Mark Luders is leaving Leeds and taking off to explore the sun, sand and (most likely) sexy men of Gran Canaria. So, see what the future has in store for Mark right here...

So, you are leaving the country. Where are you going to live and is it permanent?

Yes I can set the gossip straight lol; I am leaving the UK on Sat 2nd April. I am going to live in Gran Canaria ;-) I will be stopping with the wonderful Chelsea for a while until things are set in stone.
In regards to it being permanent, as people know me nothing is every permanent in my busy life... so I will say is I’ll be back when I’m back, if I'm back !

What are your work plans for you when get there?

I have been in talks with people for the last month or so, but nothing is set in stone as of yet. I like to keep my options open and see what the best deal is I can get... I’m sure as soon as I sign on the dotted line you will all find out.

What will you miss the most about Leeds?

I will miss the buzz and the rushing round on a Friday and Saturday night, but I’m sure I’ll be achieving this same buzz once I’m settled.

I will miss the customers and will miss the lifestyle in Leeds as it is 24.7 but saying that I’m actually a quiet person and couldn’t wait to get back home to Norland on my days off, were its nothing but greenery and birds tweeting. This is where I used to find myself and be able to rest and find my surroundings. Leeds was work - Halifax was and is my home life.

Are you coming back for Leeds Pride?

I have booked a hotel room just in case I can get back.....ha-ha, and if I can get back it would be to see my boys (Bears Aloud) perform on stage. As well as catch up with everyone.

It would be nice to come back and see a pride this year knowing I know so many people and knowing I used to be part of the ''scene'' but again things are up in the air.

What is your best memory from managing The Viaduct?

There are loads, I was there a short time but the time I was there I know I made an impact and I know I changed things for the best....

There are 3 things that make me smile

 
1) When I held a charity night for MESMAC, announcing over the microphone on stage at the end of the night that I had raised £2000 was a massive massive achievement for me and it proved all the stress and running round I did paid off in the end. That moment was very emotional and I am very proud of the scene coming together and raising such a large amount of money for a cause that we all need to be more aware of.

 
2) My name going above the door!!! Ha-ha - I’ve always had goals in my life and have always followed paths, I’m a firm believer that things happen for reasons and the life you have, you choose how to live it and how and when you will take the paths.
I had a goal when I was 24 to run and have my name above a very busy gay pub in Leeds. I did it and that to me is a personal challenge I overcome. Running the Viaduct wasn’t easy but I loved every minute of it. So seeing my name going above the door was a massive proud moment for me.

3) Which should be number 1 really - the best memory is seeing customers walking out of the venue at the end of the night coming up to me and thanking me for such a wonderful place and a wonderful night.
Customers thanking the staff for all their hard work, but knowing they were walking out with a smile made it all worthwhile for me.

And the worst...?

The day I decided to hand my notice and concentrate on a new path. They were things that were niggling me and I wanted to leave Leeds and the Viaduct on a high. It was emotional deciding to leave and handing my notice in, but I repeat myself and say things happen for reasons. I will never burn my bridges with anyone as what some people did for me I will never forget.

Where do you see the Leeds scene in ten years time?

My honest answer on this one is..... I don’t think there will be anything like there is now.

In the last 5 years I have had to close a pub of my own down, seen close friends having to close there's down due to number of factors. 1) Recession hit us all but 2) being ''gay'' or ''lesbian'' or ''transgendered'' or '' bi sexual '' in my personal opinion IS becoming more acceptable and you don’t have to go to gay bars these days to see gay people. Many people are accepting that gay people are here and are not going to run away and it’s becoming more acceptable in all bars to be gay. So I personally think in 10 years time the scene will be smaller in Leeds, but that’s just my opinion and I hope I get proved wrong as what Leeds has to offer is really good and It’s great to see a city working together with local bars to create a safe environment for people.

Where do you see you in ten years time?

Ask me that in 9 years 11 months time!!! I don’t do long term planning nor do I commit to a long term plan unless there’s money involved lol.

Anything else you would like to add?

Yeah actually! I need to thank a few people -

1) Gary Connolly - (Nadine from Bears Aloud)
I met Gary and Steven and the rest of the BA crew in Gran Can last may. Myself and Gary hit it off straight away and had loads in common. We stayed in touch when we got back to the UK, and Gary introduced me onto the Leeds scene with the help of Martin Donavan (Kimbearley) and Roger Stone (Sarah). I never have been a ''scene'' person and was overwhelmed first of all with the amount of attention I got! But then I met lots of friends and things spiraled and then before you knew it I was running the busiest showbar on the scene. Gary has always been there for me, always listened to me and never judged me and has been in many ways an inspiration. I will miss him so 'bluddy' much.

2) Clare McGrogan -
For showing me the ropes of the Via and showing me how to deal with the day to day up's and downs of running a bar on the Leeds scene.Clare again is a great person and thanks for all her support.

3) Michael Rothwell - Well where do I start, I didn’t know Michael at all before I started at the Via and all I knew of him that he owned this n this. But what people really don’t know about Michael is the amount of work he does for the communities to help people smile from his own pocket! Michael is an inspiration to me and not only is he one of my old bosses he has become a true loyal friend. It’s true what people say NEVER judge a book by a cover or go on first impressions. Thank you Mr R for all your support and thank you for believing in me.

4) ALL THE STAFF PAST AND PRESENT AT THE VIADUCT - the place wouldn’t be what it is now without the staff. They are all committed and work there balls off to make it the Via. Be it from Bar Staff, cleaners to the Cabaret show and dancers... not forgetting the door staff DJS, compares and all the acts that have helped me in the past doing charity nights for free! No wonder we won BEST VENUE in the Leeds Owlie awards...

My leaving party will be on Thursday 31st March @ BAR FIBRE from 8pm. We will be then moving round all the venues. It should be a good night so drop in and have a leaving drink with me.

Keep up to date with my Facebook and I’m sure I will see 99% of Leeds over May in Gran Can for Maspolmas Pride.

Again thanks to everyone, and I will see you all soon.

Lots of Loving.

Mark / Ludo / Lido
xxxx

Gayleeds.com would like to say thank you to Mark for the interview and the time and dedication that he has given Leeds and wish him the very, very best for the future x x