Many top bands have appeared at the Cafe during its 15 months of opening. Local groups and soloists regularly featured, as did new talent on its Tuesday jam nights.

Rawmarsh man Richard Millard, one of the 'Rawmarsh Mashers' and the organiser of Acoustic Rotherham events, said: "Acoustic Rotherham are more than just a little sad to see the demise of yet another 'live' music venue.

"The Blues Cafe in Rotherham not only brought some great performers into the town to play live, but also encouraged local talent by giving emerging bands like the Lanterns and The Monte Carlo Safe Crackers a stage to showcase their talent.

"Local blues bands like Taylor Maid or the super Steve Gasgoine have made appearances at Cafe, and their weekly Open Mic sessions also pulled together many back bedroom musicians of Rotherham resulting in development of new bands or collaborations.

"Unfortunately the demise of The Blues Cafe is symptomatic of the current general decline within the licensing trade.

While the town centre disco and rave bars prosper, the traditional users of the local, who may in the past have been tempted by live music, prefer to stay at home with their cheap supermarket beer, and dare we say, where they can enjoy a cigarette without feeling like a leper."

The Mashers added: "We hope Joe and Rudi are OK and wish them success in whatever they do in the future. Their efforts, support and encouragement were always much appreciated."

The Blues Band were due to appear in August on one of their National Tours, while Phil Murray and the Boys From Bury were due back soon, along with Dr Feelgood.

Times editor Jim Oldfield was a fan of the Blues Cafe, and commented as follows in a recent review of a band there; "As for Rudi's, what ARE you lot playing at? This brilliant downstairs club has hand-pulled real ale, no morons, and superb bands.

This place deserves, nay demands, your support."

Unfortunately, he was too late....