This Is Guernsey

By Zoe Ash

Doghouse manager Nick Stephens with The Really Hot Chili Peppers, one of the UK tribute bands to have appeared at The Doghouse. After a last gig on Valentine’s Day, such acts and local groups will perform at The Rockmount instead as the Rohais venue closes for a makeover. (0697745)

THE DOGHOUSE will close its doors as a music venue for the final time on Valentine’s Day – but all is not lost for lovers of live bands.

The music will play on for local bands and UK tribute acts, but at the Rockmount instead.

The proprietor of both, David Nussbaumer, said the Doghouse, which opened nine years ago, had run its course as a live music venue.

‘I believe we have played an important part in keeping music live in Guernsey. You only have to look at how many venues are now putting on gigs and the local scene is thriving.’

A major refit will follow the closure, in just under six weeks’ time, in preparation for the launch of a new restaurant and bar, due to open in March, the details of which are being kept under wraps.

The public bar at the back of the Rockmount will become a regular live music venue fitted with the stage units, sound and lighting systems from The Doghouse.

The venue’s promoter, Nick Creed, said 17 nights were already lined up for this year and that plans were also in hand for balcony concerts at Cobo.

‘It won’t be every week, so a gig at the Rockmount will have a special feel about it. I believe the back bar is potentially Guernsey’s best venue.

‘It’s basically a big square room with a bar – true pub rock.’

He said that from now until the closure, it was business as usual at the Doghouse and its manager, Nick Stephens, said he was looking forward to the restaurant development.

‘We’ve got some exciting ideas for the new venue, both in terms of decor and dining.

‘It will be a little sad to say goodbye to the bands and our regular gig-goers, but as a management team we don’t like to stand still and we all believe this is the right direction for the business.’

Several UK tribute bands will play before the closure – The Fillers, The Four Fighters and Coolplay. On the final weekend, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February, tributes to the Kaiser Chiefs (the Kaiser Thieves) and Blur (Blurb) will go head-to-head in a battle of the bands.

Local groups also still to play include Spoonful, The Devotees and The Tracy Barlows.

Article posted on 6th January, 2009 - 2.29pm