Liquid Room forced to axe its return gig

THE fire-stricken Liquid Room has been dealt another setback just days before it was due to host its first gig in 18 months.

Club owner John McWilliams had hoped to play host to top DJ Sasha this weekend as a "test run" for the venue's official relaunch on August 4.

But after a last-minute setback, Saturday's gig has had to be moved to rival music venue the HMV Picture House on Lothian Road.

It comes after a building assessment ruled that a fire curtain had to be added, which involved removing part of the ceiling this week.

This is the latest in a long line of delays involved with refurbishing the venue, which was devastated by the Victoria Street fire in December 2008.

Mr McWilliams said: "It's just one of those things that can't be helped.

"We want to get the place right - there's no point opening it up if it's not right.

"It's unfortunate the way it's panned out but we are pushing on with the work as fast as we can."

The owner said he is confident the club will be ready for the relaunch, as well as the events leading up to it which kick off on July 30.

Mr McWilliams added: "I hope this is the last setback, but if it's anything like the rest of the job, I don't think it will be."

A complete refurbishment of the fire-hit Liquid Room has been carried out, which will carry a final price tag of 3.2 million.

Phase two of the project - which will be completed at a later date - will see the venue's basement converted into a second club, complete with stage, sound system and its own bars, and will host bands in front of a more intimate audience of up to 300 people.

Fyfe Dangerfield is set to play at the official relaunch, while bands including Stornoway, The Divine Comedy and Feeder will perform throughout next month.

A statement on the Liquid Room website said: "It is with big disappointment to announce we have been informed that the Liquid Room will not be ready for this forthcoming weekend. This is due to a fire curtain that is required to be added following a building assessment, which involves removing part of the ceiling.

"However, Musika are relieved to announce our contingency plan has been put into place. Saturday's event with Sasha will now take place at the HMV Picture House."

"The Liquid Room shall be supplying the brand spanking new sound system alongside their new lighting and visual spec to add to the Picture House production and ensure the event is sounding and looking of the highest quality."