Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Tones and I and Birds of Tokyo will headline the New South Wales government’s attempt to restart the shattered live music industry in November.
The government has announced 1,000 coronavirus-safe gigs will go ahead in November in a boon to artists, hospitality workers, music lovers and the struggling industry.
The Great Southern Nights initiative announced on Saturday brings together dozens of artists to perform a series of concerts across Sydney and regional parts of the state.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the gigs would be an antidote to the recent challenges faced by the community and a gift for tourism in the state.
“This celebration of outstanding Australian artists and incredible live music venues across NSW gives us all something to look forward to, from event-goers to industry,” Mr Ayres said.
Tones and I will headline a concert as a part of the Great Southern Nights series. Source: Supplied
The program is open to emerging artists and venues across the state to nominate to also be involved.
Other artists involved include Amy Shark, Tash Sultana, The Presets, Thelma Plum and The Veronicas.
“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, it’s great that the government is putting (their) own money behind it making that happen right across our state during Australian music month,” Jimmy Barnes said.
The gigs will each need to follow the most up-to-date advice on venue size limits and social distancing requirements.
Birds of Tokyo’s Ian Kenny said everyone in the industry would be thrilled to see shows up and running again.
“We all know that the live music industry has been absolutely smashed by the COVID-19 shut downs, and it hasn’t just been the musicians, it’s been the venues, staff, basically everyone that keeps these shows on the road,” he said.
“It’s 1,000 shows in a bunch of different venues across NSW. So psyched, this is going to be killer. As I know we’re all looking forward to seeing live music up and back again,” he added.
Industry research by Music NSW showed that pre-coronavirus live music generated approximately $3.6 billion and 23,000 jobs for the economy in NSW alone.
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