nothing else before it.  Ben decides to relinquish his singing duties and passes it over to the crowd, who contribute beautifully, before all involved enjoy the laughter which erupts as slowly diminishing lyric knowledge and declining confidence levels call for Ben to take the lead once more. 

The mood is electric as we reach the midpoint of the gig.  Both crowd and staff members are relishing this rollercoaster ride of a set, not to mention the bands much appreciated, easy going and approachable demeanour. 

As Gomez predictably continue to perfect their thing, the head-nod-inducing ‘Other Plans’ follows, which sees Ian confidently carrying the torch.  I can’t help but wonder why he’s not addressed the crowd in his usual charismatic way (Ian’s often found to be rattling on between tracks and explaining any given song background).  The crowd respond enthusiastically, albeit in all the right places, but the continual overall vibe is awesome nonetheless.

‘A New Tide’ bleeds into a sample-rich, short but sweet melody which, when combined, add a couple of tracks that despite being impressive, somehow leave the crowd behind and perhaps something which doesn’t go unnoticed on stage.  When the words “Think it’s time for a really big ballad, would you like that... are you feeling romantic?” hit the crowd, they respond positively before succumbing to the sumptuous sounds of ‘We Haven’t Turned Around’, which is as close to a CD playback as you’re going to get and a harmonic sense of admiration somehow connects each person here tonight.

With hands in sleeves, Ian displays some worrying body language as he takes something of a backseat and expertly takes to the keys on ‘Girlshapedlovedrug’ which sends us all into groove-along spasms, before the final verse features an understated but exuberant breakdown of the track so strong that ‘Bring Your Lovin’ Back Here’ almost goes unnoticed, as it follows on in this tour-de-force Gomez.

The on-stage antics which accompany penultimate track ‘Ruff Stuff’ go some way to reflect the playful sentiments which hang in the air for all to enjoy, here tonight.  Moving on, Ian talks to a boisterous interjecting crowd...   

“Well ladies and gentlemen, this is our first ever show in Coventry, it’s taken 12 years!” and as the crowd barely begin to process the information, the unmistakeable intro to ‘Get Myself Arrested’ envelopes all.  Singing, glass raising and mass grooving ensues, as the band have it large right up to the songs close.  As the band leaves the stage, the contrast in noise levels is minimal, thanks to the sheer volume of the crowd.  It’s a wondrous moment that’s slowly infused with the collective and heartfelt chant of “MORE”.

ENCORE
And we get more, as Gomez open an encore with the superb Charlatans-esque ‘Airstream Driver’, an epic blast of energy that’s enhanced by increased and accelerated strobe lights throughout.  There’s a quiet moment as it closes, allowing ‘How We Operate’ to open, with full backing from the crowd.  Tom is loaded with venom as he strikes away at the skins whilst Ben (after getting into the right mindset) gets his freak on and, much to the delight of the crowd, Gomez explore and exploit all its niches nooks and angles to brilliant effect.  It’s now the band leave the stage and a euphoric audience for what will hopefully be a shorter time than 12 years!  God bless Gomez, each and every one of them!  Bassist Paul is here too by the way, he’s just happy to play bass and to be I guess! 

Backstage, I catch up with Gomez, and not wanting to intrude as Olly consoles FR about their misfortune and discusses the sauna like qualities of a condensation covered stage, I beckon Olly for a quick one on one, so as to share my growing concerns about Ian.

I ask “What’s wrong with Ian... he’s not looking very chipper tonight...  He’s usually far more animated”.  Olly replies “Oh no, no, he’s just jetlagged, he only got in last night (from the US) and then his little boy’s been keeping him busy too, so he’s shot basically”.

And so, my fears of any impending band break-up, however unlikely after all these years, are thankfully put to rest.  The seemingly unstoppable Gomez triumph in Coventry, as I’m sure they will on each leg of their November tour listed below.     

15 Northampton New Roadmender
16 Brighton Corn Exchange
17 Southampton University
19 Exeter Lemon Grove
20 London Troxy
24 Sheffield The Plug
25 Whitehaven Civic Hall
27 Edinburgh Queens Hall
28 Dublin Academy

For full Gomez info click here
For more of my photos, click here.