'Thousands' Turn Out For Sando Rally

Live music lovers and stakeholders turned out in force for the Sandringham Hotel's Rally In The Park event, aimed to raise awareness about the value of live music - and specifically the under-threat Sandringham Hotel - for the local community.

The Rally came after the iconic venue had been placed into receivership by BankWest, a move which owner Tony Townsend and supporters are fighting.

Live music fans and stakeholders assembled in Sydney Park before marching down King St to the Sandringham. The crowd is estimated to have been as high as 3,000.

The march featured a 30 minute set from The Angels frontman Doc Neeson, who also voiced his support for the venue.

He said, "Once upon a time they would help you out if you were going through a tough patch.

"Pubs and clubs of that [The Angels'] era were open for the appreciation of live music, the Sando is one of the last remaining venues. There's is no place like it. You can connect with the audience and the intimacy, you can feel their enthusiasm."

"What are young musicians going to do if we lose touch with live music, will it die out?"