VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE CAVERN: CELEBRATING 34 YEARS OF PASSION FOR LIVE MUSIC

The Cavern has been the beating drum of Exeter’s alternative music scene for over three decades. This intimate venue has hosted emerging UK and European bands and established bands with an up-close audience. It has undoubtedly shaped the city’s music legacy.

Live music’s raw, authentic energy pulses through its walls (featuring some awesome artwork), and Pippa, who has been a vital part of this venue since 1994, knows what makes this space so unique.

There’s something quite Rock n’ Roll romantic about its first show on Valentine’s Day 1991 with US punk band Quicksand. So, what better way to celebrate the love of music, community and the raw realities of managing an Independent music venue than with Pippa, the venue’s co-owner?

Photo Credit: Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
Photo Credit: Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
Photo Credit: Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
Photo Credit: Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh

When we asked Pippa what managing The Cavern means to her, she responded honestly: “Everything and nothing all at once. It’s just my life.”

Managing a venue like this has been part of the routine for decades, and though it’s clear she lives and breathes the music scene, she recognises it comes with the nitty gritty and doesn’t take the role lightly.

“It’s a lot of late nights, cleaning toilets, doing the wages, booking shows and being harassed by booking agents. But that’s all part of it.’’

Since stepping in in 1994, Pippa has seen it all – from the highest highs to the lowest lows. The Cavern, after all, is a survivor. Following a fire in 2016, it was rebuilt and re-energised, thanks to the love and support of the local community through Crowdfunder.

While many venues claim to support local musicians, Pippa has a different approach. “We’re not particularly interested in some college band doing a bunch of covers.” “Our thing is completely the reverse. We want to bring the best American bands. Best Japanese bands, the best European bands, here to Exeter.”

“It’s when local bands see these bands, they realise they can do it too.”

The Cavern focuses on bringing in top-tier international talent – from punk legends to cutting-edge underground acts. For Pippa, it’s all about showing local musicians what’s possible and celebrating music as art and as people – for both the artists and the audience.

Pippa’s no-nonsense attitude towards music is refreshing. She’s not here for the cookie-cutter gigs or any pretentiousness that sometimes comes with the territory. It’s about real, raw talent – the music that speaks to you, makes you move and gives you the feeling of being part of something real.

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Over its long and storied history, The Cavern has hosted countless incredible performances. The 220-capacity has been a platform for some of the biggest rock bands in the world to start their career, with Muse, Coldplay and Biffy Clyro just some of many who performed in Exeter.

But for Pippa, there are a few moments that really stand out.

One of the most memorable was when Muse returned to The Cavern in 2022 for a surprise secret gig. It was a homecoming of sorts for the band, a chance to give back to the venue that helped launch their career.

“It was sort of quite ridiculous in a way and amazing at the same time,” Pippa laughs, remembering the buzz around the event. Muse, from Teignmouth, first played at the Cavern in October 1994, playing there 32 times since.

Other standout moments include gigs with legendary acts like Rival Schools, Sick of It All, and loads of other punk rock and alternative icons.

Nearly ten years ago, for the venue’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in 2016, the Cavern hosted a month of incredible gigs including Frank Turner, J. Robbins and The Xcerts. The whole month celebrated what The Cavern is all about.

Then, of course, there was the reopening after the fire. Jeff Rosenstock, who had played there many times before, performed at the reopening gig, marking the venue’s return in full force. Pippa recalls, “It felt good to get back to normal.’’

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The Cavern has always been a space for people to unite and share experiences. “For people who aren’t into alternative music, this place doesn’t mean anything. But for the freaks like us who are, it’s everything.’’

“It provides a space where people can meet, form relationships with and learn from acts that are high quality and of a national or international standard. For the enjoyment and general benefit of it, not for some kind of career objective.’’

And that’s the magic of The Cavern. “We don’t see music or any kind of art as a thing anyone should be doing to ladder climb or gain commercial success. Sometimes that does happen, sure, but we’re not interested in that being the goal.’’

“It’s not even just about discovering new bands. It’s discovering new people, learning from the experiences of others, going out with your mates.’’ The Cavern has always been a stepping stone to greater things.

The Cavern will continue doing what it does best, bringing in new and exciting acts most nights of the week. Punk rock, folk, and everything in between will keep this venue buzzing with life. The energy and passion that radiates from this venue will never quieten down – and it’s a space that will always remain a staple of Exeter’s live music scene.

Pippa’s advice is simple to anyone reading this: “Go to gigs. Go to gigs and support the venues putting on the real music. If you like something, go. If you’re not sure, try something new.” Yes, the venue prioritises bringing international acts to Exeter, yes it allows local bands to share their sound and immerse themselves in the scene. But it’s also a space to develop creative skills, make connections and explore passions. A space that brings people together, where everyone can carve out a role in the music community.

The Cavern will always be here for real music lovers. And we can’t wait to see what’s next.

The Cavern is a key part of the fabric of Exeter’s underground music scene. To stay up to date with the latest gigs, shows, and events, visit their listings and support the live music scene by attending as many gigs as you can.

And as for the 35th anniversary next year? Watch this space – something exciting is already cooking behind the scenes.

You can find out more about The Cavern and their upcoming shows here.

Exeter Cavern

Photo Credit: Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
Photo Credit: Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch
Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch

Pippa has been an integral part of The Cavern since 1994, accumulating 31 years of experience managing one of Exeter’s most significant music venues and one of the most iconic in the Southwest.

Starting as a bar worker, Pippa gradually took on management responsibilities, driven by her passion for alternative music and band culture. Also an active musician, Pippa recently recorded with her band Silk Cuts at the studio owned by Matt and Lucy of Pale Blue Eyes.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us, Pippa.

Silk Cuts

Inside the venue, the iconic Cavern Underground mural sets the tone for intimate live shows and passionate music experiences. — Photo Credit: Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh

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– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.

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