2000s

The new century brought some new times for the halls – with huge makeovers for the Wulfrun and Civic and a move from the Little Civic to The Slade Rooms.

The venues may have have been changing but the quality and variety of the performers stayed the same.

Almost 3,000 shows were put on – from rock, pop and comedy to close fought competitions in darts tournaments and battle of the bands nights.

Perhaps the most notorious gig of the time was one performed by the mask-wearing thrash metal band Slipknot in March 2000.

The band's turntablist Sid Wilson clambered onto the 20ft high balcony and stage-dived into the crowd, injuring a member of the audience.

Not all of the acts were this dangerous however and throughout the following 10 years, Wolverhampton continued to be a starting point for huge acts.

Many of the decade's big hitters playing early gigs here including Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Arctic Monkeys, Toploader, Turin Brakes, Snow Patrol, The Libertines and Biffy Clyro.

The halls also hosted huge rock acts The Killers, Scissor Sisters, Muse, Kasabian, Ash and The White Stripes, welcomed back stars such as Robert Plant, Blur, Manic Street Preachers, The Beautiful South and Bjork as well as showcasing comedians including Victoria Wood, Peter Kay, Lee Evans, Frankie Boyle, Al Murray and Michael McIntyre.

I'm home!!!!

Homegrown soul sensation and musical theatre actress Beverley Knight has played at the Civic on numerous occasions and appeared on November 23 2006 as part of her 19-date Voice – The best of tour.

She was clearly delighted to be back at the Civic, writing in the visitor's book: “I'm home!!!!”

As the venues attracted bigger and bigger names so it needed to increase the space for gig goers and offer visiting stars a bigger and better experience backstage.

While investment was made to increase capacities to 3,000 at the Civic and 1,134 at the Wulfrun, there was also change behind the scenes with a jacuzzi and sauna added to the newly plush dressing rooms.

And the makeover wasn't missed by the acts playing here – the change certainly caused a lot of chat in the visitor books.

Orbital started it all off in May 2001 by commenting: “I like the refurbishment! I've been coming here for 10 years and it's all changed from my dressing room being a nasty cupboard on the stairs to a multi-coloured room with a jacuzzi.”

First time I've ever had a private bathtub in my dressing room!

Shirley Manson from Garbage was thrilled: “Ooooh, like the refurbishment. First time I've ever had a private bathtub in my dressing room! Ever grateful.”

The Pet Shop Boys, who performed in both July 2002 and May 2007 were even more enthusiastic, with their: “Best dressing room in Europe!”

If the performers loved the comfy backstage, it was nothing compared to what they thought of their audiences.

The visitor books are full of praise for Wolverhampton fans.

Comedian Dave Gorman began the compliments in January 2003 with his: “Charming and helpful staff. An intelligent and full house in the biggest hall of my life and my mum was here to see it! A fantastic night – thank you.”

Jack White of The White Stripes continues three months later with: “Thanks Civic, you made my day and I shan't forget it.”

And Scouting for Girls, who played in October 2008, loved us too: “Thank you so much for an amazing show. We can't wait to come back. Wolverhampton rocks!”