'Bands Don't Get Paid': Ex-employee Makes Accusations Against Melb Live Venue Owner

An ex-employee of Melbourne's Ding Dong Lounge has slammed the owner following yesterday's news that the venue is closing in 2018. 

In a statement released today, Jacqui Picone has accused owner, and ex-member of Cosmic Psychos, Billy Walsh of alleged unfit working conditions and not paying the venue's acts. 

"The entire year-and-a-half I worked there I was paid $20 an hour," the statement reads.

"The manager barely earned more. Always in cash."

It continues, "It's Melbourne’s worst kept secret that bands don’t get paid at Ding Dong Lounge.

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"At least three days a week staff are fielding phone calls from angry bands or suppliers chasing money owed to them from the owner and we are expected to lie and say he’s not there when he’s sitting at the bar, right in front of our faces.

"We have gone through two fantastic, talented band bookers in the last year and a half because they are expected to work despite not being paid for weeks. Not only that, they are crippled in their ability to book bands because agencies don't want to send their bands places they won't get paid. 

"The blame is always handed to the booker."

Read the full statement below.

Walsh yesterday confirmed that Ding Dong Lounge will close on 13 January, citing Melbourne CBD venues have been "struggling" in recent times. 

Ding Dong Lounge has hosted some big names over the years, including Ed Sheeran, alt-J, You Am I and Glass Animals.

The Music has contacted Walsh for comment.

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