Interview with Andy Cavendish, Promoter at An Alternative Gathering
I’m from Hampshire but have lived in London for the last 18 years. I played bass and jammed when I was younger though nothing ever came of it. Have been into music since my teenage years, did the festival circuit, slept under the stars and walked 5 miles home. Fell into promoting by accident! Was looking after a young band and we got ripped off so I decided to do it myself. Have seen the good side and bad side of the business, and I’ll continue promoting till the grim reaper calls!
1. First Punk Rock band you ever saw Live? Where/when?
The Jam, Bracknell Sports Centre 78/79.
2. First Punk Rock Record you bought? What made you buy it?
The Members – Sound of the Suburbs in 1979. They were a local band and spoke for/to us.
3. Favourite Venue to put shows on? UK or abroad.
The Birds Nest in Deptford.
4. Influences?
Absent Kelly and Monto influenced me NOT to do it their way!
5. Any new bands impressed you and worth a shout out?
Luna and the Moonhounds, Marie Bisharu, Verity White, Sky Valley Mistress, Sinful Maggie, Roz Bruce, Rollers of Bedlam, Alteration, Miss Kill, Leisure Tank, Green Lung, CuriousHour, Fallen Lillies, Howling Fiends.
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6. What’s the future look like for you and An Alternative Gathering?
Unlike Donald Trump’s, quite bright. Though I think covid measures will be in place for a while yet there’s plenty of gigs lined up and plenty of great bands that want to play.
7. What is the craziest, most memorable thing which happened during one of your shows?
That would have been at my Blank Generation festival at T-Chances in 2016, the 5 foot tall blue haired Miriam was my main stage manager and she was frog marching this big punk out of the venue for touching up ladies bottoms. It was a sight to behold, she may be small but she’s formidable.
8. Horror Movies or Science Fiction?
Both, though it has to be intelligent.
9. What do you dislike?
Bigots, sexists, selfish cunts, self-entitled wankers, ponces, liars, divas.
10. Guilty pleasure?
Renaissance / medieval music
11. Is Punk Rock Dead?
Fuck no
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12. Any advice for young promoters around?
Do your research, be aware of other events around you, get your headliner in first then work down, don’t rip people off, it’s better to fill a small venue than have a half full bigger one, enjoy what you do.
Interviewed in November 2020 - London
