Rock on The Rock Club Needs You!

The New ROTR club, inaugurated in 2005, has been offering local bands a platform to perform, rehearse and get together for a number of years. A facility that was very much needed in Gibraltar and has helped influence and encourage the formation of more young bands. Local rock music culture has been rapidly developing, and there was a need for proper club-style premises and nightly entertainment. Walking around the club in broad daylight one sees some local history displayed on the walls, with newspaper clippings of past 'Battle of the Bands' local competitions, posters of rock legends, photographs of some of our 80's hair-metal bands and some rock memorabilia. It's somewhat like a rough Hard Rock Cafe, minus the frills. However rock-orientated this setting might be, Allan Alman, (the face behind ROTR) stresses heavy metal/rock is not the only musical genre the club is involved with. Recently they held a 60's night in aid of Bosom Buddies - a local charity - where local bands performed some 'oldies' and they plan to hold plenty more diverse musical events, either to raise money or awareness, or simply to provide alternative night entertainment to that is already offered in Gibraltar . The Club would like to attract music lovers from all walks of life.

The club offers bands the opportunity to perform pre-booked 'intimate' gigs in their small but effective stage setting. These are well advertised with a good turn out, with the usual 'regulars' and rock devotees from across the border. Its out-of-the-way location and sound proof doors make sure the surrounding neighbourhood isn't involuntarily made to endure the sound of performing bands. Plenty of hard work has been put in by Allan and the committee members to accommodate what used to be pre-war bakers' storage quarters, into semi-habitable premises. But there is still plenty to be done. There is a basement that has been divided into rooms. These rooms are currently being used by approx 10 local bands for rehearsals, and although they provide a short-term solution, they are not ideal. The club wishes to 'renovate' the rooms and gear them up as proper rehearsal rooms, with all-round sound-proof lining, ventilation, adequate electrical supplies and connections etc. The photos show the current state of the rooms.

[Right] This is where you come in. The club are asking for Sponsors to help fund the necessary materials and labour. These rooms will hold our musically-inclined children's future within them, the better equipped they are, the better the opportunities offered - and there is enough talent and enthusiasm in Gibraltar to create a big demand. We cannot allow them to resemble those pre-war dilapidated rooms found up the rock. If you think you can help, in any way, shape or form, please contact Allan, or simply turn up at the club at 41 Town Range.

Be a part of Gibraltar's live music community!