Closure would be a real loss to Brum; LEISURE: Protests as rock venue is threatened by the bulldozer.

Byline: By Andy Shipley

MUSIC fans today united in their support of the Carling Academy amid fears the rock venue is threatened by the bulldozers.

The Birmingham Mail reported yesterday how the Dale End concert hall may be closed and an alternative home found when a multi-million development of Priory Square starts in two years.

But music fans brought up on bands at the Academy, and its previous incarnation as The Hummingbird, spoke of a sense of loss.

Wolverhampton University student Leanne Addenbrook, aged 18, from Dudley, said: "I've been to quite a few gigs here and to the Friday club night, which we'd lose as well if it closed.

"The best gig I've been to at the Academy was Razorlight."

Fellow student Adam Shaw, aged 19, from Blackheath, said: "The Academy is the only medium-sized venue in the area, because the NEC is for far bigger bands.

"The next nearest similar venue is in Wolverhampton and I think that's too far to go for a lot of people."

UCE furnishings graduate Sam Round, aged 22, from Kings Norton, last saw The Hives at the venue.

He said: "I go to the Academy now and again and walk past to see what's coming up.

"It would be ashame to even see it moved, let alone closed, because it would mean a loss of history when you think of all the bands that have played here over the years. I just hope when they talk about moving it, they don't mean out of Birmingham because that would be a massive loss for the city."

Para-legal with Temple Street-based Irwin Mitchell, Adam Wiseman, aged 20, from Great Barr, said: "The loss of the Academy would mean one less venue for people to go to. I can't see many people making the trek up to Wolverhampton to go and see bands."

Bournville College fashion student Caroline Langton, aged 19, said: "I used to go to the Academy quite regularly, to the club night as opposed to see bands. I think it would be a loss to Birmingham if it closed."

But HMV team leader Shane Brookes, aged 21, of Bartley Green, said the closure of The Academy could be a blessing in disguise.

"It has got a sense of history but I think it's seen better days," said Shane. "The sound system is getting old and it's difficult to get a decent view of the band.

"If closing it means getting a brand new, purpose-built venue in the city centre, then maybe that's for the best."

CAPTION(S):

POPULAR... the historic Carling Academy music venue could be closed down with the redevelopment of Priory Square.' LEANNE ADDENBROOK.' ADAM SHAW.' SAM ROUND.' ADAM WISEMAN.' CAROLINE LANGTON.' SHANE BROOKES.