Established Bath Nightclub Moles closed until August after fire damage

An established British music venue in Bath, Moles, will be closed until at least August after the effects of a fire over the weekend. No one was harmed in the blaze, but smoke damage was significant enough to force the closure, according to the club's promotions manager, Liam Baker.

"The fire damage is fairly contained because it only affected a small area of the club, which is the upstairs bar," he said to NME. "The worst thing is smoke damage: smoke went throughout the building, into the studio and office too, and caused a lot of damage. And when the fire brigade were working to put out the fire, water filled the basement venue, which is where the bands play, so it's now completely flooded."

The fire occurred Saturday afternoon fortunately, meaning there was no concert going on at the club's basement venue, a factor that could have had dire consequences. There's a recording studio on one of the upper floors, but no one was using it at the time. The fire was caused by an electrical fault on the ground floor-which holds a bar-Baker said.

Ticket holders for upcoming events can obtain refunds, he said, although he hopes the club will be able to host other events at different venues during the summer. Moles might not have the historic precedent of some of its cohorts in London or Liverpool, but the venue has hosted its fair share of now legendary acts. The Smiths, Radiohead and Oasis have all played the venue during its 35-year history. King Crimson recorded the live album Live At Moles Club, Bath during 1981. The club has also been nominated for awards commemorating Britain's Best Small Venue.