Mid Week Update

 After a superb start to September featuring bands from all over the Uk and USA also arranging and managing another main stage cracker at the 10th Anniversary of Party in the Park get carry on with a packed schedule EVERY Friday and Saturday and not now and again as some would think. 

A mid week update - been a while since ever done one of these tbh as most things get fired on the news page.

A wee reminder this Thursday special is sold oot with XCERTS and VOLKA.
Times are doors 7pm - Limited seating
Volka on stage approx 8.15pm
Xcerts on Stage approx 9.30pm
Also worth noting for the avoidance of doubt or confusion if you have two tickets you will have TWO QR codes to scan so only TWO people can get in. You would have had to select a free ticket at the point of purchase so no additional tickets get allocated after the fact or on the night.
Please Pre-Book your taxi's as the chances of Taxi's being on the Rank are slim on a Thursday.

Another event that has now sold ALL available tickets and now waiting list only is Dirty Harry event in November.

Like all our events we try to sell as many or all tickets in advance so would urge and remind anyone looking to come along to ANY gig in the future and if you can, please purchase an advance ticket to guarantee your entry.
It also shows your support to the bands coming to play and venue especially in the next period ahead.
Only if tickets remain available will they be offered on the night or if events have had a ticket allocation specifically set aside to sell on the night which is advertised as such. That hasn't changed even before covid hit. We appreciate many hang off to last minute for a whole host of reasons these days but I'm afraid we cannot hold back tickets or guarantee if or how many might be available on the night.

Please have a regular look at our website as we constantly update and add new events which now reach into 2023, some of which are still to be listed on FB. The Website ALWAYS gets them FIRST.
We also still hear when's this, when's that - when it's all listed on the website along with times and any info you need so please click over there and have a wee scan/browse/look/read. We couldn't make it any easier other than coming and chapping your door to remind you.

New Events listed on the Website this week are Absolute Jam Tribute, The Cundeez plus support and the return date of McFleetwood for example.

Still to come in Sept :
Fri 9th Sept : Buzzbomb with The Eddies and Uganda's Moonshine Epidemic at Dreadnoughtrock
Sat 10th Sept : R.E.M. by Stipe at The Dreadnought, Bathgate
Fri 16th Sept : SHE BURNS RED plus DEAD ROMANTIC at Dreadnoughtrock Bathgate
Sat 17th Sept : Outside the Original at Dreadnoughtrock Bathgate
Fri 23rd Sept : VINYL GRAVY - 90's Britpop Tribute Band at Dreadnoughtrock Bathgate
Sat 24th Sept : Guns or Roses - GnR tribute at Dreadnoughtrock Bathgate

ALL the details on the events contained in the website so click over to www.dreadnoughtrock.com 

The last weekend of June 22

In what has been a completely upside down month with a string of unfortunate postponements and cancellations that should have given a mega month to compete with the comeback of Galadays, Download and potential of guid weather we limp into the corner instead to lick our wounds and wonder what could have been. 

Thanks to all that came along and caught a revised night to enjoy themselves regardless also to the bands for filling in short notice and still rocking. 

Lets hope the last weekend of the month helps as it's very much needed also look forward to July and some absolutely top bands that demand an audience. 

OH and a wee reminder LADIES that we've move the loos (since start of April just in case you've not been in) downstairs. Head to the bar (again new for those who haven't been in since April 2019) and up the blue corridor. 

The loos down at the live stage are NOW CLOSED. 

The Stage Area is next to get a make over at long last very soon too as we constantly evolve the venue to make for the best experience possible. 

FINALLY......

TICKET LINKS for our wide and varied selection of Live events coming at you EVERY Friday and SATURDAY every WEEKEND for JUST the end of June and July ! Loads more in August, Sept, Rocktober, Nov and Dec, even a fair few sneaking out for 2023. 

Full details on the website www.dreadnoughtrock.com but here is some handy links to save some typing. 

Support your local venue - come early - stay late -  stay local. 

Friday 24th June - Skyline

Top covers band.

https://skiddle.com/e/36029422

Sat 25th June - Arranthrax and After the End

ANTHRAX and BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTES.

http://skiddle.com/e/36006924

Fri 1 July - TRIDENT WATERS and TANTRUM

Top original Rock outfits 

http://skiddle.com/e/35978323

Sat 2 July - ROCK BOTTOM

UFO & MICHAEL SCHENKER TRIBUTE

http://skiddle.com/e/35956806

Fri 8 July - TWISTER and BLACKFYRE RISING

More top original Rock bands

http://skiddle.com/e/36105846

Sat 9 July - SNAKESKIN SHOE REVIEW and SURFACE CAT

Local original prog/indie/folk/rock band

http://skiddle.com/e/36108251

Fri 15 July - ALEX HAMILTON BAND and HOODOO BONES

Blues Rock at it's finest

http://skiddle.com/e/35994342

Sat 16 July - ONE IN TEN

UB40 TRIBUTE

http://skiddle.com/e/35982581

Fri 22 July - SCARLET REBELS and GORDONS ALIVE

Even more top original Rock bands

http://skiddle.com/e/36005811

Sat 23 July BLACK DOG DAYS FAWKS and AMY BAILEY

Local bands that always rock the place

http://skiddle.com/e/36082516

Fri 29 July - OPEN STAGE NIGHT with WALL to WALL

http://skiddle.com/e/36113647

Sat 30 July - BLOCKBUSTARZ

A night of Glam Rock 

http://skiddle.com/e/36016356

After EACH and EVERY event you can stay on at NO ADDDED COST to rock with us to 3am !

