28 November 2012 Last updated at 07:37

The Joiners in Southampton faces uncertain future

Southampton's renowned music venue The Joiners, which opened in the 1960s, is facing an uncertain future after a dramatic drop in ticket sales. Over the years it has hosted many of music's biggest acts, including Primal Scream.

Radiohead, led by Thom Yorke, are among the bands who have cut their teeth in the unique atmosphere of the back room of the St Mary's venue.

Supergrass, Catatonia, Echobelly, The Charlatans and Moloko have also graced the underground bunker-come-dressing room. Pictured here in 2008, covered in graffiti from some of the bands.

Richard Ashcroft played with The Verve at the Joiners in 1992. In a NME interview he said their Southampton gig was: "...one of the greatest gigs that I've ever played in my life because we were... incredible."

The Joiners promotes touring bands and is one of the few venues in Southampton to regularly showcase local emerging talent. It was founded by a man known simply as 'Mint'.

The dressing room door with a sign reading "bands only"

Mint, who died from cancer in 2007, established The Joiners on the UK 'toilet circuit' along with friends Roj, Fran and Phil. The 'toilet circuit' is a network of intimate venues - some where the bands have to literally change in the loos.

The Charlatans, fronted by Tim Burgess, as well as Ash, PJ Harvey and David Gray were among the musicians brought to Southampton shortly before they became front page news in the music press.

Not all the bands made it big. For every Oasis Coldplay or Suede (whose frontman Brett Anderson is pictured) there are many others who played at the Southampton venue who are languishing forever in rock obscurity.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight

The Joiners in Southampton faces uncertain future

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