Concorde 2

Good old Concorde 2.
I’ve been here many times over the years, as both a performer and as a punter. I even used to have lectures here when I was at Uni!
Great venue with a variety of artists performing. A decent sized space, however it can become a bit of a sweat box on a super busy nights.
The toilets here used to be absolutely disgusting, however they have been sorted out and there are nice shiny new ones.
It’s a little bit of a walk up Madeira Drive to get there, which can be annoying on a cold and windy night, but hey! You can get a taxi if needs be.
Hopefully the Concorde 2 will be here for many years to come (that’s if Madeira Drive doesn’t crumble in the meantime)

I listen to a lot of music.
So naturally, I like Concorde 2. This venue hosts the widest variety of bands, artists and events in Brighton.
But it’s a fucking mission to get to. If it’s raining, fughedaboudit.
When you walk down towards Concorde 2, you are briefly entertained by the pier and then the big wheel. You might glance into «The Gym» and comment on how you’re thinking of joining (lie).Then you humour whatever new bar has spawned under the arches. At the moment, it’s «Fish + Liquor». It’ll never last.
As you look ahead, you realise Concorde 2 is STILL a mile away. You sigh.
Whenever you go to a gig here you can be sure that it will always be windy and there will be an 80% chance of rain.
It’s anyone’s guess who works the security at Concorde 2. Sometimes it just looks like the promoter’s weed guy, other times it’ll feel like you’ve got to get past the Mitchell brothers before you can get in. Still, I’ve never had a problem, it just sometimes feels like a bit of a free-​for-​all.
One time recently, one of my mates tried to get in, only to be told that his ticket had «already been used». This is despite the fact that my mate had photo ID on him. We think someone may have just looked on Facebook, saw who was attending a gig and managed to get in just by using a fake name.
Like I said, it feels a bit slack.
The venue itself is fine. The real fans get here super early, make their way to the front of the stage and don’t move for the entire evening.
The cool kids hang around at the seating area just opposite the bar. It wouldn’t matter if Jay-​Z and Beyonce were performing, you will see these guys shuffling between here and the smoking area. Puffing, slouching, walking back and forth and then leaving before the gig even starts.
You do get the odd bunch of twats. Usually groups of uni lads who still aren’t sure if they are out to drink, enjoy the music, pull or fall in love with each other.
It gets super hot. Don’t worry about taking a jacket.
If you’re stuck at the back, you’ve got no chance of seeing what’s happening on stage. So don’t get here too late, check the website or phone them in advance to figure out stage times.
I have no idea whether the «acoustics» are good or not. The sound seems sufficient, definitely worth going if you love the way that bass mashes up your brain.
Toilets are terrible, as you would probably expect.
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UPDATE: My girlfriend told me that, «the toilets are good now».

I’ve been to C2 an absolute bunch of times over the last decade and it’s still my favourite venues [if not the only one left] in Brighton for bands and all nighters.
I think a lot of people get put off because it’s quite a bit out of the way to walk to. However it’s totally worth it!
The lay-​out of the first room is pretty nice with the cloak room being at the front, a massive bar running down the left [which is usually really well staffed] and there’s also usually a DJ playing in there. Drink selection is pretty decent and the prices are moderate. It’s also worth saying that they do take cards and the machines aren’t too slow either!
The main room is quite long and big, with a small bar on the right, loos to the left and loads of space to move around.
Every time I’ve been to an all nighters here the sound and lighting has been well on point. It does get a bit sticky, but I’ve seen much worse in London, plus, it’s not the end of the world! Last time I came here to see Purity Ring, the sound and lighting was DAMN FINE, if not the best I’ve seen in a sub 1,000 capacity room.
The security are 99% of the time pretty cool, especially in the early evening gigs.
One more plus point, for those who are not drinking, they usually have a fat tray of cups of water for free. Not a massive point, but I think most people get the picture.
One of the last original Brighton venues left. Worth going to, for sure!

They put on really good nights I must admit that. I’ve been quite a few times to see all sorts of different acts. Its definitely good they host all sorts of nights so you can always find something on the schedulle you”ll enjoy.
However when the shows are sold out it gets ridiculously packed in there and REALLY HOT.
Also, drinks are pretty expensive.