Won't and don't get that anywhere else in the Lothian's.

Also come to the events early and grab a drink from our fully stocked bars before the event kicks off and support the venue actually putting on the live events you are coming to see rather than elsewhere before hand. Arrange to meet in the venue where you will end up anyway for change ? Just a mad idea that will help us keep putting on top live acts in the future. 

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEKS THRILLING EPISODE WHEN WE WILL REVEAL NEW DRAUGHT CIDERS. 

Still Rocking on in June.....just.

Hard to explain that a year ago we were starting to gear up to be able to put on live shows again. 

Oh how they were missed and regardless of the conditions, table service and heavily restricted operations they were all welcome back and many thanked us for staying in business and having the courage to put shows like that on that no one else felt were viable. 

Fast forward a year and it's been a rollercoaster ride for sure. Many have new weekend habits and many who so wanted live music back in their lives have still been supportive of what's right on their doorstep every weekend. However it could always be better. 

June is always an unpredictable month with Galadays, Download and many many other festivals many of which haven't been able to go ahead in last two years due to covid. 

Some understandably want to go to them and be involved in them but spare a thought for all the small venues who have fought tooth and nail to remain in business that have always been there providing some great entertainment week in and week out too for you. Without them bringing on the next generation of rock band for download potentially years down the line after all the monsters of rock have hung up their mics it might be a different live picture and hey I'm sure Ed will fill instead of Eddie. 

So if you can make it to one of their wide and varied events coming up it would be very much appreciated also to make sure you pay them a visit early, drink their selection of tasty beverages rather than be elsewhere before the events start that they try their darndest to arrange and ensure go ahead despite many financial challenges these days. It can make all the difference to them being around for years to come. 

In other NEWS the ladies that haven't been in since start of April a wee reminder through all the pandemic we still charged on with venue improvements to enhance the live level and built new loos away from the stage for you along with new accessible loos. 

It's already making all the difference during the live shows - no more walk of shame when the bands are on for you now to the loos or trudging upstairs on one of our busier nights. 

A wee walk thro video might help you see where they are and that we are still very much rocking

Still to come on the live level :  Simply head over to the website www.dreadnoughtrock.com

EVERY GIG is listed including many new events EVERY WEEK so always worth looking in and grab a ticket safe and securely when there. 

June 2022 Update

Christ - June already ! Half way thro another year !

It's been a hectic and rapid four months since being able to open again after the Omicron saga back at the end of Jan / start of Feb that now seems only a distant memory as we hit JUNE. 

Again a massive thank you to all who came along to a superb live event or rock out with us, as you emerged the lockdowns same as us again to get back into the swing of things as quickly as possible, or for many the first time in nearly 2 years which is hard not to take for granted as we opened, shut, opened - shut over and over since March 2020 so lost track of time and circumstance for all those who frequent Scotland's Longest Running Rock club in it's 50th year. You might have seen that btw. 

Another Galaday weekend done and dusted. Hip hip

Well done to the procession committee for a great day despite the massive challenge of last couple of years to get it back on for the town also landing very lucky with weather too. Bravo. 

Well done also to all those who came and rocked with us, Brother Fox, Fastforward and thro till 3am with the rock jocks to get June rolling for us. 

Before we get to this weekend.....

Wee story from this morning putting the bins out when someone stopped me and asked how we were getting on, saying well done for getting thro the pandemic as it would have been a disaster if we had been forced to call it a day and then oh you'll have been kept going and busy with the Galaday. 

I said "thanks, we are getting there but still quite challenging - but no it wasn't as we expected I'm afraid for the Galaday weekend also we also had alot of changes to our planned schedule to deal with which were a bit unfortunate". 

"Oh I assumed you would be mobbed "said the passer by. 

"There seems to be alot of assuming going on at moment" I replied, wished the passer by a good day after a wee blether and thanking them for the good sentiments. 

I thought as I did rock on with those living the dream tasks now sporting my marigolds - are folk actually assuming we'll be mobbed and don't come in assuming it'll be too busy for them, like wise with Download coming up this weekend more assuming that we'll be quiet as everyone will be away so don't bother coming (that's true btw), all the while I'm now assuming they have developed the ability to see into the future, see through walls as they pass or read others minds now ? 

Then to not offer their invaluable services to us is quite rubbish !?

