Interesting thread. When I first attended all-nighters at the age of 15, most of the older guys were probably no older than 25, at the very most. Had we been surrounded by people our parents' age, we simply wouldn't have gone, would we?
The vast majority of people attending UK venues are approaching 50, some approaching retirement age or over, in some cases. I visited the 100 Club two years ago with two Spanish friends who are my youngest nephew's age 26.
The first question they asked was 'why are all these people sitting down?' What are the tables for?'
Record dealers, I replied somewhat unconvincingly. Two thirds of the crowd were sitting down, unthinkable at a Sp nish gig. Over here, I'm in a clear minority & I feel my bloody age, surrounded by folk aged 25-35.
I would hardly consider 30 something to be middle aged either, unless life expectancy in Brown's Britain has taken a tumble.
I understand these guys' concerns a 100% & say go ahead on, create those venues & take it to river.