Call to make final Blast Off nights memorable
Music lovers across the Midlands have been commiserating over the loss of legendary club night Blast Off since its demise was first revealed a week ago.
But despite the shock announcement prompting a wave of nostalgia across the region only a sparse crowd turned out to last week's event.
And now music lovers everywhere are calling on their fellow fans to help make sure the last few nights before its March closure are ones to remember.
There are promising signs, organisers have said there have been a surge in tickets for the last but one gathering which will be held on March 1.
The Express & Star has launched a Save Blast Off campaign:
Send us your pictures of Blast Off! nights out
Bank worker Stephen Thornton, aged 29, of Coalpool in Walsall, was among those who went to the legendary club night on Saturday.
He said: "I couldn't believe there weren't more people at Blast Off on Saturday night.
"We need people to show their support for it and help it go out with a bang. For me, it's the best night in Wolverhampton and the thought of it not being there is so sad.
"People need to come and show their support."
On Saturday, just 250 people headed to the club night, which is ending after 18 years on March 8.
Its Wulfrun Hall venue was far from packed, while those who were in there made the most of it and enjoyed the Indie hits the night has become famous for.
Groups of friends started heading through the doors from 11pm onwards, paying the customary £5 entry fee before heading to the bar for a can of Red Stripe.
For those who love the night it is like a giant school disco for adults.
Groups of blokes start the evening hovering around the dance floor. Once they have got a few drinks down them they soon become the Black Country's answer to John Travolta though, strutting their stuff for all to see.
The girls meanwhile have long used the evening as a chance for a good gossip with their pals while letting their hair down.
Over the years dozens of couples have met on its beer soaked dancefloor while it has also hosted many a works night out - often laden with drink-fulled gaffs.
Saturday's gathering was much the same with tunes, cheap drinks and gossip, all coming together to offer those who went along a top night out.
But for promoter Dave Travis, the lack of customers, justified his decision.
"The number of people there was probably up on what it would have been because of the publicity about Blast Off ending," he said.
"I think it shows I have made the right decision.
"But I do think the final few Blast Offs in the run up to the last night are going to be great."
Fans who did head through the door on Saturday said they had hoped for a big turn out to help reverse the decision.
Friends Sarah Haselock, Kate Elliott and Pam Law, all aged 23 and from Wolverhampton, suggested Blast Off should be held once a month to try and boost interest in it.
Teaching assistant Sarah said: "We've been coming to Blast Off! since we were 18 and all our school friends come here as well.
"I think if it was done once a month instead of every week that might help.
"But in terms of going out, it's the heart of Wolverhampton. I can't believe it could go."
Music teacher Josie Bradford, aged 26, said Blast Off represented her youth.
"I'm a teacher and I feel like my youth has been shaped by Blast Off and I look at the children I teach and I think, where are they going to go in Wolverhampton?" she said.
"It feels safe here, there's good security and there's very little trouble. It's just got a nice atmosphere."
Blast Off is the second biggest club night in the world, second only to the legendary Ibiza Manumission.
A petition set-up by the Express & Star to save Blast Off has now achieved and it has been signed by 1,237 people.
It was announced earlier this week both the Civic Hall and Wulfrun would be opened up for the final night, with Blast Off in the former and Cheeky Monkey in the latter.
Around 1,400 tickets were snapped up over the weekend, with the further 400 going online on Monday and selling out in just four minutes.
See also:
Final Blast Off club night is a sell-out
Keith Harrison: Who's Next for the chop after one last Blast Off?
Organiser: I want memories of Blast Off to be happy
Blast Off - The one great constant in my life
