Vision by owner for nightclub to put Ayr on the map for live music

James Bunten took over Madisons with his partner Tracey McGregor at the start of the year and already the line-up is beginning to take shape with a host of bands preparing to play over the next year as James looks to get the Carrick Street venue rocking.

Madisons officially re-launched last week after weeks of refurbishment works to get the club up to scratch.

James is a keen musician has played in various pubs across Ayrshire believes his latest venture can give local bands a new platform as well as attract well known acts to Ayr.

He told the Advertiser: “When you normally play in a pub it’s where the TV shelf sits right in the corner of the pub.

“We’ve got a big stage and a big PA system, it does make all the difference to the performance. Our stage is already set for it. We have a 2.30am licence most of the week so we can accommodate.

“We are licensed for 800 people, with a band we can get 550 people in.

“I want to put Madisons on the map as a gig in the circuit. We want to put Ayr on the map for live music.”

James is beginning to attract some bigger bands to the town as he plans to make Friday night the premier slot for gigs.

Mother Earth which features former members of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Style Council, and a stand in guitarist for Oasis has been booked in to play later this year.

A popular Duran Duran tribute is also on the billing to add more variety to the venue.

James told how he was never on the look out for a nightclub and he wants to gradually invest more funds and time into transforming it.

He said: “It was my partner that found it. Madisons is up for grabs. We’ve been working hard to get it up to scratch.

“There was some damage that was there, we put new floors down in the bar, we are hoping to do a bigger refurbishment and re-launch again.”

Last week we told how Madisons was transformed ahead of its re-opening.

The new-look club has two new bars, one dedicated to beer and the other shots.