Being 'well-run' doesn't preclude them from being out of time, Dave. There's one in particular I have in mind that's extremely well run, measured in terms of one person putting in loads of time in administration and seeking out 'affordable' guests. Therein lies the problem. All the club can afford is an extremely tatty pub room where people just don't want to go. And for guests, they rely on old mates from the past doing favours and playing the club at a loss.

The future lies in professionally managed venues with infinitely better facilities that can pay proper fees + expenses to artists. And punters need to pay the going rate at the door. Those on stage have mortgages too. They also deserve respect and this is perhaps the only way to persuade audiences to give it.