Coronavirus NSW: State government plan to save live music industry
One thousand gigs are set to be played in Sydney and the regions in a state government plan to bring life back into the decimated live music industry. SEE WHO WILL PERFORM.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Sydney light rail cost $3.1b, do you think it’s worth it?
- Rose Bay school case confirmed positive after review
One thousand gigs will be played across NSW in a state government plan to turbocharge the recovery of the live music industry.
The Great Southern Nights series of concerts in November will be held in Sydney and across NSW in an orchestrated bid to revive the bushfire-ravaged, coronavirus-hit state and the $3.6 billion live music industry which generates about 23,000 jobs.
The partnership, between the state government and the Australian Record Industry Association,will draw on acclaimed Australian artists including Jimmy Barnes, Tones And I, Paul Kelly, Amy Shark, The Veronicas, The Presets and Birds Of Tokyo.
Venues have been invited to pitch to host the concerts, with the state government launching an advertising campaign for the events today.
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres has plotted the event with ARIA chief Dan Rosen, with the gigs expected to dovetail with the official ARIA awards in November, although no date has been set.
Mr Ayres pledged the events would be “COVID-safe” and would comply with whatever restrictions are in place at the time.
“With the government’s 24-hour economy strategy set to reinvigorate Sydney’s nightlife, Great Southern Nights will be a big step forward for our state’s live music and hospitality community that has been hit hard in recent times,” Mr Ayres said.
Other artists include The Jungle Giants, Thelma Plum, Tash Sultana, The Teskey Brothers and Missy Higgins.
Mr Rosen said he was proud to create the opportunity.
“Live music events bring visitors, culture and excitement to communities. This initiative will provide an invaluable boost for the artists, crew, venues and music community that make gigs happen.”
All music events will be programmed in line with the government health advice on physical distancing and venue capacity, and will be able to be scaled up by November if restrictions have eased.
ARIA chair Denis Handlin said it was a privilege to work with the government to “help bring live music back into venues across the state”.
“Music fans will once again have the opportunity to experience those spine-tingling moments that the power of artists and live music provides, which is something that we have all missed so much in these recent times,” he said.
The musicians have rallied with support for the event.
Jimmy Barnes said musicians had been struggling through the crisis: “I know fans are hungry for live music while lots of musos and roadies are just plain hungry. All these shows will be a great way to kick-start the live music sector.”
Originally published as Coronavirus NSW: State government plan to save live music industry
Momentum builds for 24 hour Metro
The private operator of Sydney’s best transport project confirmed it is actively investigating non-stop services on Thursday and Friday. Have your say.
Federal Minister throws support behind social media boycott
Mark Butler joins other politicians and celebrities vowing to take part in Unplug 24, a day of action where people switch off social media for 24 hours.