Well, if reports in the popular press are to be believed, Mean Fiddler is about to be re-branded as Festival Republic. The news comes as Mean Fiddler completes its deal with the Mama Group (owners of the nationwide chain of Barfly venues) for several notable London venues.

The group had already purchased the Forum is Kentish Town from Mean Fiddler in the past year, and now they can add The Garage in Highbury, The Jazz Cafe in Camden, The Borderline in Soho, and the long-defunct Mean Fiddler venue in Harlesden (not to be confused with the basement venue of the Astoria, which until recently carried the Mean Fiddler name) to their portfolio. The deal also gives Mama a 75% stake in G-A-Y, one of the most high-profile gay clubs in the UK.

The deal also gives Mama the right to trade under the Mean Fiddler name, which has prompted the re-brand to Festival Republic. Considering the shift from live performances to more of a festival focus, it makes sense.

Stilll, I can't help wonder what Vince Power is making of it all....