Stars support their local British boozer

• 19th Dec 2008

Paul Weller, Suggs and Super Furry Animals' Gruff Rhys, among others, have joined a new campaign aimed at saving the traditional British pub.

NME writer Paul Moody and Heavenly Records' Rob Turner organised the campaign Save Our Pubs! in an attempt to highlight the issues of British pubs losing business and closing.

“Local pubs are closing at the rate of 57 a month,” they explained after visiting pubs where the likes of Joy Division and The Rolling Stones formed. “Classic interiors are being torn down and local communities denied a focal point, to make way for flats and gastro-refits overseen by the disciples of General Gastro. It's nothing short of cultural vandalism. I mean, how many bands formed in Starbucks?”