Some of Victoria's most famous live music venues have united to issue an open letter to Government calling for "urgent" assistance.
The campaign, SOS – Save Our Scene, is calling for the state Government to save venues "on the brink of collapse in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdowns".
Some of the venues who have signed the open letter include The Espy, 170 Russell, The Forum, The Gasometer Hotel, Corner Hotel, Cherry Bar, Stay Gold, Croxton Bandroom, The Tote and Old Bar.
170 Russell venue booker and SOS spokesperson, Ben Thompson said the assistance is needed as it will be some time before live venues can reopen "safely and viably".
"The reality is that the live touring industry won’t be going back to work when everybody else does," Thompson said.
"The Premier has said as much. Unfortunately, many of our loved music venues and clubs are not going to make it without serious government assistance. The flow on effect for artists and the Victorian music culture will be devastating.”
The Teskey Brothers drummer Liam Gough added, "We’ve played in many countries around Europe and the states and no music scene compares to the Melbourne live music scene. What other city can you go out just about any night of the week and see live music from just about any genre?
"Live music venues are like modern day churches bringing people together and creating community around creativity. They are one of the few spaces where people disconnect from their screens and watch or perform in a real life, real time experience. Whether it’s a big show at the likes of the Forum Theatre or Festival Hall or an intimate gig stuck to the carpet at the Tote or The Old Bar, we need these venues for the next generation of music makers and lovers to be inspired in and perform in.
"We need to wait until it’s safe to re-open the venues’ doors to punters but let’s make sure there are still doors to open when it’s safe to do so."
Sign the SOS petition here.
The campaign comes just days after the Victorian Greens called on Premier Daniel Andrews and the state Government to "immediately" create a $50 million dollar dedicated fund for live music venues.
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