Adelaide music: Post-Covid blues make scene a risky business

Adelaide’s once-thriving live music scene is still recovering after the Covid-19 peak with smaller venues struggling with rising costs and reduced customer spending.

Adelaide’s once-thriving live music scene is still recovering after the Covid-19 peak with smaller venues struggling with rising costs and reduced customer spending.

The birthplace of some of Australia’s greatest bands, ­including AC/DC and Cold Chisel, Adelaide enjoyed a ­resurgence after the pandemic as audiences returned with a vengeance.

But the state’s peak industry group has warned smaller-to-medium-sized live music venues are dealing with their “most challenging time ever” due to difficult economic conditions.

A new national report, released last week, shows 1300 – or one-third of the country’s ­licensed live music venues or stages – have closed since the start of the 2020, according to the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS).

Kylie Kerrigan with Christine Schloithe, who said despite strong support from the public, some pubs and clubs were still battling to make ends meet. Picture: Jo-Anna Robinson/Photojo

Music SA chief executive Christine Schloithe said despite strong support from the public, some pubs and clubs were still battling to make ends meet.

“It’s obvious that some parts of the live music industry are doing really well and we celebrate that. However, the return of audiences doesn’t signify a full industry recovery,” she said.

“Regional venues have also closed in high numbers, according to a recent census, and we do see that reflected in South Australia.

“Costs are rising, it is very ­expensive for artists to tour, we are still rebuilding our emerging talent pool locally and audiences are navigating tight household budgets and consumer spending.”

Melissa Tonkin, owner of The Governor Hindmarsh on Port Rd, said they were “devastated” by Covid, which was followed by a “boom” post-pandemic.

“It’s very challeng­ing at the moment with rising insurance prices and rising energy costs,” she said.

“Acts wouldn’t make it to the bigger stages without having the smaller grassroots venues to begin their careers,” she said.

Melissa Tonkin (with sister Jo Tonkin) they were “devastated” by Covid, which was followed by a “boom” post-pandemic. Pic: Tricia Watkinson.

Trent Fahey, co-owner of The Bridgeway Hotel, said a lot of punters had fond memories of the golden age of pub rock, when watching bands such as AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel and The Angels, was a weekly institution.

“We want to embrace that history, so the modern generation can have the same experience,” he said.

New 1800-person venue, Hindley Street Music Hall, opened just over 12 months ago, and celebrated its 100th show this week.

Venue manager Taryn Walton said the space, which had played host to acts such as Hanson, UB40 and Jet, filled an important “hole in the market” – a live music venue in the CBD.

“People always complain that no one ever comes to ­Adelaide, but the public has to get out there amongst it and back the industry.”

Music SA announced four local acts for the VAILO Adelaide 500 2023 After-Race Concerts alongside music giants Robbie Williams, Carl Cox, Icehouse and The Screaming Jets. Emerging talents DJ SVVLO, Puree, Mum’s Favourite and Rob Edwards will perform across the three-day event.

“It is such an exciting chance to get to share my stories and songs at such an awesome event, supporting the iconic Robbie Williams is an incredible opportunity that I’m sure we will never forget,” Edwards said.

“The community support by the wonderful team at MusicSA is so great – providing opportunities like this for South Australian emerging artists is really what it’s about.”