Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner Returns to Iconic First Gig Venue
Arctic Monkeys' frontman Alex Turner recently made a secret visit to The Grapes pub in Sheffield, where the band played their first gig over 19 years ago. Landlady Ann Flynn recalled the event and shared her surprise at the band's global success.
The band's first gig at The Grapes in 2003 earned them £17. Ann Flynn, who prefers Irish music, was not initially impressed. She remembered someone predicting their success, to which she replied sceptically, 'Oh yes, we've all heard that before'.
Turner, who recently visited the pub, wanted to stand in the room where it all began, now a store room. Reverend & The Makers' Jon McClure attended that first gig and praised their walk-on music, James Brown's 'The Boss'. The band performed covers of popular tracks and two original songs, 'Ravey Ravey Ravey Club' and 'Curtains Closed'.
Arctic Monkeys mentioned The Grapes during a Hillsborough show, drawing a packed crowd that night. Ann Flynn would still recognize Turner today, describing him as 'handsome'. She was surprised by their global success, preferring Irish music herself.
Arctic Monkeys' first gig at The Grapes pub in 2003 marked the beginning of their journey to global stardom. Landlady Ann Flynn's initial scepticism was proven wrong as the band celebrated the 20th anniversary of their first single, 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor', this year.
