Letter: It’s Not Enough To Say You’re Passionate About Music

Published on: 8 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 8 Feb, 2019

From JS Palmer

In response to: Guildford’s HMV Shop Escapes Closure

Glad HMV has been saved for the moment at least and interesting to read what the new owner Doug Putman had to say:“We are getting away from the corporate mentality where every store is set up the same – we have to move away from that and let each store have its own personality,” and went on, “I want to unlock the passion and creativity.”

Okay, so start investing in and promoting live music around Guildford and Surrey. Get involved in the campaign to keep live music in the Star Inn.

Ask yourself why you aren’t taking a stand already? Hold live music events in the Friary Centre, sponsor shows for local talent, put money into reviving Guilfest or Always the Sun events. Showcase new DJ talent, put on Q&A sessions with all those rock musicians retired to Surrey, but for goodness’ sake don’t just sit in your gloomy retail unit and expect customers to come to you.

It’s not enough to say you’re passionate about music; demonstrate it by encouraging it within the community and getting out there and – ahem – banging the drum for it.