Investor in plan to rescue the Talking Heads (From Daily Echo)

Investor in plan to rescue the Talking Heads in Southampton

5:10pm Friday 20th January 2012 in Music News By Julian Robinson, Eastleigh Chief Reporter

A MYSTERY investor could be about to hand a lifeline to one of Hampshire’s top live music venues, it has been revealed.

Campaigners battling to save the Talking Heads in Southampton say the owner is in talks with an anonymous party about a potential deal.

An agreement would see the popular night spot reopened and retained for live music, according to campaign organiser Jodie Copeland, pictured.

As reported in the Daily Echo, hundreds packed the much-loved venue for an emotional band night before it closed its doors earlier this month.

At the time, owner Mark Hughes said he had to cease trading because of financial pressure which he blamed on the recession.

In the days that followed, high profile bands, DJs and solo acts who have enjoyed performing at the Ports-wood Road club in the past all offered messages of support. Nearly 4,000 people have also signed up to an online campaign to keep the venue alive.

Mr Copeland said last night that the potential investor was “very interested”.

“People are hopeful and optimistic that if the right person comes along, then there could be a lifeline,” he told the Daily Echo.

“From what I have been told, the owner has spoken to one potential investor.

There is at least one person interested and I have been approached by a couple of other people for the details of the owner.”

Speculation had initially linked Isle of Wight festival supremo John Giddings and Radio One DJ Rob da Bank as potential rescuers.

But both have since quashed the rumours while continuing to hope someone else will come forward.

Rob da Bank told the Daily Echo: “I grew up near Southampton, did my first DJ gigs there and used to be a regular at live gigs in Southampton so obviously it is close to my heart.”

Tributes to the club have also come from Captain Sensible from punk outfit The Damned and the band Right Said Fred. Southampton Itchen MP John Denham said he hoped the “great venue”

could be saved.