PROTEST MARCH IN MELBOURNE
Ausjazz blog supports today’s protest to Save Live Australia’s Music, but can’t be there in person. Here’s the background as described by the organisers:
SLAM is a non-politically aligned, independent entity made up of musicians and music-lovers.
In a bid to address street violence Liquor Licensing Victoria (LLV) has introduced sweeping changes with unintended consequences for the local music scene.
LLV should admit its mistake and make simple changes immediately, acknowledging that there is no link between live music and high risk. The Tote is gone, who’s next?
On 23 February, coinciding with the 34th anniversary of AC/DC’s famous ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top’ film clip shoot down Swanston Street, S.L.A.M. is protesting in support and celebration of Victoria’s music scene, where new liquor licensing laws threaten to pull the plug on live music.
Meet at 4pm outside the State Library to make your way along Swanston Street and up Bourke Street to Parliament House to hear guest speakers from 6 to 7pm.
The RocKwiz Orchestra with guest performers will lead the rally, repeating the three chords from ‘It’s A Long Way to the Top’ in the back of a flatbed truck as we follow – ALL 10,000 PLUS OF US – holding placards and instruments chanting down these ridiculous laws. Over the famous riff new lyrics will be created, such as ”So the Tote’s been shut down, send Sue MacLellan [LLV Director] on her way”.
Rally organiser, former Blue Ruin singer and independent music producer, Quincy McLean, has contacted Victoria Police and Melbourne City Council to secure a permit for the protest. He said, ”this is going to happen whether they like it or not. There’s too much momentum, it’s too big to stop. It’s like Moomba with a message. Whenever a natural disaster happens, musicians are the first to put their hand up to offer support. Now it’s time for the public, who get music free online and on the radio to give support back to the music they love so much.
“The only way left for musicians to make money is through live music, and that rug is suddenly being pulled out from underneath them. It’s the 2am lockout all over again. It failed in the UK, then failed here.”
Lack of support for this precious industry has gone on for too long! Celebrate the diversity of Victorian music. Be one of the thousands of musicians and music supporters who will make this a day to remember!
Music means many things to many people, but the most important is that it IS passion, creativity, happiness and life for many people. So please come and help support one of the best things that Australia has to offer: live & local music.
Invite everyone and if you can’t attend please sign the petition. If you are reading this you love music. Keep it alive by keeping it live.
Ausjazz Blog 