Audiences get behind charity shows for bushfire victims

Brisbane audiences have embraced an unprecedented number of benefit shows for the bushfires relief efforts, the first show selling out in two days.

Venue director of The Triffid, Powderfinger’s John Collins, says the reaction to the bushfire crisis from Brisbane’s musicians is an inspiration. Picture AAP/David Clark

AN unprecedented number of benefit shows throughout Brisbane to raise funds for the bushfire relief appeal has struck a chord with audiences.

The Triffid’s bushfire relief concert From Brissy, With Love sold out within two days of going on sale Friday afternoon.

A dozen other relief concerts in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast have also been selling fast with acts such as Regurgitator, The Grates, Darren Middleton from Powderfinger, Sarah McLeod from The Superjesus and Megan Washington donating their time to raise funds.

Venue director of The Triffid John Collins paid tribute to the artists for staging Sunday’s sold-out show.

“The artists, to donate their time, are the real stars,” he said.

“Being a Brisbane person, it is probably a bit hard to comprehend the devastation. I’ve never experienced or seen anything like that so the fact the Brisbane people and artists have got behind it, it is a really amazing thing.”

The former Powderfinger bass guitarist said he had not seen this level of charity from the Brisbane music scene.

“Powderfinger was part of WaveAid (for the victims of the Boxing Day tsunami in 2005) but I don’t remember Brisbane doing this many shows,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a local music community dig so deep, ever. I want all the shows to sell out.

“We will be doing one at some stage at The Fortitude, a different style. We are still working on that. Just because artists want to play, want to do it. It’s fantastic.

A GUIDE TO THE BUSHFIRE BENEFIT SHOWS

“They are the real stars for donating their time, because that’s what people want to see, these artists, and they might do something a bit different. We are just so happy to be part of it and donate our rooms for the cause.

“It is such a tragic situation and we are all aware that it is going to be a long road, so the more funds we can raise the better.”

Brisbane artist Thelma Plum approached The Triffid to stage From Brissy, With Love, which sold out in two days. Picture: Mark Metcalfe

The Triffid’s Head of Bookings Mark Gibbons, who hails from the Blue Mountains, said the reaction from the public was inspiring.

“It is quite resonant with me, a lot of my family and friends are going through it quite heavily,” he said,

“We put it all together as it says, From Brissy With Love, because we are standing up here from afar and watching it happen down south, which is pretty nerve wracking and quite upsetting.”