Mind now racing as I kept scrubbing places you don't want to know.....Next folk will be assuming that as we are a rock club that motorbikes tear up and down inside and everyone head bangs constantly dressed in leather or denim, its all dark, smelly, dirty and have to hover when going to the loo or even we have a cash cow round the back that farts fivers and shites 20's out into our matching Ferraris in our multi car garage beside all our other super cars, yachts and helicopter (just one as getting two were too dear during lockdown). Even assume as we are a live venue and nightclub our bar prices will be fortunes more when in actual fact they have always been inline with a pub that offers nothing like what we do, for example we have quality beers starting from two quid at the mo but some also assume it'll be better doing pre-gig drinks elsewhere (mibbey thinking it will be loads cheaper) then only to realise when they eventually arrive it would have been a better shout coming early, getting a good spot catch up with those waiting for the gig to start and hearing the first few songs not half way through as we have the same or even more choice than previously assumed on tap, in bottle or on the gantry. Not to mention it actually helps the venue that puts on all the entertainment on they were coming to see in first place. 

Next folk will be assuming we will automatically be here for their next annual visit.

Well I don't know about you but I think simple answer to all that is.........to stop assuming as there can be way too much of that going on these days. (Unless of course you can see the future etc then please give us a call) 

Ask, read, message, check the website or the gazillions of reminders and posts each week via social media or THE most simple of things - just come in and see for yourself after all we are open every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 3am with a massive variety of bands each week from the heaviest rock bands on the planet such like UB40 tribute One in Ten or Pink tribute Pretty as Pink with death metal gods Pork Pie (who are actually a ska band that pack the place each time they play) also Bessie and the Zinc buckets (who are a rockabilly band who also pack the place) amongst others too many to mention (but are listed in our events) then to also feature International grade artists that have me speaking nice to my Swiss bank manager to convert some of our gold reserves to cash a few times a year that you won't get a chance to see anywhere else in West Lothian to finally have local lads looking for their first bigger gig helping them move into the big time as we have done over the years. 

Assuming there are no questions at this point time and you assume I'm done assuming to move onto this weekend with another two nights of live music and nightclub action ahead as we rock every weekend. 

This Friday we do something we've not really tried before on the live stage for those who assume its the same every week 🙃 

Sure we've had an open stage night before but not with a house band in place to play to you and along with you. Where you can jump up and sing with them or bring your bass, gtr or sticks and play, assuming you can play and sing not just kid on its rockaoke. Either way it's great to do this in association with Wall to Wall Music and The Bonneville Flats. So with free entry to 10pm whats holding you back looking in and joining in ? 

This Saturday after a long period due to the old covid we welcome back the only Zappa tribute in the land. Yeah it's an acquired taste but man are these guys good at what they do and let's never assume they will automatically be back if you miss them this time as many tended to do in the past (and possibly still do)

Oops - apologies more assuming going on there. Must stop it as it just makes an ASS out of U and ME. 

As always all the info you need, event info, timings and tickets on the website assuming (damn it) you remember it's all there at www.dreadnoughtrock.com 24/7. 

#stay local

#supportlocalvenues

#supportlocalbusiness

#usetheforce

#seeintothefuture

NEWS 30 March 2022

Well that's another month done in a Flash.....and will come back to that in a second. 

Bravo to all the bands for providing a great nights live entertainment for those who came out to see them. Certainly it could be better and should be based on the level of bands always stopping on their tour or arranging a specific night. 

Also to those returning to rock the night away to 3am even tho many got caught out again with the clock changing on their smart devices thinking it was nearly 3am when it was still nearly 2am GMT. Wish we could go old tech on nights like this as it always confuses folk or you could just wait on the music stopping then you would know it's hame time. 

Granted a few curve balls are still coming in and hitting us square on the jaw due to ongoing covid transmission causing mayhem - bands to pull out and isolate also people having to change plans last minute too. It's commonly termed as BAWS. Nothing we can do - nothing you can do just baws.

Thankfully the Covid Rollercoaster is nearly over as it looks like rates are going down as quick as they went up and most events are being attended well enough which we can only hope will get back to where they should be sooner than later. Certainly at time of writing this 2nd April event with FLASH - QUEEN TRIBUTE is only 15....hang on 13 tickets away from being sold out and a few other crackers coming up in the months ahead following suit. 

So don't hang off - if you fancy it - get in there and make sure you grab a ticket. It also helps us more than you can imagine to stock, staff, time, prepare and most of all ensure events go ahead with a great turnout they deserve. 

We are getting there and dare say there will still be the odd blip and change last minute to come still which without a crystal ball will just have to make the best guess where we can. 

Certainly and hopefully this will hit home we want to go ahead with EVERYTHING we have scheduled but sometimes that can go out of the window with various event factors/set ups some that could be crippling financially to the band or venue if sales just don't look like they will be good enough. Hey we know everyone would like to be at the club for every event but life is still complicated just now and cash is getting tighter. 

Sadly one has fallen foul of having to be cancelled yesterday due to very poor sales in the shape of WHO Tribute - The Sellout which is a shame as the lads are top notch. Based on the event hits and stats it just doesn't look good never mind the super low advance sales which isn't near enough to cover the band expenses. Those "going" or "interested" via facebook events sadly didn't follow on and grab a ticket. We ain't giving anyone a hard time btw we know its hard going just now and many do that to remind them when they see it or forget to look it up again. We get it. Thankfully it's not a regular occurrence and most events are seeing sufficient interest. Granted it could be better but heading in right direction.  Thankfully it doesn't happen that often but when it does it's still the very last resort and hurts more than anyone could know. 

