Norman Cook backs community purchase securing future of Brighton music venue The Pipeline

Brighton DJ and producer Norman Cook has backed the community purchase of The Pipeline, helping to secure the grassroots music venue’s future.

Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, has invested in Music Venue Properties, the organisation which has acquired the building through its Own Our Venues campaign.

The purchase places The Pipeline into permanent community ownership, protecting it from uncertainty in the commercial property market and the threat of potential redevelopment.

The Brighton venue is the tenth grassroots music site secured by Music Venue Properties, which has been described as “The National Trust for Music Venues”.

The organisation buys the buildings occupied by independent venues and offers operators long-term security and fair rents, allowing them to focus on promoting live music and supporting emerging performers.

A well-established part of Brighton’s independent music scene, The Pipeline has developed a reputation for championing new artists and providing a home for the city’s alternative music community.

Norman Cook, a long-time Brighton resident, is now encouraging fellow musicians, music fans and investors to support the community ownership scheme.

He said: "Our thriving music business needs grassroots venues. The next Coldplay or Radiohead need places to hone their skills and find their audience. The grassroots venues continually struggle in the current financial climate and landlords are not always their friend. Community ownership means they pay fair rent and have security, knowing their venue will not suddenly be turned into a block of flats. MVP is ethical investment that protects venues but also has a sound business model.

“I have invested a substantial sum and I am proud to be able to help protect the nurturing environments for future musicians & DJs. I urge anyone to join me, whether you are successful musician wanting to give something back to the lower rungs of the food chain or a music fan who wants to feel part of the wonderful community. It’s not a donation, it’s an investment in the future of our wonderful music industry."

The Pipeline’s operator, Thomas Evrenos, said the purchase would allow the venue to concentrate on supporting musicians and putting on live shows.

He said: "The Pipeline has always been more than just a venue. It's a home for live music, emerging artists and the alternative community that has grown around it. I'm very proud that Music Venue Properties chose The Pipeline to become part of its portfolio. Everyone here is really happy about this, not just the team at The Pipeline but the wider Brighton music community, our staff, regulars and the musicians who have made this place what it is.

“Knowing the building is now secured means we can focus on what matters most: putting on great shows, supporting grassroots talent and giving people a place to belong. Community ownership has given this venue a future, protecting it from the uncertainty of the commercial property market and ensuring The Pipeline can continue to play its part in Brighton's music scene for years to come."

Music Venue Properties launched in 2022 and says it has raised around £7 million through community investment and support from cultural partners.

More than 2,500 music fans and industry figures have invested in the organisation, which has also secured £1 million from the Government’s Creative Foundations Fund for renovation and improvement work.

The Pipeline joins venues including The Joiners in Southampton, The Croft in Bristol, The Booking Hall in Dover and The Ferret in Preston in being permanently protected through the scheme.

Music Venue Properties said further acquisitions were being targeted and invited supporters, musicians and investors to help secure more of the UK’s grassroots music venue network through community ownership.

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