Amyl and the Sniffers Transform Canceled Show into $35K Bar Crawl

Amyl and the Sniffers, the Australian pub rock band, turned an unexpected cancellation of their performance in Melbourne into an exciting opportunity for fans. The band was scheduled to perform a free concert on November 14, 2023, at Federation Square, but the show was called off at the last minute due to concerns about overcrowding and safety, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

As thousands of fans gathered to see the band, the announcement came over the loudspeaker, stating that the concert had been canceled due to breaches of the perimeter fences. Katrina Sedgwick, chief executive of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, explained that the decision was not made lightly, citing the high risk of crowd crushes.

Turning a Setback into Celebration

In response to the cancellation, Amyl and the Sniffers quickly took to social media to propose an alternative plan for their fans. Frontwoman Amy Taylor expressed her disappointment in an Instagram video, saying, “We’re so f–king sorry that we couldn’t play… It sucks to not be able to play in our hometown for free.” To ensure their fans still enjoyed the night, the band announced a fully funded bar crawl with a generous budget of $35,000.

The initiative encouraged fans to visit seven local pubs, where each establishment received $5,000 to cover drinks. The participating venues included The Tote, The Curtin, The Old Bar, Labour in Vain, Hell’s Kitchen, Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, and Cherry Bar. The response was overwhelming, with the bars filled to capacity within hours of the announcement.

Excited patrons reported long lines and packed rooms, with many establishments running low on funds just hours after the band’s announcement. The event transformed what could have been a disappointing evening into a lively celebration of community and music.

A Milestone Year for the Band

The bar crawl comes at a pivotal moment for Amyl and the Sniffers, who are enjoying one of the most successful years of their career. Their latest album, Cartoon Darkness, reached number two on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart and broke into the UK top ten. The band is also currently the opening act for the legendary rock group AC/DC on their world tour.

In addition to their recent successes, Amyl and the Sniffers are nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Rock Performance category for their song “U Should Not Be Doing That.” This recognition adds to their growing reputation on the global music stage.

As the night unfolded, fans took to social media to share their experiences of the bar crawl, celebrating both the band’s generosity and their vibrant local music scene. The decision to turn a canceled show into a memorable night for fans exemplifies the band’s connection to their audience and their commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.