It’s one of the greatest Brighton’s venues, which opens its doors to various artists — from bands, covering other bands, to such giants as Mount Kimbie, from locals to foreigners, from indie to hip hop, from acoustic to electronic, from reggae to rock, and even metal — Concorde 2 aims in setting a good gig, rather than dance nights. Despite of being surprisingly small in terms of space (compared to Corn exchange), C2 carries out all the major gigs in Brighton almost without exceptions. They also do DJ nights on such occasions as Halloween.
The events are well organized, without any issues with acoustics, or super long breaks, or artists being too late, etc. as a venue, it’s pretty professional.
The prices are reasonably higher than anywhere else — usually around £15, but normally it depends on artist. So it’s worth reading/​listening before the gig, if you aren’t sure whether to go or not.
There is also a bar, but I didn’t have an opportunity to buy anything there.
The rest of the environment I would consider as safe: I didn’t have any issues with drugs, which are so common in other clubs, or harassment, or just having a drink spilled on my clothes.
If you want a guarantee that you will get into the place, I strongly suggest booking tickets in advance, particularly if it’s a really good gig.
Due to variety, it’s a great venue to discover new bands, but if it’s by any chance the band you love (for me it was Washed-​out) — you can be sure about the gig being unforgettable!

I have to drop three stars, despite the fact I have loved this venue for years there have been recent changes that have made me cross. Example there is a heavy handed approach to security preventing family members from watching backstage if they are below 16 (most venues waive this for familky) and this year for the first time I was charged for selling the band’s merchandise-​40 quid and no actual facilities provided nor security. I was merely given a dirty table so far from the stage (in the other bar) so i couldn’t even watch the show! Other venues offer better facilities for merch without charge. In addition the curfew for live bands is totally ridiculous meaning at the dot of 11 bands are off stage to welcome the all night raves afterwards. When we left the rave had one person at the bar while all our fans from the show who were spending money had no choice but to leave as the music was not the same genre. While im sure other reviewers will praise the sound and backstage set up and love the late night license for clubbing im afraid for live bands this is another sad example of the demise of live bands in favour of average DJs. Sad indeed-​where would music be today if the likes of The Who and Beatles were treated like that? Lets keep live music ALIVE!

Can’t add much more than what’s below. have only been here twice (once to see Lamb and another to see a day festival with Cinerama, Martin Rossiter, Cud and The Wedding Present).
Great sound, good staff and small for a live venue so good but as it was a sold out show, it was packed and really hot in here. So would be good if they could get the air sorted especially when all the doors are closed.
Found the crowd to be a bit pushy but that’s not the club’s fault.

Had to pick a good one for my 200^th review, and what better than the Concorde 2, my favourite gig venue in Brighton.
Situated on Maderia Drive it’s a smallish venue underneath the cliffs. There is access from the seafront and there is also a lift down into the building from Marine Parade — talk about making an entrance!
The Concorde 2 has a diverse history — this Victorian building housed tea rooms in the 1800’s, in 1960 it became a notorious bikers café, and in the 70’s an amusement arcade. It’s been in it’s current guise since 2000 and long may it continue.
I have see some great gigs at the Concorde 2. It’s small and intimate and the acoustics are good. It’s also a great venue for festivals such as the Great Escape and the Carnival in the summer. They also put on club nights but it’s the live music that really takes precedent here
The bar is long and well staffed and the service is efficient, I’ve never had to wait long for a bevvy here.
There’s a chill-​out room at the back, a cloakroom to dump your jackets and an area out the front for smokers.
If you get the chance, come and watch a band here, I promise you you’ll have a fab night!

I had a great time here when I saw Saint Etienne here back in 2004. The venue was just the right size.
Bonus: Unlike venues in America, they aren’t Nazis about bringing in cameras to venues.

