THIS weekend marks the end of an era in terms of the Colchester music scene when Dave Richards, landlord of the Bull pub in Colchester, introduces his last act.

Since taking over the establishment back in 2007, he has transformed not only the fortunes of a once-ailing venue but also provided a place for some of the town’s brightest acts to cut their musical teeth.

Over the years a whole host of top names have walked through the Bull’s doors including The Who’s frontman Roger Daltry.

“I didn’t see him,” Dave smiles, “and he certainly wasn’t here to play a gig. I think one of his friends was playing but it caused a bit of a stir.

“We did have some pretty cracking acts though including Tom Hingley from the Inspiral Carpets, Chris Helme from the Seahorses, and of course Mike Joyce from The Smiths.”

But it was often the local bands that provided the best nights for Dave.

“For me one of the best gigs was when Fuzzface played their last ever one here,” he adds.

"And then when we had a group of young bands playing a showcase set in the Soundhouse headlined by Broken Heads, which just absolutely went crazy. Those were nights were there was a real buzz about the place.”

But that’s what the Bull under Dave’s management has always been about even from those very early days.

Initially Dave and his wife Fiona had no intention of putting on music, preferring to establish The Bull as an up market drink and eat place, but after putting on two bands, Black Cat Bone and Skandal it became very popular.

“After that first gig,” he continues, “one of the things we did was hold an Open Mic night, which became really popular very quickly, and then of course as these musicians were trying new things out it was inevitable they would want a platform to perform their material. Some of them even went on to form their own bands.”

After opening up an old store shed in the back of the pub, in 2011 Dave revamped The Soundhouse, as it was called, with an increased capacity and a better sound system, catering for the lively music scene and the up-surge in local promoters wanting to use it.

Over the years that has included The Raging Bull, Brickhouse Promotions, Zoo Nights and Icebreaker.

The Bull even held its own search for new musical talent with their Bandstand competition and ran such a highly regarded Pop Quiz, the guy who ran it, Mick Aves, was signed up by Virgin Radio.

This Friday and Saturday, Dave hosts his final weekend of music with a whole host of acts performing. For further details get the Gazette’s Weekend supplement on Friday.