Preparing to make sweet music

10:52am Tuesday 26th February 2013 in Sport By Sam Morshead

DIRECTOR Callum Rice Buy this photo » DIRECTOR Callum Rice

THE COUNTY Ground will once again host concerts under the tenure of the new owners of Swindon Town.

Director Callum Rice, whose background within the music and entertainment industry sets him up well to organise the events, has revealed to the Advertiser that the new board of the Robins will look at live music as a way of increasing the number of revenue streams at the Wiltshire club.

The Adver understands Rice and his fellow directors are looking at holding up to six concerts a year at the venue, mainly during the off-season.

“We will be having concerts here at the County Ground. I don’t know whether it’s something people found they couldn’t manage (in the past),” he said.

“As we all know it’s quite difficult to organise a concert so perhaps that was left but Swindon Town will be looking to get more revenue streams that don’t rely just on the football side.”

The most recent concerts held at the County Ground were Elton John in 2005 and Bryan Adams in 2006.

Like the rest of the incoming board, Rice, who has worked as a cruise director before getting involved in music and now owns a hotel in Lincolnshire, is keen for Town to find its community spirit under new ownership.

“I know the community statement is a glib kind of statement to make but deep down inside we do want that. We’d like to get the ladies’ team more involved. It’s quite big at the moment and we have a reasonable ladies’ side as well,” he said.

“I want people to feel Swindon. I want them to grow up Swindon and when they get older and they go out in the wider world they meet a woman and make her a Swindon Town fan and then have Swindon Town fans.”

Despite being a Leeds fan, Rice has happy memories of the County Ground from a playing perspective.

“I represented my county many years ago here,” he said. “Wiltshire were very kind in arranging a friendly against Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire because we had a big cup tie coming up against Oxfordshire.”

Comments(41)

SouthcoastRed says...
11:10am Tue 26 Feb 13

He was great in status quo

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Tomcat 1944 says...
11:20am Tue 26 Feb 13

If there are upto 6 concerts in the close season how will the groundsman prepare the pitch for the following season or will they just use the stands.

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grove red says...
11:26am Tue 26 Feb 13

SouthcoastRed wrote:
He was great in status quo
iggy pop???

Report this post »

Oxon-Red says...
11:35am Tue 26 Feb 13

Psychedelic Syd,

Do you reckon they could get Floyd to do a one-off ? I'd be up for that especially if season ticket holders get first dibs at tickets :-)

Or

First Concert - Mr McCrory, Simon Ferry and Darren W. Probably be better than the real Jedward !!!

COYMR

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Davidsyrett says...
11:42am Tue 26 Feb 13

Oxon-Red wrote:
Psychedelic Syd,

Do you reckon they could get Floyd to do a one-off ? I'd be up for that especially if season ticket holders get first dibs at tickets :-)

Or

First Concert - Mr McCrory, Simon Ferry and Darren W. Probably be better than the real Jedward !!!

COYMR
lets not go over the top with expectations Oxon! Start of with AC/DC!!

Report this post »

SouthcoastRed says...
11:51am Tue 26 Feb 13

grove red wrote:
SouthcoastRed wrote: He was great in status quo
iggy pop???
Like it...

The bloke from shameless?

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Rondogers says...
11:56am Tue 26 Feb 13

Looks like he is itching to get that suit off, like when you're little and your Mum makes you dress up for a wedding! lol

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grove red says...
11:59am Tue 26 Feb 13

SouthcoastRed wrote:
grove red wrote:
SouthcoastRed wrote: He was great in status quo
iggy pop???
Like it...

The bloke from shameless?
Frank gallagher lol

Report this post »

Rondogers says...
12:00pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Rondogers wrote:
Looks like he is itching to get that suit off, like when you're little and your Mum makes you dress up for a wedding! lol
Sorry forgot to say WELCOME to STFC!

and I think it's great they are looking at holding concerts here, as long as it isn't any of the (rap that is in the charts at the mo!

I'd be happy with Biffy Clyro, failing that Chas N Dave!

