This month we got some very sad news. After years of fantastic live music and amazing memories, the Fox and Goose in Southport is closing its doors.

It’s had a bit of a turbulent time in recent years. But now we’re sad to report that it looks as though it’s shutting for good. There’s even talk of it being turned into flats in the not-too-distant future.

This was really hard for us to hear. But how much harder must it have been for all the people who worked so long and hard to try and keep this much-loved venue going? And we know that all the loyal regulars who turned out to support the fantastic variety of bands that played every week are feeling it too.

It’s tough for venues. Rents are expensive and punters have more choice for weekend entertainment now than they ever did. And the Fox was a big place (if you’ve been upstairs, you’ll know we mean massive). And the bigger the building, the more expensive the maintenance.

For us, the Fox is a huge loss. It really was a cracking venue. Nice big stage? Check. Good sized room? Check. Friendly staff? Check. Awesome, supportive crowd? Check, check and check! It even scored bonus points on the load-in (no steps – a major win for any band lugging loads of gear around, dontcherknow!). The old girl was an all-round winner and we’re sad to see her go.

But, while we’ll really miss the place – the bands, the DJs, the cool as décor and often hilarious graffiti in the loos – what we’ll never lose are the friendships and memories we made there. We’ve had so many amazing gigs at the Fox (our Ann makes it about 40 since she joined the band in 2007, but it’s probably more!). And every single one has been an absolute belter thanks to all the brilliant people who supported live music at their local rock venue.

There are too many for us to name here, but you know exactly who you are, you lovely lot.

There’s not much else to say, really – except thank you. Thank you to Miles, Ian, Jay, Andy, Jan, Kirsty and everyone who worked so hard to keep the Fox alive. Thank you to everyone who supported all the awesome bands that played there over the years, week in week out. You never took the place for granted, and for that we salute you.

We were meant to be playing the Fox on Saturday 29 December. Thankfully, though, we’ve been lucky enough to get a gig at the Chop House that night instead. So don’t worry, Southport, we will continue to rock ya!

And we’ll never forget our frequent Goosings in Southport. \m/

What are your happiest memories of the Fox? Did we first meet you there? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our video tribute to this top venue.