Whether you want to see a live rock band, have a techno night or something a little out of the ordinary, the Concorde 2 will likely cater to your tastes. This is THE night time venue in the city and rightly so.
It used to be an old gentleman’s reading room back in the Regency days and their is still the original elevator that goes from the sea front through the building and up to the promenade above. Officially, you can request access through this lift at any time, but this random fact is pulling me away from reviewing the venue!
Due to the original use and age of the building, you get a real nice vibe from the little extras such as wrought iron and decorations about the place. It certainly retains some charm compared to modern styled clubs that can feel somewhat clinical at times. The space is also well used. The front area is a large bar and seating area to have a rest or chat. The main room has a very large dance area and big stage for the band/​DJ. You are also still close enough to the performance on stage to feel right in the thick of things. Finally, there is a chill out or small area out back where there will usually be a support DJ.
Drinks are your regular club prices and entry to the place will be dependant on who you are coming to see, but usually you won’t be paying over £10. It’s a good thing to get on their mailing list or pick up a copy of the source to stay in touch with upcoming events. You may be surprised by how many big acts may turn up to play this venue. Great!

The Concorde 2 is a classic place to go to see bands and artists when you’re in Brighton. It’s a very intimate venue and always has a buzzing, friendly atmosphere. It always feels like you’re experiencing somewhere slightly hidden, somewhere that not that many people know about as its located right at the end of Madeira Drive and the premises itself is rather small in comparison to many places in Brighton. I love this — when you’re watching artists perform here it has such a personal feel to it. Some of the best gigs I’ve been to have taken place in this venue. The bar is easy to get served at and the prices are reasonable seeing as it’s a gig venue.
As well as gigs and live music they also have regular DJ sets which can get very busy but is great as there’s always has an energetic atmosphere here. Next time you’re in Brighton, it’s well worth checking out what’s going on at the Concorde 2.

I know there are a number of reviews here, but since there have been so many recent changes, I felt I would chime in with my two cents.
The changes made are certainly improvements; the addition of a projector screen in the bar is useful for those moments when a drink cannot wait, only for your favourite song to come on.
The paint job has turned the Concorde 2 bar in to a trendy and stylish venue, even if the drinks are still expensive and luke warm.
Inside the music venue itself, the exposed period features make your experience a richer one. The acoustics aren’t great, so I would say that is one negative.

Everyone raves about Concorde 2, but it really isn’t that amazing. It has its moments (I’ve seen some remarkably good gigs there), but it’s got far more negatives than a lot of the fans seem to think. Apart from the distance it is outside of town, the drinks are overpriced (as always, thanks Brighton property prices), and you’ll be offered illegal things more than once an hour, no matter who’s playing: not really my scene.
The biggest problem here is the distance: why is Brighton’s self-​named king of live music venues a good mile and a half from the centre of town? By the time you get there, you’re sure you’ve gotten lost at least once, and the drinking buzz has probably worn off. The gigs also are spectacularly hit and miss: one great band I saw were supported by two bands which could be diplomatically described as pants: so bad that they got bottles thrown at them. This doesn’t seem to be atypical of the crowd that normally populates Concorde 2: again, not really my scene.
I suppose I’m not really Concorde 2’s target audience: I like live music, but I prefer to hear it on the live album from the comfort of my own house. Walking a mile and a half for two rubbish support bands, warm overpriced beer and a lingering smell of toilet is not exactly my idea of fun.

Even though this venue looks a little bit like a war bunker, it is one of the most intimate venues to watch a band or artist perform. Or to throw shapes around during silent disco. The staff are always friendly, it’s always easy to get a drink at the main bar regardless of how many people are crowded around the stage, it isn’t unnecessarily over-​priced on the whole and the sound-​system is great. Lykke Li performed there last year and besides there being a good mix of people there was a relaxed atmosphere. In terms of her performance, she really took advantage of the space and sounded amazing. I would definitely recommend this venue.

Concorde 2 is a brilliant music venue/​nightclub along Brighton’s seafront, underneath the arches on Madeira Drive. It’s a bit of a trek to get to if you’re used to hopping from place to place in the centre of town, but it’s well worth the wander up there. Most of the big names in indie pop and rock play here when they come to Brighton, which makes it one of the coolest venues around.
It may not look much from the outside (or from the inside for that matter), but the acoustics are always spot-​on and the atmosphere at gigs is great. Most of the bands that play at Concorde are excited to be there and feel really nostalgic towards the place which always comes across in their performances. The best band I’ve seen here was Alabama 3 who are playing again on May 3^rd they put on an incredible show and their fantastically mad wannabe-​cowboy fans LOVE them, which made for one of the best gig experiences I’ve ever had.
As well as live music, they also hold crazy drum ‘n’ bass and dubstep nights that go on until about 6am. I went to one of these as a student and rapidly decided it REALLY wasn’t my cup of tea, but everyone else seemed to be having great fun. So, if you’re into that kind of thing, definitely give Concorde’s nights a go!

