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Business News Deals Live Business
Relocated Coventry venue announces partnership deal with HMV
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 16 March 2021
If you have nostalgia for that brief period when HMV moved into live music, bought itself the MAMA Group and slapped its name onto various venues, well, good news. The HMV Empire is coming to Coventry. Although the current incarnation of HMV isn’t getting back into live music itself. It’s just agreed a partnership deal with the company behind the Coventry venue, which is in the process of taking over a new building in the city.
The launch of the relocated Empire venue has been delayed somewhat because of COVID, of course. But it’s currently hoped that a socially distanced show from comedian Al Murray on 11 Jun can take place, formally opening the new building. Assuming that can take place, Murray will play the HMV Empire thanks to a three year partnership deal between the venue and the entertainment retailer.
The venue’s Head Of Programming, Dave Brayley, says: “We’ve had a long association with HMV back to our original site in Far Gosford Street, where we co-hosted a number of exclusive performances including a fantastic show with Sam Fender. This extended commercial relationship is a great step for us, putting the venue and city firmly on the map with artists, agents and labels”.
The Empire’s founder, Phil Rooney, adds: “When we first thought about commercial partners for the Empire, we were keen to avoid the usual lifestyle and utility companies, we always wanted a brand with a strong musical heritage and there’s none better than HMV. Growing up in Coventry, the HMV in Hertford Street was the one place you were guaranteed to find me every weekend. To think now that we’re going to have a premiere entertainment venue in the centre of the city, carrying the name of this iconic music retailer, it just blows my mind”.
Confirming the deal from HMV’s side, the retailer’s Marketing & Commercial Director, Patrizia Leighton, says: “We wanted to show our support for live music, performers and all those working behind the scenes at a time when that support is more vital than ever. As Coventry celebrates being the City Of Culture for 2021, and as we celebrate our 100th anniversary, HMV’s sponsorship of this incredible new venue will help cement live music’s place at the heart of Coventry’s cultural scene and introduce music fans to new bands and artists. Together with the HMV Empire team, we’re looking forward to offering amazing live experiences as the country comes out of lockdown”.