GORDONS ALIVE will now play on 9th April instead - Event info now online. 

News emerged yesterday that The Quireboys has parted company with Spike. It's all getting a bit complicated and dare say will take a while to a point where we can get the answers we need from management about the proposed 28 Oct event we have scheduled. We won't take sides in this and ultimately we will have to decide to go one way or another with the event based on various factors but mostly on what the fans are saying which seems to be getting rather heated at the moment. When we know more we can advise best course of action but if ticket holders have questions email me please - alanr@dreadnoughtrock.com

We have a packed APRIL schedule all of which is listed on the website so please take the time to have a wee read. 

The 50th Anniversary Party invites are flowing big time now and have intentionally not been pushing them via social media channels to try and get folk back into the swing of using and checking the website FIRST. That seems to be working as the 80's night invites are now waiting list only. SO if you fancy joining in the fun get onto the website and apply for an invite and tickets will be issued via skiddle from yours truly. Simple

TWO YEARS ON

Its strange how a date sticks with you, isn't it. 

I thought we shouldn't pass up a quick zip through a time that has changed so much for so many while trying to maintain some kind of normality. To all those who sadly aren't with us anymore or able to come and rock as you once did - you will be missed. 

.................................................................................................................................................

Two years ago to the day I'm writing this we were sat dumbstruck at what had been announced the night before from the PM who said don't go to bars or generally go out as this new virus thing called Covid sweeping through Europe had now landed on our shores and spreading fast. 

A state of lockdown never seen in peacetime before was soon to be upon us. 

What the hell is going on, how long is this going to last, what are we going to do ran through our minds all that day as there was pretty much zero information or assistance. We knew it was now survival mode to endure the financial pain that lay ahead if we could not open and generate income as we have always done for decades. 

Not one to lie down or throw in the towel that easily we set about working the challenge like the mad men that we are. Whilst cutting costs and seeking information we hunkered down got on with what we could to maintain also prepare the venue for what we thought at the time would just be a few weeks holiday.....mibbey a month and a bit (well I did) until this virus ran it's course and blew itself out on the small reserve we had set aside for more upgrades at the club. 

Months on from that fateful day we were still looking for the answers we needed but thankfully some support and financial relief was dribbling our way as Governments grappled with the covid jaggy nettle.

It was a small relief we were allowed with "alot" of changes to operate simply as a bar from July that year so to try and generate some vital income as reserves we had for a planned upgrade were running low also get as many staff back to work and of course start to see all of you again in still a very much make things up as we go approach from Governments. 

One main mission certainly was for us in this period that carried on throughout the pandemic was to take measures and maintain them for everyone's wellbeing and safety. Something that even to this weekend we still remind everyone to follow, possibly that has been detrimental to business in order to keep a lid as best we can on infections in the venue. 

It was far from what we do that it was quite impossible to put into words how much we didn't like that time, even more so when background music was "banned" from all bars and venues because it could spark extra transmission in the August. The first of many bizarre twists and turns set to test us and take the whole industry to breaking point. 

We had no option to work with the shifting sands of guidance also new legalities along with the newly established facebook legal and covid experts paying their 2 pence to say how it is and how it isn't.

We battled on best we could but it was getting so far from what we do normally it seemed painful to everyone who came to support us and all the rockcrew. As we headed into September and after enduring the constant updates and new guidance to the end of September decided enough was enough only to find we would have to close again anyway as things weren't going to plan with infection rates and all that R stuff. I know this sounds mad but it was welcome relief at the time. Our cat herding skills had became expert and how we needed it to go along with plate spinning and juggling so many things never experienced....ever.  

We were lucky in a way getting to end of September having not yet gone round the bend to find some added Government funding that was hard fought for by The Music Venue Trust and venues was allocated to us and a simply humbling crowdfunder to bolster the ever shrinking bank balance as the bills still had to be paid with limited income from what we tagged PUB MODE. Still in what was another dark time the crowdfunder gave a glimmer of hope how everyone regarded the club which will stick with us forever. 

Another lockdown in October so back to survival mode and got on with what we could as there was no real indications what these new variants had in store or when we could start rocking again. 

After quite a....cough.....lengthy period of always being asked and "meaning to do" some club merch, with spare time now abundant again and with the assistance of Promotional Impressions we developed after decades of the asking a range of club merch...I know it's not months sometimes with us but decades. Again thank you to all who purchased hoodies and T's and still wear them with pride as you helped again to keep the wheels of steel turning albeit very slowly behind the scenes. 

Winter turned to Spring 2021 and lockdown easing was in the air for some but not yet for us or live music never mind nightclubs but with Jabs of vaccine now hitting the arms knew it wouldn't be too long. Optimism was in the air again. 