Report this post »

MITTED says...
12:01pm Tue 26 Feb 13

We have an excellent pitch for very good reasons. The last time concerts were at the CG, the pitch was awful the following season. I hope the new owners take this into account in their scheduling.
COYR

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Oxon-Red says...
12:10pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Davidsyrett wrote:
Oxon-Red wrote: Psychedelic Syd, Do you reckon they could get Floyd to do a one-off ? I'd be up for that especially if season ticket holders get first dibs at tickets :-) Or First Concert - Mr McCrory, Simon Ferry and Darren W. Probably be better than the real Jedward !!! COYMR
lets not go over the top with expectations Oxon! Start of with AC/DC!!
If "big IF" Paolo was to return perhaps a massive West Ham fan would bring his band along.

Steve Harris and Maiden at the CG, WOW.

COYMR

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London Red says...
12:19pm Tue 26 Feb 13

What like when Toploader played in the summer and our pitch is woeful this year?
.
Just because we c0cked up in pitch management 8 years ago doesn't mean we will now
.
Massive amounts have been spent to improve all aspects since then which is likely to limit future damage and Mark Cassidy and his team are far more experienced now
.
We see other clubs host concerts and other sporting events and have decent pitches - so why couldn't we?
.
Line them up for June after digging it up etc - that then still giving the whole of July to prep the soil for the reseed and grow period

Report this post »

Jeremy Hilary Boob says...
12:24pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Six concerts a year seems wildly optimistic. They'd have to be during the close season for logistical reasons, so that's 6 concerts over about 13 weeks during the summer. Seems like overkill to me. Plus the pitch would be wrecked and I can't imagine the people living nearby being too impressed by this one.

It might be easy to get to Swindon from outside but getting to the CG is not and there's no where near enough car parking if people are travelling in from outside the town.

Nice idea but doesn't seem that well thought through tbh. Still gives the idea an opportunity to dream up some sort of fantasy bill so when Jedward are revealed everyone is spectacularly underwhelmed by the whole thing!

As for the ladies' team - good idea. Ending the stupid split between the Town's team and the Spitfires (which is the better name) might be an idea worth pursuiing and would give us one team for the town instead of two teams playing in the lower leagues.

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Oxon-Red says...
12:36pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Jeremy,

Not sure he was talking about Swindon Spits. Pretty sure he was talking of Swindon Town Ladies who were recently knocked out of the FA Cup at the 3rd round stage. They played at Fairford Town losing 1-0 after extra time to Gillingham.

COYMR

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Robinonfire says...
12:43pm Tue 26 Feb 13

He reminds me of Stringfellow.

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Oxon-Red says...
12:43pm Tue 26 Feb 13

These concerts would not have to be played in the close season. I have been to Wembley Stadium Concerts in the past and stood on the pitch covered with protective wooden and metal structures.
The grass would not suffer.

I like this idea, we have a stadium lets use it. 10-15,000 fans paying £50, £60+ could provide a very useful revenue stream.

Oh and we have Andy Williams :-)

COYMR

Report this post »

Swindon1984 says...
12:51pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Oxon-Red wrote:
Davidsyrett wrote:
Oxon-Red wrote: Psychedelic Syd, Do you reckon they could get Floyd to do a one-off ? I'd be up for that especially if season ticket holders get first dibs at tickets :-) Or First Concert - Mr McCrory, Simon Ferry and Darren W. Probably be better than the real Jedward !!! COYMR
lets not go over the top with expectations Oxon! Start of with AC/DC!!
If "big IF" Paolo was to return perhaps a massive West Ham fan would bring his band along. Steve Harris and Maiden at the CG, WOW. COYMR
Like it ;-)

At least there's ideas being mentioned for new revenue streams, probably won't manage six a year but even a couple would bring in a decent amount of cash.

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Rebel_phish says...
12:51pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Is the cricket ground part of STFC? Build a temp stage and hold a couple of concerts on there during the spring/early summer months.

Just a thought.

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lambo says...
12:53pm Tue 26 Feb 13

I am a cider drinker....oo-arrr oo-arrr

Surley the Wurzels would get the place rockin'

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GUVS MASTER says...
12:58pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Anyone for Gary Glitter?????!!!!! :-)

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Jeremy Hilary Boob says...
1:00pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Oxon-Red wrote:
Jeremy,

Not sure he was talking about Swindon Spits. Pretty sure he was talking of Swindon Town Ladies who were recently knocked out of the FA Cup at the 3rd round stage. They played at Fairford Town losing 1-0 after extra time to Gillingham.

COYMR
I don't think he was either, but it is utterly crazy to have two women's teams in the town. Neither seems to play at a particularly high level, so surely one team would stand more of a chance?

