Plaque honouring Kidderminster's Market Tavern unveiled

Hundreds turned out to celebrate the Market Tavern, Kidderminster’s “very own CBGBs,” on Saturday (March 19).

The popular venue hosted countless indie bands on touring circuits during the 90s, including Radiohead, Catatonia and Chumbawamba.

Music promoter Mark Badgeman, who penned a book in tribute to the venue, started a crowd funder for the plaque last year, which received an overwhelming response.

The plaque is located on a Ray Mercer Way apartment building where the pub once stood before demolition.

It was unveiled by Jim Bob, singer of indie group Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine, who performed at the venue on three occasions.

He described the Market Tavern as one of the group's "favourite venues" whilst touring in the early 90s. 

Speaking at the unveiling, Mark Badgeman said it was “amazing” that so many people came to the event to remember the venue.

“Without Carter agreeing to play in the first place there wouldn’t be a venue,” Mark said.

“They took a chance really. It made all this happen.”

Local artist Humdrum Express performed a new song at the unveiling, with lyrics about the well-loved venue. 

A Q&A event was later held at Kidderminster Town Hall, hosted by Mark and musician Andrew Wolfman, featuring Jim Bob and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin frontman Jonn Penney.

Kidderminster's Market Tavern

Recalling his first time performing at the venue, Jonn said his band were “absolutely terrified” of the audience and had “cold feet,” but said it was a “good gig” in the end.

On the evening, cult bands that once graced the Market Tavern stage performed once again, but at the new Kidderminster venue 45 Live.

Stourbridge group Fretblanket reformed for an acoustic set, with Redditch punk rockers Funbug also reforming for the show.

Other bands performing at the celebration were Full Pelt, Sister Sandwich, West Midlands, Man Made Hell, and The Mothership.