The Rumjacks Gigs Axed Due To Concerns About Frontman's Past DV Convictions

Venues around the country are refusing or are attempting to pull out of bookings for Sydney Celtic band The Rumjacks’ upcoming Australian tour following singer Frankie McLaughlin’s conviction and prison sentence for a domestic violence charge back in 2012.

Currently in the midst of a European tour, The Rumjacks are scheduled to return to Australia in October for a 35-date tour, however many people have since called on for a complete boycott of the band due to McLaughlin’s conviction, which saw him serve a 16-month prison sentence.

According to Pedestrian, venues including Hamilton Station Hotel in Newcastle and The Reverence Hotel in Footscray have either denied or cancelled bookings for the tour, while Rad Bar in Wollongong and Brisbane’s The Foundry are currently considering whether or not to call off shows at their respective venues.

Following his conviction, McLauglin and The Rumjacks most recently teamed up with industry conference BIGSOUND last year for its anti-domestic violence campaign #notON.

The band were only given the all-clear to perform at last year’s event following extensive consultation.

When questioned about how the band have addressed the concerns, McLaughlin told theMusic, "Given that we’ve not been on Australian soil that much [since BIGSOUND] it’s basically just been a matter of getting on with the job.

"There’s not an awful lot that we can do hands-on wise, but anytime that we’re contacted by groups and initiatives like this, we’re only too happy to meet with them, discuss their concerns and they’re happy to see that we’re doing just that."

The Music was originally a presents partner for the upcoming Rumjacks tour. But upon review of all the information supplied to us in recent days we have since withdrawn our support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or to Lifeline on 131 114.