One step forward, two steps back.
In another blow to the Sydney live music scene, noise complaints at the Kings Cross Hotel last night led to the abrupt shutting down of a gig before 9:30pm.
The intervention came only four songs into an official Vivid Sydney performance by Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of a Tony Hawk Pro Skater Cover Band – a local act that plays high-energy covers of songs from the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtracks.
UPDATE 2/6/17 11:12am: An earlier version of this story reported that police had arrived at the venue, but the BRAG has been unable to confirm social media reports of a police presence.
https://www.facebook.com/BirdmanTHPS/posts/1216961108409086
The performance was being hosted as part of Vivid KX, the debut Kings Cross program for Vivid Sydney, which includes events at the Kings Cross Hotel, The World Bar, the Coca-Cola sign and elsewhere in Sydney’s famous party precinct.
Soon after the gig was halted, punters took to social media to vent their anger:
https://twitter.com/mitchfel/status/870243652093726720
https://twitter.com/_ashleighkate/status/870437357106757632
Speaking with the BRAG, Kings Cross Hotel entertainment manager Adam Lewis said:
“We received a number of unexpected noise complaints and tried to resolve them with our mix, volume, et cetera, but eventually it became clear that we had no further options but to end the show.
“Being a venue that hosts dozens of DJs, parties and bands on other floors, without issue, every week, I had to make the really difficult and unfortunate decision to end the show – playing on was looking really likely to cause some serious issues on the night, and threaten our ability to operate music in the long-term.
“It’s a really disappointing scenario for all involved – we’ve refunded all punters and shouted them a round of drinks on the night, and we’re working to reschedule this as a free party in a different location shortly. It’s really important to us that we continue to support music and arts in the space, with the support of our community and neighbours.”
The Vivid KX program will continue as planned at the Kings Cross Hotel and nearby venues, so show your support for local culture by checking out the full program here.