Plus "Swindon Spitfires" is a way cool name and stands out a lot more than "Swindon Town Ladies"!

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Jeremy Hilary Boob says...
1:02pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Rebel_phish wrote:
Is the cricket ground part of STFC? Build a temp stage and hold a couple of concerts on there during the spring/early summer months.

Just a thought.
It's not, although presumably the club could bung the CC some cash for use of the pitch. On the downside using the cricket pitch means having to provide toilets, food and drink places, etc. which are already in the football stadium.

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chrystovski says...
1:21pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Robinonfire wrote:
He reminds me of Stringfellow.
I think that's why he wants to attract more female fans to the CG ;-)

Report this post »

Last step says...
1:23pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Rondogers wrote:
Rondogers wrote: Looks like he is itching to get that suit off, like when you're little and your Mum makes you dress up for a wedding! lol
Sorry forgot to say WELCOME to STFC! and I think it's great they are looking at holding concerts here, as long as it isn't any of the (rap that is in the charts at the mo! I'd be happy with Biffy Clyro, failing that Chas N Dave!
Chas & Dave are on tour starting next month. May 7th at the Wyvern.

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The Jockster says...
1:30pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Chadians Dave are plating up front for the Town also known by me anyway as, Wilma & Joan :)

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The Jockster says...
1:31pm Tue 26 Feb 13

S/b "Chas and Dave are playing "

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Rondogers says...
1:36pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Last step wrote:
Rondogers wrote:
Rondogers wrote: Looks like he is itching to get that suit off, like when you're little and your Mum makes you dress up for a wedding! lol
Sorry forgot to say WELCOME to STFC! and I think it's great they are looking at holding concerts here, as long as it isn't any of the (rap that is in the charts at the mo! I'd be happy with Biffy Clyro, failing that Chas N Dave!
Chas & Dave are on tour starting next month. May 7th at the Wyvern.
Ah cool, might have to get me some tickets!

Run rabbit run rabbit run run run.....: )

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Oxon-Red says...
1:41pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Last step wrote:
Rondogers wrote:
Rondogers wrote: Looks like he is itching to get that suit off, like when you're little and your Mum makes you dress up for a wedding! lol
Sorry forgot to say WELCOME to STFC! and I think it's great they are looking at holding concerts here, as long as it isn't any of the (rap that is in the charts at the mo! I'd be happy with Biffy Clyro, failing that Chas N Dave!
Chas & Dave are on tour starting next month. May 7th at the Wyvern.
Isn't it just Chas or Just Dave now ?

I thought one of them had packed it in.



Jeremy,

I think the Ladies play at a higher level than the Spits. Not uncommon to have several ladies teams in a Town the size of Swindon (Oxford City and Oxford United have Ladies and Girls teams) and it may depend on the Spitfires ambitions as to whether or not they would want to amalgamate.

COYMR

Report this post »

MITTED says...
2:35pm Tue 26 Feb 13

London Red wrote:
What like when Toploader played in the summer and our pitch is woeful this year?
.
Just because we c0cked up in pitch management 8 years ago doesn't mean we will now
.
Massive amounts have been spent to improve all aspects since then which is likely to limit future damage and Mark Cassidy and his team are far more experienced now
.
We see other clubs host concerts and other sporting events and have decent pitches - so why couldn't we?
.
Line them up for June after digging it up etc - that then still giving the whole of July to prep the soil for the reseed and grow period
Our pitch is at its best when it is dug up in the close season and that starts as soon as the season is over to maximise the effect. If concerts are taking place, the pitch can't be replaced, ergo, a poor pitch the following season. I understand the need to raise funds through alternative events but the core business which is football could suffer. Look how bad Wembley gets because they keep covering it for all sorts of events no matter how much money they throw at it to protect the surface.
COYR

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Davidsyrett says...
2:49pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Oxon-Red wrote:
These concerts would not have to be played in the close season. I have been to Wembley Stadium Concerts in the past and stood on the pitch covered with protective wooden and metal structures.
The grass would not suffer.

I like this idea, we have a stadium lets use it. 10-15,000 fans paying £50, £60+ could provide a very useful revenue stream.

Oh and we have Andy Williams :-)

COYMR
he'll miss the gig!!

