Brisbane Bands Slam 'Ridiculous' Lockout Laws Before Protest Gigs

Tonight is the last night before the first stage of the Queensland lockout laws come into effect and a multi-venue party across the Fortitude Valley is being held in protest. Called Brisbane’s Big Kick On, some of the acts performing gave us their thoughts on the new lockout laws.

Shady Bliss

Musicians are already paid far too little for the amount of time, effort and money we put into this lifestyle. For some of us it is all we are good at, and the only thing we can do for work. First and foremost, we do it because we love it, but the expenses (equipment, petrol for travel, recording, distribution, promotion, etc) that come with being a muso are pretty high. With the lock out laws, a lot of people will struggle to get by and continue doing what they love.

Shag Rock

Jacob Reed: The later a sick band is playing the less anyone's hung up on petty shit. Music's the glue that holds the good vibes, don't cut everyone's positivity short because of people on the street.

Alex Wilson: Smaller nights means less people out for less time, less bands playing, less people enjoying live music, less jobs, less clubs. All because such a small number of people not involved in much of this at all can't control themselves

Nick Cavdarski: Any credibility and moral/safety purpose the lockout laws had were destroyed when it was announced that the casinos had an exception.

Max Beech: The lockout laws punish 95% for the stupidity caused by 5%. People will find a way around it - they'll start drinking earlier. It's what happens when you treat a symptom, not the cause of the problem. Lockout laws – destroying one job at a time.

Zaped

I've been a part of the Brisbane live music scene since I was about 15, banging out pop punk gems at the lions den in the city. Being able to play my music to people has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember & these new lockout laws threaten that very dream which is so disappointing. After recently returning from a stint in Berlin my love for live music and nightlife had only grown. There are so many great things that city does right that we can incorporate right here in Brisbane... Unfortunately, lock out laws are not one of those things. 

The Jensens (Joseph White) 

I think nights like this are extremely important. Music and social activism have always gone hand in hand, and what a great way to protest! By showing them what a beautiful community of mutual respect and honest fun we have here, and why we're not so willing to give it up. The most important thing to remember is that if we stop having nights like this, if we just take it on the chin and go down without a fight, it's just going to make it easier for them in the future. Fight for your rights people! Because no one else will do it for you.

Golden Vessel

The lockout laws are very ridiculous and will be putting a lot of my mates out of work so I'm glad we're making the most of the night before they go into place.

Gallus

They wanna kill our culture before it even developed.

When & Where: 30 Jun, The Brightside, Black Bear Lodge, Flying Cock and The Foundry