Definitely one of Brighton’s best venues, at the Concorde I’ve watched scantily clad burlesque dancers peeling off corsets and twirling nipple tassels, played games at a casino, and stomped around with hundreds of other metal fans to the ear-​splitting sounds of Raging Speedhorn.
Hidden at the bottom of Madeira Drive the Concorde is an excellent two room venue which makes up for its slight lack of centrality with its line up of events.
Well known as the first stop for upcoming and established bands, you’ll see everything from folk (Tunng 28^th February), old school punk (Stiff Little Fingers 3^rd March), and a bit of reggae from Mr BBQ Reggae Reggae Sauce himself, (Levi Roots 11^th March).
As well as gigs, sparkly burlesque and cabaret events, the Concorde is renowned for its club nights, hosting massive drum ‘n’ bass and house nights for Brighton’s clubbers and is regularly visited by the legendary Dave Pearce and Judge Jules.

Unless you’re part of the West Street/​Oceana clientele, the Concorde is one of the bigger, more popular clubs of the city. Often playing host to the more notable of musical acts to venture to the South. The three rooms are really used well, each offering different vibes on club nights. Playgroup especially makes use of the venue, with adventures and spectacles hidden in all the nooks and crannies and Superdub Pressure gets pretty intensive also. The bouncers are a little heavy handed so try not to piss them off.

The best and most versatile venue in Brighton, in my opinion.
It is both a club and live music venue, and can do both equallly well. It was built as a Victorian tearoom, and its architechture merges seamlessly with the arches on Madeira Drive. I believe it’s no longer operational, but a lift does exist from the street at Marine Parade down directly into the club.
There is no particular musical policy here — bands of all sizes and club nights of all flavours are featured. It is often busy every night of the week, and on weekends there are often two shows with a band playing early on at around 7pm, and then a later, separate club night. Entry is through the bar area, which serves as a second room during club nights (possibly my only criticism is that this doesn’t work as a dance area).
Overall though, a characterful and inventive venue which would be sorely missed were it not there.

Aside from high-​capacity venues like The Dome and The Brighton Centre, The Concorde 2 is arguably Brighton’s premier music spot. Regular appearances from big name acts, such as Florence and The Machine, Kaiser Chiefs, The White Stripes, Bloc Party and De La Soul, mean that it’s a must-​play for any semi-​successful touring act.
The ample £250 000 sound system and professional staging gives every show a sense of occasion, lifting the venue above the amateur but not so high as to be inaccessible. Adorned with enough character and history it’s possibly the only independent venue in Brighton that consistently delivers first-​class entertainment in an elegant setting at an affordable price.

Concorde 2 is one of Brighton’s most popular gig venues. In the summer, it’s a lovely stroll along the seafront that gives you plenty of time to catch up with friends and share stories about the band you’re going to see. In the winter however, it’s a bit of a harrowing walk whatever you’re direction you’re coming from — as the seafront location means being battered by the wind. In other words, wrap up well or jump in a cab!
Is it worth the long walk? In a word — yes. The venue is the right size that it seems cosy but not claustrophobic and the punters are generally music or club lovers from teens to early forties. There’s club nights most nights of the week so be warned, the music gigs can start as early as 7.30pm and yes, that means bands plugging their guitars in and starting to play then!
As for the music, it’s literally a pick and mix of great rock, pop, indie, jazz, blues, electro and hip hop acts. M.I.A and Peaches have both played here alongside awesome African duo Amadou and Mariam and electro-​pop newcomer Marina and The Diamonds. In a few weeks time, the reformed Slits will even be rocking the stage!

Schöner kleiner Club in Brighton mit klasse Live– Events vom unbekannteren lokalen Künstler bis hin zu Top Acts (z.B. Überraschungsinkognitokonzert der Foo Fighters).
Preise sind äußerst human und jeder kann kommen wie er will.
Im Sommer belagern die Gäste auch schon mal die Gehwege vor dem Concord und genießen die Nähe zu Strand und Meer.
Man kann hier auf jeden Fall eine super Zeit haben und ziemlich lange abfeiern.