Disinclination from The Coogee Bay Equals Disappointment for Local Bands.

Kyle, Phoenix, Sam and Spencer: Disappointed with The Bay. 

WARNING: My two cents is free. 

Dijana Aleksandrovic 

February 28, 2014

Months of planning, promotion and practice were canned by the Coogee Bay Hotel on Thursday afternoon, resulting in a blow to the local live music scene. Just 24 hours before their start time, four youth bands were told by Sydney’s famous beer garden that they were simply not allowed to play.
In the lead up to the live music extravaganza, the bands felt as though they were playing alongside some of their idols. Selina’s, the Coogee Bay’s performance area has hosted rock greats such as Good Charlotte, INXS, and Getaway Plan. Sam Bathis, whose band was playing their second gig said the problem lay in the timing of the message.

“If The Bay had contacted us earlier and given us enough time to notify the media, advertisers and most importantly the crowd we had worked to draw for the night, then it wouldn't have been such an issue. Even more so, the reason behind pulling the pin was just laughable”.

Flick the Bean lead singer and manager, Luke Colombo felt like the bands and their fans had been left in the dark.

“We’re not criminals and we’re not gang members, there was no risk in having us. All you need to do is manage the night properly, and the bay definitely has the resources to do so. If you can do that, then the live music scene, especially that for young locals could have a chance to thrive”

After attempting to negotiate earlier set times and speaking to local police about what they could do Luke Colombo decided to contact local police for legal advice.
“The police were quite surprised when I told them what happened. They told me that the venue was well equipped to manage large crowds and already had effective ways of dealing with potential troublemakers," Luke said.

By 4pm, just hours before a start time. The four bands; Flick the Bean, Prime Suspect, Crossing Red Lines and MC Bunz had one choice, to find an emergency venue to play at, or to not play at all.

“To simply base the decision on assumption really made us all feel victimised. We were so relieved that Souths Juniors were able to organise a last minute event for us at Juniors at the Junction” Luke Colombo said.

 Keith Mcraw, president of Souths Juniors made a statement about the behaviour on the night.

“All those who came and watched on Friday night respected the venue and respected our staff and we’re happy to have them again”. Despite the last minute change the event still drew crowds, as Juniors at the Junction reached maximum capacity by 10pm. In the audience, there were a mix of locals from all walks of life coming to enjoy the music. But many spoke out about the excessive nature of the Coogee Bay’s management and security and its impact on the community. The last minute change of heart made by the venue left a bad taste in the mouths of plenty of locals.

Band Flick the Bean performing at the emergency venue.

A moment for modern youth to enjoy local live music.
Credit: Crossing Red Lines