It still took to July to be able to open the doors once more but this time with some much needed live music to return with at last. Although it was heavily restricted, seated and had to do table service it felt this was the right time to restart things, suck up the inconvenience and heavily reduced capacity in the knowledge that it was the first wee step to getting back to normal as the weeks progressed. Music loving people deprived of what they took for granted returned and thanked us for re-opening. Another very humbling time and certainly the boost we all needed. You don't know how you miss something until it's gone was the feeling and a wee reminder for some who overlooked what we do every week. 

In the August of '21 it was confirmed the Nightclub could also fire up once more and after a year and a half since this all began could get back to what we do best. 

Live Music with no distancing or real restraints followed up by some rocking upstairs to the wee hours. 

YA Beauty......

Temping fate we also re-started the planned location change of ladies loos we had hoped to do in 2020 in order to improve the layout even more on the live level. 

However covid restrictions and dabbling from Scot Gov weren't too far away and by the October 21 Covid passports took the wind from our sails, divided society and caused unwarranted grief for all frontline staff and many of our society too. The confusion caused a wave of questions on what we could and couldn't do for the live events also quite inevitably footfall suffered as the honeymoon seemed over again. It was all I seemed to do for weeks on end dealing with this carry on forced upon us with little or no evidence it would make anyone safer more than we were already doing. 

Again we had no option but to battle on and with some truly fantastic events on the live level and steady footfall for the nightclub although still nowhere pre-pandemic (but promising) knew we were getting there despite the very unfair and unworkable covid passports. 

Sadly the Covid still wasn't finished with us yet, was it and with a new variant with quite an imposing name OMICRON emerging, panic once again set in and the messaging of old not to go out as we entered what should be the busiest period of December. Boy did that hurt. Just as things were getting there another period of uncertainty and once again another lockdown dressed up this time as protections was upon us along with more twists and turns on support than on a rollercoaster that caused an extended shut down for the live level and nightclub. 

So to 2022 and with the majority of society now triple jagged more optimism and that OMICRON wasn't as bad as feared. At the end of January 2022 we were allowed to resume full operations and once again rebuild the shattered confidence we worked so hard to rebuild in 2021. Full steam ahead captain !

As we moved through February and now mid March we go full circle to two years ago to the day me and DC sat at the club looking into space which we did today for old times sake and wonder what the future holds in our 50th year certainly feeling 10 years older never mind two. 

Well that's the easy bit it's all set out to the mid point of the year with a packed schedule and some party nights to mark a fantastic moment where a wee club in Bathgate has rocked on for so long through change of venues, some crippling periods and changes - some for the good and some for the bad. Still to have a big chunk of original staff and boardroom behind it all is short of remarkable and again thanks to all the thousands over the last 5 decades who called it their second home. 

SO to wrap this wee two year trip........We have done what we could and then some to get to this point. 

In a way it's now upto you guys to take us forward. 

To be at the wide and varied gigs with local bands to truly international grade musicians all that deserve to be well attended that was so viciously taken away for over 18 months and all yearned to return to.

To be grabbing advance tickets to show you are coming in the weekends ahead instead of causing me more grey/nae hairs waiting to the last gasp, also to keep those superb bands stopping at Bathgate instead of heading past the door to Glasgow or Edinburgh meaning you'll have to travel and pay way more in the future to see them. 

Finally and most importantly of all to be out in the club enjoying yourself again dancing and singing like you did before all this started for the months, years and possibly decades to come writing more history and memories as we go. 

Alan

Covid Passports NO MORE

At long last Covid Passports are NO MORE. 

Since October 2021 until 28 February the LEGAL requirement imposed on all nightclubs in Scotland and some other business sectors has ended. Many people were unhappy about it including ourselves but as a business had no choice legally to ask for proof of vaccination to enter the nightclub. We could have lost our licence ultimately and to those who didn't see our dilemma that division and uncertainty has now ended as we hopefully now move forward to a more normal way of doing things especially in our 50th Anniversary year. 

To all those who helped and obliged on this which wasn't the end of the world a massive thanks. To all those who couldn't help verbally abusing our front line staff or agued we were wrong also on why they couldn't get in hopefully you will now realise it was the last thing we wanted or needed at the time which the whole industry argued against and even took legal action against this imposition which from the evidence still being produced made no difference to transmission levels in that 5ish month period, one of which we were forced to close again. 

Hopefully the madness, confusion and division this all caused has ended and we can get on with what we do best. 

Thanks again and hope to see you back in rocking over TWO levels at Scotland's longest running rock club now in it's 50th year. 

Head over to www.dreadnoughtrock.com for all the low down on What's On. 

March 2022 Update

As we say cheerio to another month of Live Music with the awesome SKYLINE and NIGHTFLY and another damn good rocking the outlook seems better this week for some reason. 

 

Not only do we get a step closer to our 50th Party nights detailed on the website and more top live nights, we also look forward to a more normal way of operating and everyone hopefully coming out more once again as Spring enters the air. 

After all we can only rock along if you do. 

