Clubs breathed life int a dying art form - they began to die when people forgot what that art form was, or even that it was an art form
If they are an "out dated concept"
then so are jazz venues and classical concerts
Folk clubs are an urban compromise on how fol songs were once sung - and a phenomenal successful one
One of the main things they managed to retain was the human discourse and exchange of ideas
That some people now seem to prefer the herding together 'cattle market' atmosphere of festivals or electronic alienation is their choice - a strange one, in my opinion
There again, I prefer surrounding myself with books rather than having to switch something on first
I can see no alternative to the successful format of the clubs and the enjoyment they brought yet
As Old Bill used to say during WW! - "If you knows of a better 'ole, go to it"
Jim