A Rocking night out (Rock City)

Member Name: andydennis

Product:	Rock City
Date:	30/08/01 (85 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellant range of rock music, Live bands, Three rooms to choose from

Disadvantages: Very busy, Not too cheap, Hard too find

Rock city is touted as being the best rock club in the north by many popular rock magazines, so me and some friends travelled down from Sheffield to check out this venue.
At first it was a little difficult to locate. Rock city is tucked away in a back street. Thankfully when we went into the scream pub round the corner, all we had to do was follow the horde of goths and skaters off to the venue.
After queing for about 15 mins we eventually got into the place. We stuck our jackets in the cloakroom and took the chance to explore whilst it still wasn't too busy. I had heard mixed reports, some people say the place is smallish, others say too big espeically when busy.
The club has the rig located downstairs, which plays old school rock and metal. Opposite to this is a very small room which plays a mix of Drum and bass, Skate punk and Nu metal, and music that crosses between D'n'B and metal such as pitchshifter.
From here you can then head upstairs. This is where you will find 3 bars, a fairly big dance floor and stage where obviously the bands play who come to rock city. Finally above this is the balcony bar.
I'd guess the club is of medium size, and thank god its not any bigger. On all nighters the place becomes very very busy. Its very difficult to find your friends if your split up due to the layout and size of the club.
So apart from the size what else can be said about rock city. Unfortunatly when it is packed it can take ages to get too the bar, at one point we waited about 20 mins to get served, so I suggest when you go you buy several beers in one go to save going backwards and forwards.
As for the music, you really are spolit for choice.
The Rig plays all the old classic Motorhead, Maiden, and G'n'R. The smaller room tends to be a little more experimental, and upstairs plays everything from Metallica to Slipknot.
My only criticism of the night was they didn't play as much punk as I would h
ave liked. At the end of the day this may just have been down to the DJ and the night. I certainly wouldn't let that put me off going again.
I was surprised to hear them also play some Sisters of Mercy and goth tunes in the large room, as many rock clubs I have been too tend not too play goth and leave that for the dedicated nights (such as Dissolution in Sheffield). This made an interesting break from the likes of limp Bizkit and Papa Roach.
Rock city as many of you will know also hosts bands. The layout of the pit is great and the raised area at the back is also good, especially for people who dont fancy going into the moshpit or are in a wheel chair, as it still allows them to see the gig :).
The venue is a little grotty and I had been warned that the floor there can get very sticky and skanky. To be honest I was too drunk to notice and rock clubs are always so much better when they are dingy and dark.
The night we went the beer was a little expensive, but I understand some nights of the week are cheaper.
All in all I would say go, but be prepared to que and pay for beer. Other then that for rock fans its an excellant night out and caters for all rocking tastes.

Summary: