No one seems to have yet considered why it is that the 100 Club had such dramatic rent increases imposed upon it year after year (or even noticed as it was happening). The reason, of course, is profit aka return on investment. The venue has been squeezed out of existence, pound by pound, over a number of years. Its demise was heralded from the moment the ridiculous rents were set. The coffin was ordered well before it came to be aware of its impending death.
No one, apart from those burdened with paying the bills, complained. No one raised their voice and cried "this Stonehenge of musical venues is under threat; we must save it before progress dooms it completely." No one seems to recall the recent thread started by Ady about how numbers were down at the 100 Club nighters, and how everyone subsequently promised to do good and avert a crisis already made by turning up to show their 'faithful' support.
It's all a little too late...
Having said that, what is it that needs saving? The building in which the venue is situated (I remember having appointments with the recruitment agencies in the floors above - if the building is doomed, should they be saved?), or the legend of some nearly dark secret held in the basement? Is it bricks and mortar that need to be saved, or a musical legacy that can exist in hearts and minds, cd's, video's, 45s and countless memories. Of course, it is the building that's of value to its owners, not some 50-year old dive that's never brought in the desired financial returns - and probably never could. If you only know the building as the space in the basement in which a music venue is sited, then you have missed the larger commercial picture, as sad as it is.
They say that you are only live for as long as the last person to remember you. I remember the 100 Club as it existed s a dive in the basement of the building on Oxford Street. I never went to the Wigan Casino, the Torch or Catacombs - far too young for that - but I can nonetheless feel the impact and vibrancy of these venues, and the events that took place in them, through the experiences of those who share and keep their memories alive.
Long live the 100 Club.