The Edinburgh Corn Exchange

Normally we choose not to go to Edinburgh for gigs but there simply wasn’t the choice this time. Slash feat Myles Kennedy at the Corn Exchange 7^th October, was one of our rare visits to the capital for a gig.
We were really looking forward to the gig itself, if a little dubious about the venue. Having heard previously that it’s far from a great venue, I can only say now that we agree.
Parking is a flippin nightmare, unless you’re one of those who likes to be at a venue super-​early. The acoustics of the place are, well, mince and the general atmosphere is lacking some serious oomph.
Definitely would not rush back to the corn exchange for another gig.

I had my first taste of the Corn Exchange last night and I must say I was not impressed.
I was looking forward to the gig for ages, Faith No More one of my faverate bands, who I have not seen for more than a decade. I can now say that althou I was at the gig I have still not seen them for more than a decade. Being just under five foot I am used to the fact that I do not always get a great view but at other venues I usualy manage to see something of the band, it did not matter where a stood I could not see a thing.
The sound quality was not great either.

The Corn Exchange is Edinburgh’s only large scale music venue and to be frank, it’s an embarassment!
Primarily used as a conference facility (to which it lends itself well) the corn exchange is located in the Slateford/​Gorgie area of town, far from the city centre. The lighting is poor and the sound system woeful (for the venue size) + neither are helped by the white poly tiled celing which keeps the place devoid of atmosphere.
As the only large venue in the city, many, many great acts play at the Corn Exchange but, personally, I’d rather travel to the Barrowlands (or even the SECC, the shame!!) in Glasgow than go here.
Ess

I don’t go to many gigs in Edinburgh as let’s face it, the music scene in the capital is pretty dire compared to Glasgow’s. Things are improving but being a Weegie, I tend to stick to the west as much as possible.
I went to see The Raconteurs at the Corn Exchange a few months ago and while the band were stunning, the venue most definitely was not. It was very hard to find as it’s so off the beaten track — I’d not been before but the friend I was with had (quite a few times), yet she still couldn’t find it.
Inside, it’s a soulless place and it’s difficult to get a decent view or get the feel of any atmosphere. I actually think the main hall in the SECC is preferable as at least I have always been able to get a decent view of the stage wherever I’m standing, this was not the case at the Corn Exchange.
There are a lot of bars littered around but sometimes the queues get in your way as you try to watch the band.
I was not impressed and would not be in a hurry to go back.

I’ve been to the Corn Exchange a number of times for various reasons and I have to say your experience will definetely depend on the type of event you are attending. I’ve attended a wedding and a work’s Christmas night here and both were fantastic — food was good, entertainment was great as were the other facilities. However I’ve also attended a couple of gigs here and have to say it really isn’t suitable — think watching a band at your old school gym and you’ve got the idea.

The corn exchange is one of Edinburgh’s main venues for music concerts. Having been there on a few occasions, I would hardly describe it as my ideal venue for a rock concert; it’s quite far out of town and, inside, a bit lacking in character and intimacy. However, it’s big enough to accomodate a faily large crowd and attracts some good bands to the city. Just don’t come expecting a mind-​blowing night — you may leave disappointed.

This on the whole is a great event for weddings, party nights and special events like concerts.
I have been for a christmas party with my work, the food was great the atmosphere was buzzing and a good laugh was had by all, my only critisism was that my bag was swiped and when I went to retrieve it I was set upon by three girls and a bloke, now don’t get me wrong I am no shrinking violet and I can hold me own but it was rather difficult four onto one, the one wearing rather high heel, girl clothes and holding two inflated helium balloons, and the security did nothing and when I complained they patted me on the head like a drunken bimbo.
This aside I also went here for a friends wedding and it was out of this worls, the service, the decoration, the whole thing was amazing, so I would highly recomend this place if they sorted out thheir security staff.

I decided to write this review having gone to see Biffy Clyro and Nine Black Alps last night.
Whilst the gig was good, the venue is a bit out of the way.
The location is convenient for people like myself who live at this end of town, but there is very little else around the venue. This can be quite frustrating when you want to have a pre/​post-​gig drink as the venue’s bars are absolutely rammed. We were refused entry last night when the bar reached capacity and were forced to go inside to watch a dubious support band.
As for the venue, it is somewhat lacking in atmosphere and decent acoustics. Its saving grace is really its size and the bands that it attracts as a result of this. Also, if you don’t fancy getting drawn into the «mosh pit» then you can quite easily get a good vantage point (with elbow room) from the back of the room.
Go for the bands, not the venue!

The corn exchange is a great venue with loads of ambiance and great atmosphere. All the big groups play here — bands such as Oasis, Blur, Radiohead… Worth a visit if they have something good on.