Academy’s Good Value

Good Charlotte wouldn’t be playing in Sheffield, England, if the Carling Academy wasn’t opening, said Richard Hunter, who’s just been appointed general manager of the new venue.

He says the "larger capacity and technical capabilities" of the former Roxy nightclub on Arundel Gate, which Academy Music Group has spent £3.5 million developing, make it a very exciting addition to the thriving music scene in the region and the top-class venue the city needs and deserves.

Hunter, who was operations and events manager at the local City Hall between 1995 and 2006, will have Justin Smith from Sheffield Leadmill as his assistant general manager.

"We needed to recruit individuals with a strong knowledge of the city and sound knowledge and background. Both Richard and Justin are reputable figures within the industry and have excellent relationships with national and local promoters," said AMG ops director Richard Maides.

"They both fit the bill with key operational skills to ensure the development of the Academy and establish the venue as a prime spot for superb entertainment."

The venue has spent £750,000 on production. Paul Glave, another local, will be the technical manager, having spent the last five years at Carling Academy Bristol.

"The diary is looking busy and we’re set to attract a strong lineup of acts," said Hunter, who even has a local act, Reverend and The Makers, playing the 2,350-capacity venue’s April 11 opening. Other upcoming acts include Good Charlotte, KT Tunstall, James, The Human League and The Kooks April 13-28.

The 600-capacity Academy 2 has a Carling-sponsored local talent night, Air Traffic and I Am Kloot April 17-29.

In the autumn AMG will be opening another northeast venue in Leeds, having bought what was formerly known as the Town & Country Club.