Melbourne rockers Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City set to kick off free tour aiming to save live music at Cranker

A group of Melbourne rockers are on a mission to save the country’s live music scene, starting with Adelaide’s Crown & Anchor. Find out why.

With Australia’s live music industry on the brink of collapse, one muso is on a mission to revitalise the scene by offering free shows across the country, starting in Adelaide.

Backed by his band The Electric City, Melbourne rocker Jacob Fitzgerald will kick off the first stop of the “It ain’t cheap if it ain’t free tour!!” at the Crown & Anchor (aka the Cranker) on April 19 before heading to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

Melbourne rocker Jacob Fitzgerald will kick off his free tour at the Cranker this April. Picture: Instagram @jacob.fitzgerald

Fitzgerald, who has toured with the likes of Pacific Avenue and The Rions, said playing at the Cranker, which is currently under threat from developers, was a no-brainer.

“We’ve actually played at Cranker before and really enjoyed it, so that was my top choice,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to visiting again and playing and seeing some Adelaide locals and we’re hoping to get, you know, one or two local acts to come and support us as well.

“It’s actually really sad to hear about the Cranker so hopefully it sticks around because it’s been the venue that has been the kindest to us so far.”

‘We’re really looking forward to visiting again and playing and seeing some Adelaide locals’ Fitzgerald will kick off his free tour at the Cranker this April. Picture: Instagram @jacob.fitzgerald

The “heartbreaking” cancellation of Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass and decline in people seeing live music inspired Fitzgerald to bring free music to the people.

“The live music scene is down, there’s no denying that the evidence is everywhere in the fact that you know, two of our biggest Australian festivals have both been cancelled this year,” he said.

“Whether a ticket is 20 bucks or 200 bucks, you know, the live music scene can be expensive for some people.

“I think this is a step forward, I’m not, you know, saying everyone should do a free show, but to just get out and support live music when you can is a good thing.”

Fitzgerald and his band have toured with the likes of Pacific Avenue and The Rions. Picture: Jacob Fitzgerald

After announcing the tour on his TikTok on Friday, Fitzgerald and his band have been hailed as “true legends” by many.

One user said, “this is so awesome of you” while another expressed their admiration, saying, “love you so much for this, let’s boogie together in [Adelaide].”

Another supporter shared their excitement, stating: “Just bought tix and cannot wait, you guys are legends.”

And judging from the RSVPs received so far, it’s going to be a “very busy” tour, Fitzgerald said.

“I’m just so keen that people are getting around the idea and that we can sort of give back a little bit as well,” he said.

“So if people want to take a chance on a little band and champion, you know, a homegrown act – [come] down to support some live music on April 19.”

To RSVP, visit https://www.jacobfitzgerald.com.au/shows