It's perfectly obvious, the demise of Folk clubs was caused by narrow minded trad folkies insisting on playing nothing but their boring old songs.

t's perfectly obvious, the demise of Folk clubs was caused by narrow minded talentless guitar strummers who insisted on polluting the tradition with miserable songs about their girlfriend leaving.

Delete where inapplicable.

Now, once we have got over the usual squabbles, it is worth looking at the bigger picture. During the same period, live music venues of every kind have vanished. A semi pro rock/covers band could make a full time living playing clubs at one time. Venues seem to have polarised into tiny and huge, and there are precious few folk performers who would fill the NEC, or Wembley- and not many pop acts either- unless they have massive marketing budgets or TV exposure. As concertina Ceol says music is commercial at that level.
For those who play without payment, in the tiny venues- commercial pressure has had its effect there too as Ceol says. The other aspect which struck me on visiting a pub that does run a Folk Club is what a dump the old style traditional pub is. Why should I go out and sit in a room which is shabbier and dirtier and less comfortable than my own house? Bare boards and oak benches might have been OK when people lived in houses floored with flagstones. So my final conclusion is that the demise of folk clubs was caused by the widespread adoption of the sofa.
Cheers
Dave