My guess is that there are about half the clubs now compared to say 1980 (perhaps 250 - 300 rather than 600.) But the big difference for me is university/college clubs. In the 70's every Uni had a club. Now ...? But things aren't so bad. Here in the NE I can certainly still get to a club every night of the week within easy travelling distance(although that is now probably 30 miles rather than 3!) and for some days there are choices of clubs. New ones opening round here as well and some young blood. But I agree with Betsy. School introduced so many of us to it and that doesn't happen anymore. Fashion plays a part too - Fairport & Steeleye were 'cool' when I was young. Groups like the Corrs nowadays are doing the same job of capturing the imagination in todays teens/twenties.