We'll certainly encourage as much as we can but ultimately if you want to see top bands hit Bathgate you have to grab a ticket in advance once more and avoid last minute as that right now is the main factor on why so many things are still being postponed elsewhere and we take it on the chin in the meantime. I'm sure that cycle will end but please grab a ticket as soon as you can and show your continued support as it is still very much needed.   

March has a full schedule of events all laid out on the website featuring a special EP LAUNCH NIGHT from JASON SWEENEY, A cracking heat for METAL 2THE MASSES, first time outings for awesome covers bands, return of popular bands and help ma boab - The Polis rescheduled date finally arrived. 

Oh and other plus this week is the Scottish Government have announced their living with covid plan taking away the legal stand points and returning things to you and I or in other words personal choice. 

We have long opposed the covid passport scheme and despite legal challenges, massive division with people and upset caused to both staff and customers alike at last it is being dropped as a legal requirement forced upon all nightclubs in Scotland to see vaccine status as a condition of entry with the fear and threat of prosecution if we did not. It was never going to work nor was it ever going to reduce anyone's risk of transmission that was glaringly apparent when Omicron came along and all nightclubs were actually closed. 

So with this dropped from 28th February we hopefully can see an upturn in nightclub traffic again especially from those who didn't obtain their proofs, couldn't obtain them or like us were opposed to it all. Hopefully it will also remove the doubt or uncertainty on what to do or what was required before or after the live events too as we step slowly into March and more normality creeps back to our lives. 

We have done our upmost to keep all staff and customers as safe as possible and mitigate risks which where possible will continue in some part. For example we will maintain the hand sanitiser points which helps your hand hygiene as well as the ventilation we have always had in place which we feel has certainly helped keep a lid on transmission at the Dread along with you guys doing what was right and following the reminders. 

The legal requirement for wearing a mask continues to 21 March and we will still be doing our best as we have throughout to remind you to simply pop a mask on when going to the bar or wandering. The LEGAL requirement for this will come to an end and become guidance. For anyone that still feels they want to wear one you will be supported especially on a busy night as it is still your choice to do so. 

A full updated set of guidance as ever will be maintained on the home page of the website. 

In other news we set out another upgrade to the club a year ago to move the ladies loos downstairs away from the stage area to next to the gents ones as well as the accessible toilet for anyone to use. It's been a hard slog thro the covid closure periods, material shortages, cash juggling but have slowly edged forward to getting within touching distance of being finished. 

This upgrade will help a lot on all nights but massively on larger scale live nights. The flooring is now down which just leaves cubicles to be assembled, the loos located and some other joinery work to round off another addition that improves the layout and usability of the only place that rocks every weekend. I know sounds easy but still a couple of weeks work. Fingers crossed by mid-late March I can christen it lol. Quality checks etc etc. 

Finally this week we have laid out the 50th Plans and already launched some special nights along announcing the return of Blaze Bailey the former front man for MAIDEN in May 2022 no less but one that I have been chasing for a while now comes to life this Friday 25th Feb when a man called Dan that has been with us 3 times over the years solo brings his internationally renowned BAND to town. In the words of Boaby the barman - You'll pish your frillys....hopefully after you bought a ticket. 

Nifty 50 !!

A milestone achievement even in normal times but with covid and various challenges it even more impressive the wee rock club in Bathgate has chalked up so many years and still going strong. 

This piece was submitted to the Daily Record/Courier but this is the full version :

Bathgate has long held its reputation as the music capital of West Lothian, and that is due in no small part to the Scottish music institution that is DreadnoughtRock.

For literally generations music fans across Scotland flocked to Bathgate to see what all the fuss was about.

The club has a legacy to uphold – some of the same DJs have performed in DreadnoughtRock for 40+ years, with the newest DJ having a tenure of JUST four years, along with certain bar staff who have worked for us for decades too.

The team behind Dreadnought don’t remember exactly when the venue first opened to the day, but after looking through accounts and listening to the oral histories of long-time customers and friends, they narrowed down the time of opening to around April / May in 1972 - give or take a month or so.

Regardless, Douglas Croft took over the rock disco from Studio 4 around 47 years ago who started the ball rolling in 1972 are now set to celebrate their golden anniversary in 2022 with Douglas still at the helm.

Alan Russell, the operations manager of DreadnoughtRock spoke about being open in Bathgate for 50 years, he said:

“It’s fairly unique for any company to be open 50 years, never mind in our line of work.

“I’ve been involved with Dreadnought for the last 25 plus…. years, and I’ve seen the scene change massively in West Lothian.

“Back then there were at least eight nightclubs in Bathgate and around 15-20 in West Lothian - now I think West Lothian only has three altogether.

“That just shows how phenomenal it is to be open this long - and I think what makes us have that staying power is that we simply gradually evolved with all who came along for a great night out dressed to the nines or arse hanging out their jeans. All that mattered was everyone enjoyed themselves .”

Ten years ago the club's 40th anniversary night invited a total of 100 people on a Sunday night, which quickly escalated into a chaotic party with many more looking for invites as word spread.

Following on from their 40th anniversary celebrations in 2012, the management are keen to expand things this time so not to miss anyone out as keeping track of all who have been part of the history would be impossible - so have decided to host four nights of celebration now scheduled on their website events page.

