Liam Gallagher’s Melbourne concert cut short, noise curfew slammed
Margaret Court Arena has blamed Liam Gallagher’s tour manager for sensationally pulling the plug on the rock legend midway through a classic Oasis song. WATCH THE VIDEO
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Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher was fuming after his Melbourne concert came to an abrupt end last night, with furious fans booing strict sound curfews.
The restrictions at Margaret Court Arena cut him off mid-song, but the venue’s management has hit back at the rock hero, blaming his management for the abrupt end to the concert.
The English singer-songwriter is currently touring Australia following the release of his new album, Why Me, Why Not?
But fans were left in the dark when the venue’s curfew resulted in Gallagher being switched off in the middle of his final song.
As the gig drew to a close, Gallagher told the crowd there was only time for one more and asked whether he should play “Supersonic” or “Champagne Supernova”.
He was part-way through Oasis classic “Supersonic” when the music was cut.
Initially, fans continued to sing until the arena’s lights were turned on, with the jovial vibe quickly turning to disgruntled booing and shouting.
Gallagher this morning tweeted to his 3.5 million followers, saying he faced a $250,000 fine if he played after the 11pm curfew.
“250 thousand dollar fine if we played over the curfew last night,” the tweet said.
11pm Curfew at Margaret court arena . Literally turned PA off halfway through Liam Gallagher singing Supersonic. #joke
— Matthew Richardson (@mattricho0) December 11, 2019
“I mean those tunes are biblical and I’m the f---ing biblical brother but c’mon that’s a f---ing p--- take who ever (sic) made that rule needs to stop smoking SPICE.”
Margaret Court Arena management said they acknowledged the disappointing turn of events.
“We share in fans’ disappointment with the way the performance concluded and apologise for the impact this had on their enjoyment of the show,” a Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust statement said.
“All venue hirers and their production crews are briefed to ensure all events meet the noise pollution requirements of the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria.
“To meet these requirements, the Trust has implemented an 11.00pm curfew policy.
“Where the event has been forecasted or on the night is likely to run past 11.00pm, venue management work closely with the venue hirer (in this case the Promoter, Secret Sounds) to ensure measures are in place to limit the impact this has on the performance, which may include lowering the volume.
“In no instance has the Trust requested a performance be abruptly finished and on this occasion tour management made the decision to end the performance at 11.00pm.
“We are working closely with Secret Sounds and their tour management to understand what led to this decision.”
Well that was a load of wank getting cut off last song we weren’t that bad I’ve heard worse any ways thems the rules you still smashed it Melbourne biblical stay young stay safe LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) December 11, 2019
A Secret Sounds Touring spokesman apologised for the abrupt end to the show.
“Curfew is curfew, so the last song of his set was cut short by his team who wanted to respect those rules and the surrounding residents,” a spokesman said.
“This was not carried out by the venue directly.
“Liam’s Australian shows have been incredible to date, we are all disappointed that the show ended in this way for Melbourne fans, who to that point, had been on a Liam Gallagher live show high.”
Angry fans took to Twitter to criticise what they called “shocking form”.
Ex-Richmond football great Matthew Richardson was among the disgruntled group, calling the move a “joke”.
“11pm curfew at Margaret Court Arena,” the former Tigers player wrote.
“Literally turned PA off halfway through Liam Gallagher singing Supersonic. #joke”
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Gallagher also posted after last night’s show, saying “we weren’t even that bad”.
“Well that was a load of w--- getting cut off last song we weren’t that bad,” Gallagher posted.
“I’ve heard worse any ways thems the rules you still smashed it Melbourne biblical stay young stay safe LG x.”
Gallagher will play a show at Adelaide’s Bird in Hand winery on Saturday, before performing at WA’s Fremantle Arts Centre next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Margaret Court Arena has been contacted for comment.