Pandemonium Rocks promoter wants government compensation for cancelled Anzac Day concert

Organisers of a major rock concert planned for the The Domain on Anzac Day want compensation for cancelled ticket sales after RSL complaints shut it down.

Blondie performing during the Pandemonium Rocks tour at the Gold Coast. Picture: Emmah Molles @RocknRoxCreatives

Organisers of a major rock festival that was stopped from going ahead in The Domain on Anzac Day after complaints from the RSL want compensation for cancelled ticket sales.

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal Apex Entertainment – the organiser of the Pandemonium Rocks concert – has written to the Minns government seeking a discussion with Premier Chris Minns to “talk about what happened” and request some kind of “contribution”.

Dubbed Australia’s “hottest new rock concert”, veteran event organiser Andrew McManus had secured acts such as Alice Cooper, Blondie and Placebo for the concert.

However, veterans began criticising its timing, with RSL NSW president and former commando Mick Bainbridge declaring the event was inappropriate on a “day for respect and quiet contemplation”.

“Anzac Day is not the day for a music festival,” Mr Bainbridge said at the time. “Anzac Day is not for sale.”

Concert promoter Andrew McManus. Picture: Glenn Hampson

RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge. Picture: John Appleyard

The furore prompted Premier Chris Minns to step in, stating the concert “can’t go ahead” on a day that should be reserved for commemorating Australian Diggers, with the government negotiating with organisers to move the event.

The Saturday Telegraph has since learned Mr McManus – who is the director of Apex Entertainment – has engaged Blackbay Lawyers to enter negotiations with the government.

A source familiar with the issue claimed Apex was seeking partial reimbursement of losses incurred by the change in venue, which are understood to be well over half a million dollars.

Music festivals have often coincided with Anzac Day in the past, but none have been held at or around the same location as the Anzac Day march.

Blackbay Lawyers partner Victoria-Jane Otavski said Apex had enjoyed support from both veterans charities and the federal Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh.

It is understood there had also been months of negotiations prior to Apex signing a copy of a venue agreement provided by the Domain Trust.

It is understood there had also been months of negotiations prior to Apex signing a copy of a venue agreement provided by the Domain Trust.

“We have proposed a roundtable with the premier and the Domain Trust to explore a way to address some of the losses from the expected cancellation,” Ms Otavski said.

“What Apex and the man behind it have done for the music industry is colossal and to have this event cancelled suddenly after all the due care that was given to ensure it didn’t interfere with Anzac commemorations – right down to commencement times – and obtaining the support of veteran charities and the federal Veteran Affairs Minister … it came as a huge surprise for this event to be cancelled.

“We are waiting to see if they are willing to sit down with us.”

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Originally published as Pandemonium Rocks promoter wants government compensation for cancelled Anzac Day concert