For the last three decades, Legends in the Cowgate has been ‘a place where the alternative scene in Edinburgh could exist, grow and thrive’ – and recent news about its potential closure has left the bar’s team ‘heartbroken and angry’.
Venue staff released a statement on Thursday which asked fans of the venue to visit on Friday, March 13, to say a big final farewell.
They said: “It's looking more likely that this weekend will probably be our last, although if we are still around at all next week, we will try again to see what we can pull together for our amazing community.”
Hundreds of regulars visited the buzzing nightclub - some of whom have been coming since the mid 1990s. Speaking to the Evening News, one said: “When Legends closes, young, up and coming bands will be robbed of a place to call their home and won’t have a place to get their foot in the door.”
Carys, a member of metal band Mrs Frighthouse, said: “There is an incredible community around this venue – two of our best gigs were here and they have an incredible sound engineer. I’ve been introduced to so many great bands here and I’ve never been to a bad show at Legends.”
Fellow bandmember Luna said: “If I lived in Edinburgh I’d be here every week. It’s such a welcoming space where bands are able to perform early in their careers and become established. Unlike other smaller venues it’s got a big stage with an incredible sound and it’s just the perfect venue to play in. When it goes it’s going to impact the Scottish music scene so much.”
Earlier in the week, the Legends team said the Cowgate bar ‘isn't just a venue, it's our community, it's our family’.
Writing to their loyal customers, staff said they were ‘angry and heartbroken’ at the sudden news adding: “This is more than just a closure of a bar - it is a continuation of the total disregard of the alternative scene in Edinburgh and the loss of yet another live music venue.”
They said: “For more than 35 years it has been the home for people who don't always fit in the mainstream - a place where the alternative scene in Edinburgh could exist, grow and thrive. It has been a venue for live music, a space for artists, bands and fans to come together, let go and find friendship, and a sense of community that has helped people through some of their toughest times.”
Scroll through our gallery to see pictures of Legends nightclub in Edinburgh from Friday night.
5. ‘A special place’
From left to right: Ali, Martin and Dave. Ali has been coming to Legends since the mid 1990s. He said: “It was called Legends back in the day, then changed name to Opium, and then back to Legends. I thought it was a really welcoming place when I first moved to Edinburgh. I played gigs here years ago so it’s very disappointing that it will close – I’m gutted.” Martin added: “We knew this was going to be the last weekend so we came to pay our respects and meets others in the community – it’s a really special place.” | Iconic Media
7. 'The community is here’
Couple Kasia Jurek and James Muir, who play in Edinburgh band Chekhov’s Gun, said they were surprised to hear Legends would close. James said ‘tonight’s going to bring everyone together - the community is here’ with partner Kasia adding ‘Legends is a great space - Bannerman's is more old school rock and roll, Banshee Labyrinth is more gothic, but Legends is a great in-between, it’s more dancy and there’s a younger crowd’. | Iconic Media
8. Legends ground floor bar
The bar was packed to the rafters on Friday night. | Iconic Media