Is it just me, or the Birmingham Academy a Shit venue. If you stand close to the front the sound is ropey, whereas if you stand further back, you end up with only a letterbox view of the stage, due to the balcony.

i love the acadamy, and its got a great rough pub next door

when i went there for rancid i stood just in front of the sound desk thing. good view and good sound. it's a pretty good venue i like, although cus it was sold out i got pretty crushed.

Right, I know the Academy is a tad pants, but there is nothing else in Brum city centre.
It tis better than nowt. I have seen some good & bad gigs there over the years (1984-present).
For the best sound and view you have to be in front of the mixing desk tho'

I haven't been to the Barfly in Digbeth yet

has anyone here?

barfly is ok but stinks of piss and is very small

i love the academy wats the problem?
goin to see the zutons there in may:D:D:D
cant wait. its also only 20 mins frm were i live on the bus

The Academy is great. Gotta be near the front and middle though! Last gig was Silverstein

The Subculture club nights can be pretty fun at this place as well.
Shame there isn't enough good alt venues in Bham.