Rescheduled Aussie Tours Face Setback Following Melb Lockdown & Border Closures

Melbourne's revised lockdown has put a question mark on a number of local tours which have been rescheduled for September and beyond.

With Victoria closing its borders for at least the next six weeks, it could mean that Australian artists hoping to tour the country will have to again postpone or skip the state altogether.

Just a few acts who have tours scheduled in the back half of 2020 include Tones & I, Josh Pyke, Jeff Martin, Gravemind, ChillinIt, Bootleg Rascal, British India, Crooked Colours, The Vanns, Karnivool, Caravana Sun, Ash Grunwald, Holy Holy, Slowly Slowly and Alice Ivy.

"In terms of touring, it’s always been a safety first mentality with our clients and their fans," Tones & I's management told The Music today.

"We will make a call in due course post-lockdown once we have all the appropriate advice and info in-front of us."

READ MORE: Vic Government Announces $15 Million Package To Support Live Music Venues

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Meanwhile, Bootleg Rascal will make an "official announcement" on their September tour next week given the "uncertainty around when full capacity shows will happen again".

"We initially rescheduled these dates back in March, but unfortunately it seems that September is too early," Bootleg Rascal's team told The Music.

"Regardless of whether shows can happen in any capacity, our feeling is that it’s better to hold off until we’re confident that everyone’s health won’t be compromised and we can deliver a show that offers the best experience for fans.”

Big international acts including Stormzy and Dream Theater are still scheduled to tour Australia this November, despite expectations by influential industry figures, Michael Chugg and Michael Gudinski, that overseas bands and artists returning to the country won't be possible until 2021.

"You just need to look at what’s happening overseas to see that the likelihood of Australia’s borders being opened anytime soon is slim," Gudinski told The Music last month.