Tucked away just off the Lower Bristol Road, Roseberry Road Studios is one of Bath’s most welcoming creative spaces — and it recently played host to a fascinating evening with Clive Deamer, the internationally acclaimed drummer from Portishead.
The venue is a true hidden gem for anyone who loves art, music and community, hosting an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, intimate gigs, workshops and regular classes, from yoga to life drawing, all set within its warm, characterful surroundings. It’s well worth a visit.
The event began with a packed Q&A session, as Clive was interviewed by Jonathan Wright, culture journalist and co-founder of Groovy Times. From the moment he began speaking, Clive came across as engaging, modest and refreshingly down-to-earth. He spoke openly about his journey from difficult school years to becoming one of the most respected and versatile drummers in the business. There were laughs as he recalled being sacked from Hawkwind “for being too professional”, and thoughtful moments as he reflected on the discipline and creativity that underpin his craft.
He traced his musical path from early R’n’B and rock influences through to his lifelong passion for jazz, describing how hearing the greats of the genre changed his musical direction forever. It was fascinating to hear how he balances the intimate, restrained style demanded by Portishead with the power and complexity of performing double-drum live sets with Radiohead.
The Q&A, deftly guided by Jonathan Wright, was a masterclass in storytelling and rhythm, both literal and personal, and the audience questions added an extra layer of warmth and insight.
Following the conversation came a live set from Clive’s acclaimed jazz collective Get The Blessing, featuring Jake McMurchie on saxophone, Jim Barr on bass, and Pete Judge on trumpet. Their performance was electric — taut, inventive and utterly absorbing — earning rapturous applause from the sold-out crowd. DJ sets later in the evening kept the energy flowing long into the night.
What an amazing evening for such a modest, low-key venue — proof that Roseberry Road Studios is fast becoming one of Bath’s most exciting cultural hubs. Keep an eye on roseberryroadstudios.com for details of upcoming events.
