Hednesford live music bar Woody's closes its doors
A much-loved music bar which was played by live bands from across the region has closed suddenly.
Woody's Music, in Market Street, Hednesford, has shut its doors.
It was known locally as one of the best live music venues in the area and attracted performers from across the region.
Weekly gigs proved hugely popular, with the venue among the best known in Hednesford.
Events had been booked at the bar until the end of March, according to the venue's website.
The bar had been run by Andy 'Woody' Wood and his wife Tracie.
Midlands band Dance Floor Deluxe were due to play at Woody's on Friday but had to hastily make other arrangements when they found out the bar had shut.
Pete, from the band, said: "I think it has probably been struggling for a while and couldn't carry on any longer. Woody phoned out the blue to tell me.
"It is not easy running a live music venue and he has decided to call time on it.
"We were due to be up there this Friday and had got a lot of people coming but we have managed to find another venue."
Woody's, which holds more than 200 people, opened in 2011 after the building was extensively refurbished. It has hosted hundreds of music acts over the years, including some of the finest tribute acts.
When it was put up for sale two years ago, the bar was described as a ‘an iconic venue locally, with a reputation for attracting some of the best live performers the area has to offer’.
A large sign on the front of the building now says it is available for lease. The Joshua Tree Motel at the rear, which is also owned by the Woods, is still open and takings bookings.
Hednesford councillor Stuart Crabtree said he was disappointed by the bar's closure.
He said: "I heard it had closed and it is a sad loss for the area and live music. It is very popular.
"I do hope somebody will take it on and hopefully it can come back."
