In Zoggs We Trust

A centrifugal force in the Bristol scene is at risk of closure, but Mickey Zoggs and Noods are facing down existential threat with zeal, wit and some heavyweight help.

We’re living in the Crowdfunder age, make no mistake. From artists in need of medical support to people looking to transition, the continuous stream of crises domestically and globally through to concerned friends simply trying to lift a loved one out of hard times, asking for help has been normalised. In a world where the authorities feel ever more absent as a source of support and the fiscal gap steadily widens, communities are rallying for each other and the things that matter to them, no more so apparent than in the Bristol music scene. Strange Brew demonstrated that people will really dig deep for the spaces that nurture these smaller pockets of culture, and now it’s Mickey Zoggs which needs a boost in the coffers.

Whereas Strange Brew was about people believing in the promise of what it could be (it’s more than delivered, nice one team), Mickey Zoggs has already firmly burrowed itself into the city’s firmament as a vital hub with all the errant characteristics that have always made Bristol tick. Housing the Noods Radio studio in one corner and offering a sometimes cosy, sometimes chaotic boozer for everyone to link up and lark about, it’s exactly what any decent scene needs. As the landlords have thrown down an ultimatum that Zoggs need to raise the money to buy the place or move out, for the first time people are contemplating this bona fide hub not being around, and it feels bleak.

Fortunately, the campaign to #keepmickeyzoggsalive is well underway and we’re a little late to the party in shouting out our own support (what, IO being slow?) but it’s worth looking at the considerable community rallying taking place to help funnel funds into the Zoggs pot and secure the future of the place in an ever-changing cityscape. In the latest round of Crowdfunding you can see just how many friends in interesting places the venue has, thanks to the gifts that have been offered for people to snap up.

From a 1-on-1 production session with razor-sharp beatsmith Yushh to screenplay consultations, singing courses to festival tickets, the chance to play Steve Davis at pool or even some VIP tickets to Girls Aloud at the O2 arena, the Zoggs crowdfunder is like a bizarro gift shop with niche but high-end treats for that special weirdo in your life.

An added bonus is the ramp up in comedy video content shouting out the campaign and hyping up the steady stream of parties happening. Even once the mission is complete, there’s no way Zoggs / Noods can go back from putting themselves out there so much. Cynical social media algorithms might demand it, but it also helps people put their faith in a project when you see the real people behind it – Leon, Jack, Fran and the rest of the team. We’ll be the first to call it out if they slip into bullshit lifestyle influencer drudgery.

For now, donate if you can, buy yourself something niche, get down for a pile o’ pints or just help spread the word. Zoggs Is Love.

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