[UPDATED] Brisbane Venues Cancel Gigs In Response To Ex-Cyclone Debbie's Arrival

30 March 2017 | 2:38 pm | Staff Writer

Some spaces have called off scheduled performances, others are soldiering on

UPDATE: 3.30pm: The Bearded Lady has cancelled its show with Ondes, Low Dive and SASKIA.

"We’ve had to cancel our show with Ondes, Low Dive and Saskia tonight to be rescheduled in the near future," social media manager Aidan Hogg said in a statement. "The front bar will most likely be still open tonight, serving drinks from 6pm onwards."

UPDATE, 2.55pm: The Triffid has cancelled tonight's show for I Prevail, and has rescheduled it for Monday 3 April.

"Our first concern is the safety of the people and this is why the decision has been made to re-schedule the show," touring manager Chris O'Brien said in a statement. "I Prevail are committed to their fans in Brisbane and will be performing on Monday 3 April at The Triffid to make up for the missed show. 

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"We apologise for any inconvenience, but patron safety has to be our foremost priority."

All tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled show.


ORIGINAL STORY: Brisbane venues are divided on whether to cancel scheduled events tonight following the arrival of the remnants of what used to be Tropical Cyclone Debbie today.

Although a severe thunderstorm warning for the city has been cancelled, a severe weather warning remains in place. With that in mind, several venues are advising that, at least until further notice, their planned events will be going ahead, though they have urged punters to be safe in their travel.

Crowbar's planned show for Georgia Maq — with Bec Stevens, Kate Woodhouse and Emmy Hour — is going ahead, and has moved upstairs to Crowbar Black.

"[The show is] 99% going ahead until further update around 4pm," the venue's Trad Nathan told The Music. "I understand the government's concern to mitigate the weather circumstances to the public, but we've seen worse."

The Brightside, too, will be going ahead with their show for Balance & Composure, unless there's a sudden change in circumstances.

"The Balance & Composure show is still going ahead at this stage," venue reps said in a statement on social media. "If that changes, we will get at ticket holders direct. Stay dry, stay sly."

Over in West End, The Bearded Lady is also pressing on with its show for Ondes, Low Dive and SASKIA.

If you are planning on going to a show tonight, it would be best to keep an eye on your relevant venue's social media channels — as well as concurrent warnings from police and other authorities — to make sure you're as updated as possible before heading out.

However, some venues — including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, which was to run a performance of My Fair Lady, and Valley stalwarts The Zoo, The Foundry and Black Bear Lodge — have cancelled their planned events, citing concerns over the weather.

"Given the current weather warnings for south-east Queensland, the performance of My Fair Lady at 7.30pm, Thursday 30 March 2017, will not be proceeding," a statement from QPAC said. "Qtix Box Office will be closed from 12 noon Thursday … and re-open at 9am Friday."

The Zoo, which was to host its regular Jazz Bingo night (awesome), has also called off the event "in the interests of staff and public safety" until the "same time, same place next week".

The Foundry were to host The Steele Syndicate tonight, but the band have now advised that their show will not go ahead either.

"We are sad to announce that due to the wild weather and to ensure the safety of our fans, tonight's show at The Foundry Brisbane has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date," the band wrote.

"If you have already bought a pre-sale ticket, it will remain valid for the rescheduled show, though refunds can also be arranged."

Black Bear Lodge posted to their Facebook, "Unfortunately the @beneb show has been postponed. More information to come. Sorry team."

The Triffid is, at this stage, undecided on whether to proceed with its show for I Prevail. A decision will be made by 2pm local time.

"The decision will be based on whether The Triffid can provide a safe environment for patrons and the band can put on a great show considering the weather conditions," reps wrote on Facebook.

Speaking of The Triffid, Urthboy — who is lined up to play the Brisbane venue on Saturday — has had to cancel his scheduled show on the Gold Coast tonight, at Miami Marketta.

"Needless to say, we're very disappointed," the veteran rapper wrote on Facebook. "Ultimately, the most important thing is for the safety of everyone in SE QLD during these crazy storm[s]."

The Tivoli, too, is in the process of making a call on tonight's planned gig for Spiderbait, and will have an answer for their ticket-holders by 4pm.

"At this stage, we have been advised by the promoter that they would still like to proceed with the gig, and are in conversations with them about the best plan of attack," the venue's Facebook post reads.

"However, the team are currently in transit. We will be confirming the event's status at 4pm. Thanks for your patience."