Send in The Angels to save live music

Send in The Angels to save live music

Speculation continues to surround the fate of the Annandale Hotel, with musicians and politicians united in their bid for live music to survive at the famed pub.

Iconic Australian rock band, The Angels have joined the chorus, voicing concerns the Annandale’s decent into receivership may herald the end of live music at the renowned venue.

“The Annandale has been launch pad for so many great acts over the years,” said band member John Brewster. “It’s one of those venues that bring in independent bands. We love playing there, we love the intimacy of the audience and it should be heritage-listed I reckon.”

Under the Labor-Liberal led Leichhardt Council from 2004 to 2008, the Annandale was subject to a series of law suits regarding late-night trading and noise pollution. The result was costs to the pub of $250,000.

Though relations with Council have improved, Annandale Hotel owners’ Matt and Daniel Rule have not been able to recover financially from the law suits.

Greens Councillor Daniel Kogoy and NSW MP Jamie Parker have partnered together to ensure the new owners of the Annandale Hotel continue its live music legacy. Mr Kogoy and Mr Parker’s ‘Save Australian Live Music’ petition already has 600 signatures.

“Wth the help of the community we want to put pressure on the receivers to ensure that they sell the Annandale to someone who’s going to maintain live music there, not turn it into a poker den or flog it off to developers for apartments,” said Mr Kogoy. “All hope isn’t lost.

“It was a terrible mistake for the previous Labor and Liberal-led Council to take the Annandale Hotel to court, almost sending it bankrupt. All levels of government must work closely with the live music industry.”

Mr Parker said: “A thriving live music venue contributes far more to a community than a pokie den. I am seeking a meeting with the receivers to discuss anything that I can do as the local State MP to ensure we save the hotel from being developed at the expense of live music.”

Mayor Darcy Byrne has been a long-term advocate of live music at the Annandale Hotel with his ‘Labor Loves Live Music’ campaign. He called for a vote to ensure the legal battle between Council and live music venues never occurs again.

Mr Byrne also devised the ‘Good Neighbour’ policy, hoping to end the prosecution of venues and instead initiate regular meetings between licensees and local residents.

“The Annandale Hotel going into receivership must be a turning point for live music in Sydney,” said Mr Byrne. “It is time to draw a line in the sand and put an end to local governments’ attacks on the music industry.”

The Angels will be playing at the Annandale Hotel from March 21-23

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.