A New Initiative to Kick Start NSW's Live Music Scene Will See 1000 Gigs Performed This November

Since COVID-19 hit and forced the closure of live music venues and cancellation of festivals, Australians working in the music industry have lost $340 million worth of gigs, according to I Lost My Gig. To help re-employ some of these musicians, managers, venue operators and production workers, the NSW Government is hosting 1000 gigs across the state in November in an initiative dubbed Great Southern Nights.

Shockingly, despite the name, the lineup does not (yet) feature Icehouse, but it does already include 20 Aussie music legends. Former Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes, alt-rock band Birds of Tokyo, singer Thelma Plum, electro duo The Presets, Tones and I of 'Dance Monkey' fame and rock hero Paul Kelly will all take to the stage at venues across the state as part of the program, as will Missy Higgins, The Jungle Giants, Amy Shark, Tash Sultana, The Teskey Brothers and The Veronicas.

Destination NSW

The program has been overseen by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and will culminate with its annual music awards night. While NSW's music scene — and its workers — need more than 1000 gigs to see through the year, Great Southern Nights' organisers are hoping the initiative will help kick start the industry. "Live music events bring visitors, culture and excitement to communities," ARIA Chief Executive Officer Dan Rosen said in a statement. "This initiative will provide an invaluable boost for the artists, crew, venues and music community that make gigs happen."

The events will be hosted at venues across Sydney and in regional NSW areas, with bars, pubs and theatres keen to take part invited to submit an expression of interest via the Great Southern Nights website.

All gigs will have to abide by the state's COVID-19 restrictions at the time, of course, but, looking at current trends, that could mean some of the shows are quite big. From July 1, the 50-person cap on venues will lifted and replaced by a one person per four-square-metres rule and outdoor stadiums with a capacity of up to 40,000 will be allowed to fill up to a quarter of seating — so, 10,000 fans.

Great Southern Nights will see 1000 gigs happen across NSW this November. For more information and to submit an expression of interest visit the website. 

Top image: Bec Taylor