Puressence Gig & MAO Livehouse Update

Yesterday we broke the news that tonight's Puressence show (Saturday, April 17) at MAO Livehouse had suddenly been moved to Frank's Place. We now have additional details on the move and the goings-on at MAO.

We have confirmed that all pre-sold tickets for Puressence at MAO Livehouse will be honored at Frank's – in other words, if you already have a ticket you can use it at the new venue. Frank's is considerably smaller than MAO, however, so if you were planning to buy a ticket at the door you might want to get to Frank's early.

The lineup of tonight's gig may also vary from what was advertised for the MAO Livehouse show. Earlier today we spoke to Shen Yan of The Tumbleweed, who were due to support Puressence, and Shen indicated that some of the support acts may not play if the stage at Frank's proves to be too small. The bands will make a decision later today

Shen Yang confirmed, however, that Puressence will definitely play. If the space is not sufficient for their usual stage set up, Shen indicated Puressence may play an acoustic set.

So what's up with MAO Livehouse? It seems the venue has been unexpectedly shut down by authorities after it was discovered the venue did not meet health and safety regulations for a performance space. Sources involved with the venue have said Mao might re-open in May, "If everything goes well." They were unable to provide more details at this stage.

Given the venue's fame, age, and central location, it seems a little odd that the authorities have "suddenly discovered" a problem with the place. We suspect there is more to this story than a simple breach of regulations – watch this space for more details as they come to hand.

Puressence; Saturday, April 17; RMB 140/120 (advance); 9pm; Frank's Place.

Pre-sold tickets for previously advertised Puressence appearance at MAO Livehouse can be used at Frank's.