The four nights will allow for all the ex-staff and customers of Dreadnought to come back and relive their glory days from the club's half a century's worth of history.

The club got its name from the Old Dreadnought Hotel, the original venue that sadly closed around 2006 when Swallow Hotels, the owner of the hotel at the time went into administration.

Despite the loss of their spiritual home Dreadnoughtrock carried on, eventually settling at its new venue on King Street in Bathgate where it’s been for nearly 15 years.

Alan concludes:

“While nothing changed dramatically over the years in regards to the rock ethos, we’ve evolved the types of rock music and introduced more live bands from local to international standings that still provide a safe and enjoyable place to be. 

Granted many things have came and went over the decades but so much of the spirit of the years gone by remain that made the club special. That very much is down to those who came and made it special that we hopefully will see passing down to the next generation. We hope that continues in the future.

“We’ve been rocking through some torturous times lately, of course Covid has hit us hard, and a multitude of other factors throughout the decades but we are still here and still rocking every weekend. 

This is not purely just down to the teams behind the scenes hard work over the years but to all who have came and been part of our history. 

We thank you all and look forward to the years and decades to come. 

NEWS UPDATE 19 January 2022

Great news at last that the restrictions sorry protections put in place at end of 2021 come to an end and we can RE-OPEN from Friday 28th January 2022 over both levels to bring back live events and rock upstairs in the nightclub once more. 

The long slog of re-building confidence restarts now AGAIN. Something that took a while in 2021 shattered within a week or two at the end of 2021 from Scot Gov as the uncertainty and unknows grew over Omnicronic. 

We hope that everyone starts to emerge from this latest period fit, well, healthy (as as near as damn it) looking at coming along as we kick off our 50th Anniversary year also seek out and buy event tickets again, booking in advance to show they are coming. 

I appreciate that many might still want to hold off and have their reasons for doing that, but have to explain that approach is now causing many tours, bands and venues up and down the UK when they see poor or insufficient sales to make the impossible call devoid of a crystal ball or ability to see into the future to continue with planned events OR more and more to postpone events despite restrictions either not being in place South of the border or when they end in Scotland. The more who hang off - the more the issue deepens. 

I know it's an impossible situation and hope something we can all get through quickly. I mentioned this before re-opening in 2021 and will say it again that I think this would and proven to be doing more harm than the restrictions would do. We refund anything that triggers a cancellation or postponement and skiddle even credit your booking fee so you are never out of pocket. 

Hopefully that and how we have operated throughout the pandemic will give you the confidence to book in advance and stop this cycle as we can only hang on so long to see how things progress and as I've said tons of times in the past the LAST thing we want to do but if it's going to be financially crippling to the band or the venue we have to consider a cancellation or postponement. There I said it. 

It's also worth noting we are now seeing hesitancy within bands set to play in venues based on home/personal/health covid related reasons which we fully appreciate and know it's a very hard decision to come to, so can't imagine what you are going through not play or rehearse. Sadly just another thing we face as bands can't commit to dates set well in advance up and down the country thinking we would be past this carry on. I'm afraid we have one coming up soon like that and will announce the plan of attack on that event very soon. 

Sorry to bring the joyous news down a few pegs but always better to share what's on the old mind which hasn't been too far off the mark with the old covid planning. 

SO to re-opening plans. What's what....and what's happening or changed. 

We revert back to how it was before closing to be honest and guidance as ever is on the home page of the website to refer to. 

LIVE EVENTS are back and ROCK CLUB ACTION follows on when they finish. It's only been a month and a bit since we could last do it together so hopefully you haven't forgotten what to do. 

MASKS are still mandatory in ALL hospitality settings when entering and moving about which for us includes going to the BARS. We can refuse entry and service for blatant refusal to wear one but will offer gentle reminders before we get to that point so use a bit common sense and ensure you are packing your own mask please. For the minutes to come in and get served not the end of the world. 

COVID VACCINE STATUS checks or covid passports as they have been dubbed are mandatory for us to check anyone coming to the nightclub including the boosters (although at time of writing this yet to see the in's and outs of the updates). So please download/update the app or have a paper proof sent to you as before. We won't get into the rights and wrongs of this other than to say we ain't happy with it either and something we legally must ask for. Please take it up with your local MSP or direct to Scot Gov if you have any comments or issues. FYI we never see your medical history when scanning your QR code just a green ticket on the screen to say we are good. 

 A RECENT (within 24hrs) negative lateral flow test (LFT) can be shown as an alternative to covid passports for entry to nightclubs as well for anyone having issues with vaccine status and welcome them over a passport any day of the week. Please ensure the results are logged on the NHS network (link on home page of website) as proof of a recent test and result to show on entry. 

IF you have any questions let us know but in the meantime get on the website and some excellent events coming your way soon. 

www.dreadnoughtrock.com

SOME BAD NEWS or a reminder of bad news mentioned last year. 

