Promoter Michael Gudinski predicts no international artists will tour Australia this year
Promoter Michael Gudinski says anyone expecting to see an international tour in Australia this year could be in for a shock, while revealing why he is backing a night AFL Grand Final.
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Music promoter Michael Gudinski is supporting a night AFL Grand Final with only Australian entertainment — if the event happens.
“If it goes ahead this year, without a doubt it’ll be all Australian musicians, I’ve already got some things in mind,” Gudinski told the Herald Sun.
“I was talking about an all-Australian Grand Final before all this went down.
“We’ve had no discussions yet but I’ve been watching what’s happening with the AFL intently. I think Gil (McLachlan) and the AFL have been leaders out of all the sports in Australia.”
Gudinski said he hoped growing rumours of a night or twilight Grand Final would eventuate; the promoter, who books the AFL’s entertainment, said the NRL’s evening show gives them the edge over locking in talent who can use their full lighting and stage production.
“My eyes lit up on Footy Classified when they talked about the possibility of a night or twilight Grand Final at last. That would make the availability of talent and the production so much better for the future.”
It comes as Gudinski warned overseas musicians were unlikely to tour Australia this year and the live music scene may not recover until early 2021 according to a top promoter.
The respected promoter said the industry needs to be realistic about the long term impact of the coronavirus.
“I have a firm belief you won’t see international acts touring Australia this year,” Gudinski said.
“No one can predict what’s going to happen, everyone wants everything to go back to normal but it’ll happen in stages. It’s unrealistic to think things will get back to normal on a mass gathering level before late February, March or even April to be honest. It’s not going to be a case of one day where it’s ‘OK here we go again’.
“The last thing that will happen is the government will suddenly let international acts come in. Even when they do, it’s going to be at the very end of restrictions being lifted.
“International acts won’t want to come here and be in quarantine for two weeks.”
Gudinski said quarantining an entire overseas tour party, which can be more than 100 people on a large tour, would be a financial nightmare.
A spokesman for the Victorian Health Officer said no decision had been made on the timeline for lifting of restrictions on mass gatherings.
While many live events have been cancelled, promoters have rescheduled many concerts and festivals, including those by international artists, hoping they can still take place later this year.
Gudinski expects live performances will return via smaller venues first.
“Unless there’s a miracle or they find a vaccine, I think big venues like Rod Laver or open air shows and festivals will be the last thing to come back. I don’t think it’s practical to do a show at Rod Laver Arena for example where you leave three seats between every person.
“Small indoor venues have a better chance, I’ve heard about technology overseas where they can test the temperature of everyone coming in to a reasonable size venue.”
The promoter said the industry will need to reassess ticket pricing after the impact of the virus on the economy, however Australian artists would get a headstart on overseas performers.
“Once this is over people are going to be desperate for all forms of live entertainment. But ticket prices will be absolutely critical. Not only have many Australians lost their jobs, it affects so many people around them.
“I firmly believe it will give Australian artists an opportunity before the internationals can tour here.
“Australian artists are hurting now, their major income is from live work.”
Gudinksi’s company Frontier Touring will implement a discount on concert tickets for emergency workers as a way to say thanks for their service during the pandemic.
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