Save Live Australia’s Music (SLAM), a group recently formed in support of Melbourne’s live music scene, is staging a protest on Tuesday 23rd of February. The group, whose clunky name conveniently makes for a catchy acronym, is demanding that the government review the current restrictive liquor laws on live music venues and give more support and recognition to Melbourne’s live music scene in general.
In an event timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of AC/DC’s hit ‘It’s a Long Way To The Top’, the protest will feature a flat bed truck slowly making its way down Swanston street with the RocKwiz Orchestra belting out the chords from the song. A spectacle sure to conjure up images, in those old enough to remember, of AC/DC pulling the same stunt in their video clip three and a half decades earlier.
The push is being led by Quincy McLean and has the support from a large number of well known Australian artists, including Paul Kelly, Tim Rogers and Clare Bowditch. SLAM has formed mainly in response to the closure earlier this year of the Tote, but is deeply concerned with the damage current laws are having on other live music venues in the city. They are asking that current laws be reviewed as soon as possible to ensure that no more venues go under due to more costly licensing requirements. The group is also calling for more support to be given to Melbourne’s live music community and for recognition of the essential role it plays in the cultural fabric of the city.
So far the event has enjoyed a great deal of virtual support. With thousands joining the facebook page, this issue is clearly ringing true for thousands of music lovers across Melbourne who see restrictive licensing regimes as harmful to the culture of the city.
The event is being touted as the beginning of a longer campaign for politicians to give live music in this city a fair go, with organisers promising further concerts and political action throughout the year.
The government is clearly concerned, with efforts being made to meet the group’s demands prior to the protest. While they are clearly more concerned with their electoral vulnerability in inner city seats than about the state of live music in Melbourne this should result in progress on the issue.
Regardless of political intent, we will hopefully soon see liquor laws which give a fair risk assessment of live music venues in Melbourne and a resurgence in the viability of these institutions.
Laneway encourages all live music lovers to get down to the State Library on Tuesday to voice your concern to the State Government. If you are part of a band, you are encouraged to register on SLAM’s website and march together on the day.
Encourage your friends to come along to make this a really big event in support of Melbourne’s music scene.
SLAM will protest against licensing restrictions on live music venues on Tuesday 23rd of February. The Protest starts outside the State Library at 4pm. Guest Speakers in front of Parliament House from 6pm-7pm.
