THE MAN behind a troubled Wrexham live music venue is stepping down after its licence was revoked.

Go Live, formerly Heart Rock Live, situated at Eagles Meadow shopping centre first opened its doors in the summer of 2021 in the unit previously occupied by Turquoise Kitchen and Bar.

It pledged to "reinvigorate" Wrexham's live music scene - and attracted some of the UK's best tribute acts and other bands.

The Leader: Guns N Roses Experience was the first band to play at the venue in 2021. Guns N Roses Experience was the first band to play at the venue in 2021. (Image: Stephen Cain Photography)

However, things turned in 2022 - with shows being cancelled last minute and people being left waiting for refunds. There were also claims that its bar was understocked and that the venue was understaffed.

Steven Mills, the founder and director of Heart Rock Live, announced that it was would be rebranded - becoming known as Go Live.

He apologised for the issues surrounding the venue and pledged that all refunds would be paid and there would be no further gig cancellations.

However, the same problems persisted - with gigs cancelled and people allegedly waiting for refunds. Some bands have taken to social media to express their concerns over the venue.

And in December, 2022 the venue's licence was revoked following a meeting involving North Wales Police, the Licensing Authority and the manager of Eagles Meadow.

Mr Mills has said that an appeal has been submitted against the decision, but that he is stepping down as director. 

He claims that the licence was revoked due to three incidents at the venue that required police attendance since June 2021.

Mr Mills said: "While that is three too many, this is a record most nightspots in Wrexham would be proud of.

"Indeed, I could name several places that have worse performance in terms of actual occurrences that undermine the licensing objectives and no action has been taken against them to the best of my knowledge. In addition, the action taken was premature as licensing had been to the premises the day before the police requested a review and audited our premises.

"Prior to the hearing all measures required to be taken to be in compliance with the terms of the licence had been made or were in progress, and the venue would not have reopened until every issue had been resolved to the complete satisfaction of the council."

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He continued: "I have decided to resign as active manager of the venue, and my involvement will be only as the lease and premises license holder. There is a highly experienced new management team in place and a public announcement with these details is to be made soon.

"I'm sorry to say that my reputation has suffered as a result of financial difficulties the venue had emerging from the pandemic, my partner's serious personal health problems and the impact of this on my mental health. In order to help them succeed where I failed, I will be continuing to assume responsibility for settling the debts of the company and I am determined to account for every penny that is owed. In addition, I have refunded the majority of customers money for tickets purchased to cancelled events.

"Should there be any persons who are entitled and have not yet been contacted by me, please email teamgo@golive.org.uk and I will organise prompt reimbursement."

Mr Mills said the venue will continue to support emergency and frontline workers with free and discounted products.

"I personally am most passionate about this and other roles that are benefit to the charitable, voluntary and community sectors," he said. 

"Such as facilitating their use of the space in the venue for free, bringing therapeutic music into the lives of the vulnerable and those in care, and organising fundraising events."

He added: "Lastly, is to thank those dear and special souls who have been supportive of me throughout these experiences, and to apologise profusely to everyone who has endured any negative consequences caused by my circumstances."

North Wales Police's licensing officer, Charlotte Carr, said: “Following a licensing sub-committee hearing held in December last year between North Wales Police, the Licensing Authority and the Eagles Meadow centre manager, the premises licence of Heart Rock, Eagles Meadow was revoked.

“The decision was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 following information provided over concerns relating to the management of the premises, the failure to employ SIA security guards and the breaches of the premises licence conditions.

“As a result, it was found the operation of the premises was undermining the licensing objectives.

“The decision has since been appealed by the premises licence holder and a hearing will be held later this year.”