Report this post »

Last step says...
3:04pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Oxon-Red wrote:
Last step wrote:
Rondogers wrote:
Rondogers wrote: Looks like he is itching to get that suit off, like when you're little and your Mum makes you dress up for a wedding! lol
Sorry forgot to say WELCOME to STFC! and I think it's great they are looking at holding concerts here, as long as it isn't any of the (rap that is in the charts at the mo! I'd be happy with Biffy Clyro, failing that Chas N Dave!
Chas & Dave are on tour starting next month. May 7th at the Wyvern.
Isn't it just Chas or Just Dave now ? I thought one of them had packed it in. Jeremy, I think the Ladies play at a higher level than the Spits. Not uncommon to have several ladies teams in a Town the size of Swindon (Oxford City and Oxford United have Ladies and Girls teams) and it may depend on the Spitfires ambitions as to whether or not they would want to amalgamate. COYMR
Dave has come out of retirement for this tour. Could be your last chance.

http://www.chasndave
.net/tour_dates

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Wilesy says...
3:16pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Great idea to hold concerts at the CG.

Get some boards down and cover up the grass whats the problem?

Lots of concerts at other football grounds so go for it.

10,000 to 15,000 paying £40 a ticket, plus catering 6 times a year? Good profit.

To criticise this idea is in my opinion extremely negative.

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rockdog says...
3:56pm Tue 26 Feb 13

I am up concerts at CG, just as they as proper bands, AC/Dc, Def Leppard, Kiss, Scorpions etc. etc.

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Oxon-Red says...
4:32pm Tue 26 Feb 13

rockdog wrote:
I am up concerts at CG, just as they as proper bands, AC/Dc, Def Leppard, Kiss, Scorpions etc. etc.
Maiden for me, best live band going IMO.

COYI

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JoeCool4 says...
5:08pm Tue 26 Feb 13

That has got to be the worse barnet i've seen for a long time.!!!!

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avo says...
5:09pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Nope. Floyd all the way....

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arkells says...
5:16pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Wilesy wrote:
Great idea to hold concerts at the CG.

Get some boards down and cover up the grass whats the problem?

Lots of concerts at other football grounds so go for it.

10,000 to 15,000 paying £40 a ticket, plus catering 6 times a year? Good profit.

To criticise this idea is in my opinion extremely negative.
well said that man, anyone moaning about the playing area dont worry, dont think they will be stupid enough not to protect it, more revinue im all for

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DarrenSTFCRomain says...
5:23pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Get MADNESS in there..
They will shake the houses down in shrivenham rd...

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Last step says...
5:43pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Or even better- The Specials.

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Jeremy Hilary Boob says...
5:54pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Wilesy wrote:
Great idea to hold concerts at the CG.

Get some boards down and cover up the grass whats the problem?

Lots of concerts at other football grounds so go for it.

10,000 to 15,000 paying £40 a ticket, plus catering 6 times a year? Good profit.

To criticise this idea is in my opinion extremely negative.
I don't think it's negative, I think it's being realistic as these plans seem very optimistic.

First, who's going to play? Discounting a Jay-Z/Beyonce line-up that the Adver's fantasists will dream up.

There are big stadium acts who can play massive outdoor gigs. The CG is too small for them and there aren't any Swindon bands who might play here because regardless of that because this is their home town.

Then there are acts playing to 10-15000 in an arena. They're set up to play an arena, not a one-off date in at the CG. The sets and shows they've got aren't suitable for the CG. If you can play the O2 or the NEC you're not going to be interested in playing Swindon.

When we tried this before, we had Bryan Adams and Elton John. BA in 2005 was not much of a draw and while EJ probably puts on a good show (not really my thing though), if we're being honest most people who went came from Swindon and they went because there isn't exactly a lot of things to do in Swindon. You could offload the kids for a night, troop down the CG, have a decent evening (weather permitting) and be back home by 11.30.

If the plan was one gig a summer then a well chosen artist would probably work, but six gigs is just expecting too much. We could probably pull in one artist who people will go to see just for a night out, but Swindon will struggle to pull in any "must-see" acts, and especially not six of them a year.

I'd hope this was just an overly optimistic reply to a question at the press conference because otherwise I'd be concerned that they don't really know what they've bought into.

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SimonPrice351 says...
7:25pm Wed 27 Feb 13

Status Quo
Def Leppard
Iron Maiden
Bon Jovi
Journey
Aerosmith

Proper gigs - no Bieber or Marilyn Manson... the Pox can have them.

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