Today (April 7th, 2010) nine well-known Victorian musicians presented a petition to State Government on the steps of Parliament calling on Government to remove the link between live music and 'high risk' conditions on liquor licenses for live music venues. The petitions were signed by an impressive 22,000 people. Gathered at the base of the steps in 'don't kill live music' t-shirts, sunglasses reflecting the glare of a humid autumn day, the musicians and SLAM organisers took interviews and prepared the petitions for the official handing over to Government. Jon Von Goes gave an impassioned speech demanding direct action from Brumby to redress the situation before Melbourne loses the vibrant live culture that helps define it. He also raised a valid point about how important our votes are to his tenure as State Premier. Was Brumby listening? Were the public? We'll find out. Greens MP Sue Pennicuik (pictured below) will be taking the petition to a parliament sitting next week. In the meantime share your stories, speak out about the impact the high-risk conditions are having on the small venues you love going to and on the bands you know who are still losing gigs. Comment below and keep informed by checking out the following websites S.L.A.M. and Music Victoria.
You can find a full report on the event and surrounding issues (including audio and photos) on Tripple J's Hack Site. There is also a great write-up in todays Age and an article on online music mag Mess and Noise. For the Green MP's Victoria video on the event click here.
H. Thomas
Photos by Nicholas Steiner
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