Thro late 2020 and into 2021 we became aware that the mobile App company we pay to develop and service it had gone quiet - very quiet. Even the ability to download it from Apple and Google app stores stopped with no communication why. Certain updates we needed to have done as in incorporating the new Skiddle event listing similar to the website couldn't happen as no-one was responding to our service requests. As a result when skiddle withdrew the very outdated ticket listing on the app at end of 2021 as there was nothing we could do further with it. 

Effectively it's now a dead duck and ask all to use their phone browser to access the website (which is SSL secure) gig listings. Apologies as many used it very regularly to check what was on and book tickets securely. Totally pissed off after the development and costs but there ye are and the reason the app only half works and why you can't download it any more. 

 

FRIDAY 25 FEB TBC

11 JANUARY NEWS UPDATE

After the 11 Jan review from Scot Gov no real substance for when the Nightclub can re-open also getting vital information on the number of questions we need answered on the complexities of the much needed support grants still go unanswered, so just like the video update posted on facebook where we are very much caught in no mans land we have to default to remaining closed for now and cancel off another weekend of live events pending more information. 

As it stands if we open the live level we would lose the ability to apply for the Nightclub Closure grant and I'm afraid until we get any concrete updates have to keep the full club closed TEMPORARILY. 

Just like Scot Gov....stay tuned for more updates next week. Same place....same channel. 

JANUARY 2022 NEWS - 4 Jan 2022

Well we've made it - 50 years of history, great nights, friendships, marriages, divorces and possibly even a few conceptions (not during a visit.....hopefully)

Scotland's Longest running Rock Club is now into it's 50th year so a Happy New Year to all. 

Granted not the start we had hoped for with a wee bit more uncertainty and Scot Gov deciding that nightclubs should be closed again after only being able to operate from August 2021 despite at least from our side many precautions, ventilation, as safe an environment as possible and insistence on many basic things such as masks, track and trace and other mandatory points despite the massive increase in facebook lawyers and medical experts turning up at the door to simply be told their facebook degree is not accepted at our school. 

We do find ourselves with a bit of a mission once again to build up the confidence for people who decided staying in for Christmas was what suited them best possibly didn't realise at the time had a massive ripple effect on every part of the night time economy right down to those business who look after getting you looking a million dollars to go out. 

Although we can't operate the nightclub until further updates we are re-starting the live music in January once again in safe seated operation. It does mean that capacity is cut once again but hopefully this will help the confidence re-building process that needs to happen otherwise many a venue will be lost or struggle and that will be more damaging than what covid has done in the last 2 years. 

I'll be up front and say we are not immune from that just because we've managed to hang around for 50 years. We once again need every bit of support once again whether it's a share on facebook or your bum on a seat at a gig in January onwards with all important advance ticket to show that you are coming. 

We appreciate things can change in an instant now with isolation by the household load being the major thing as Omnicronic takes over. The same can be true our end if a band member has to isolate causing a gig to reschedule. We certainly will try our best to ensure everything can go ahead as planned but please understand it's a knife edge we are walking so please be patient also check in with the latest on the event listing as it's the FIRST to be updated then via social media on the run up to the event. 

We hope to see you at what has had to be revised month to deal with a few things mentioned also work within the guidance issued just last week. 

As it stands :

FRIDAY 7th Jan - Rock covers from DIRTY BETTY

SATURDAY 8th - Rock Covers from THE SIGNS

FRIDAY 14th - tbc soon

SATURDAY 15th - Rock Covers from JOJOCOKE

FRIDAY 21st - Covers from FASTFORWARD

SATURDAY 22nd - Original Band THE SCARLET REBELS on tour with support tbc

FRIDAY 28th - tbc soon

SATURDAY 29th - STILL MARILLION

A Scottish Gov review is due on the current plan of attack on Tues 11 Jan for following 3 weeks into Feb which may have a ripple effect on events in second part of the month and early Feb will keep you all updated but as you can imagine we are now back to a point we never thought we would see again, and the constant wait and see what Scot Gov will do or adjust pretty short notice. 

It makes planning more that 2 weeks ahead nearly impossible again. 

So yet again we call upon your patience to see what we can do and can't do in the given timescales and ask to keep checking the website events listings FIRST and FOREMOST. 

Simply pulling the plug, moving or deciding too quickly can be just as damaging to an already fragile confidence situation which we have learned very quickly in the last two years of juggling and spinning plates to balance the need of the business, bands wishes, financial burdens but most importantly the safety of all who attend the club. 

Simple things like bands booking a flight months in advance to save a shilling now becomes financially crippling if there are any last minute changes so bands wait for clarity that sometimes never comes. However there is a point of making a decision sometimes a month or two ahead that has to come. Sadly in the case of XSLF that were coming over in March fits into that, coupled with lack of confidence really affecting advance sales will just let you see the tip of the iceberg we have to deal with weekly. So when you roll these factors in with many more it means certain things have to be cancelled or postponed well in advance. Only if there had been another 20 or 30 sales in the bag after tickets being available for good part of two years could have made all the difference to the decision and helped cover fees associated with any live event to go ahead. 

Anyway lets leave it there for now and hope to see you hitting the website for all the details you need for the weeks and months that lie ahead.