Well, gig-goers, it looks like that’s it for now.

Despite some hopeful and defiant noises, pledging that the music will never stop, the bars, pubs and venues have been forced to close their doors for the foreseeable future.

Not only that, but many public practice venues, frequented by many a local group, have also been left with no choice but to turn off the lights and shut the doors.

Where this will leave the Manx music scene?

I guess time will tell, although already many enterprising singers and players around the island have begun to hold impromptu online gigs and song recitals.

Dusty Plankton, after reluctantly scrapping their gig at Secret Pizza Company, went online, while John Barker has been playing a fine set of Tom Waits covers for you all to enjoy.

One gig that did go ahead last weekend was the third heat of the Quids Inn Battle of the Bands.

The night saw Acoustic Atmosphere, featuring percussionist Mark Firth and guitarist Tom Baker, take the victory from rock *’ roll punks Mad Daddy.

After Bruises were forced to pull out, a returning Terry George, guitarist with the much-missed Last Drags, stepped up to the mic.

In an ideal world, Acoustic Atmosphere would line up against Swarf Damage and Warbird and the winners of heat four, which would have taken place next week, to see who would be crowned the undisputed champions of the Manx band scene.

However, it’s not to be and as the pubs have shut their doors for the time being, we may have to wait to find out who comes out on top.

Here’s hoping that it won’t be too long before these groups and many more like them will be back on stage.