It had been the chance for a Norfolk social club to prove it could 'do things differently'.
The Naked Lights, an alternative indie band from Norwich, arrived at Toftwood Social Club near Dereham on Saturday evening to treat the club’s members “to something they don’t usually see”.
However the gig ended up surrounded by controversy as the club scolded its own members for hurling a barrage of verbal abuse at the band.
“This is not acceptable behaviour and a very bad image of Toftwood Social Club,” read a post on Facebook.
“All the bands we book travel a great distance to entertain you. You do not pay an entrance fee for these, and we have to cater for everyone one of our members and not a select few.”
While the club has not commented on what was said to the band, it added that it will be taking a hard stance on any future incidents of abuse.
“If this behaviour continues you will be dealt with accordingly”, the post continued.
“It is a real shame it has come to this and The Naked Lights had to receive such abuse.”
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To make matters worse, the band’s drummer, Ben Carpenter, was a local drinker known to the club, and had expressed his excitement to play there in the weeks leading up to the gig.
“We need you!”, he said on Facebook last week.
“My band need a great crowd to show that Toftwood Social club can do different!
“Come and see The Naked Lights this Saturday and enjoy something that you don’t usually see!”
The band has previously headlined the marquee stage at Cromer Carnival, and describe themselves on their website as “a ragged adventure, with songs veering from bass-driven gospel, through electronic guitar-house to fuzzy Brit indiepop, all polished with pop melody”.
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The switch from traditional bands appears to have been a deliberate choice by Toftwood Social Club.
The club’s Facebook post received a flurry of reactions.
One commenter said: “For people to be abusive just because it's not to their own personal taste is disgraceful.”
Another added: “The band was superb, it’s just a shame that some people don’t understand the club is for everyone. Whether you like the band or not.”
The band has been approached for a comment.
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