Thousands of musicians and fans gathered in Melbourne for a huge live music rally protesting the state government's liquor licensing laws. Melbourne, Australia. 23/02/2010.
Thousands of musicians and fans have gathered in Melbourne for a huge live music rally protesting the state government's liquor licensing laws.
The noisy protest, organised by SLAM (Save Live Australia's Music), and recreating AC/DC's It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) film clip shot in Swanston Street 34 years ago today, travelled from the State Library to Parliament House, filling the streets with musicians and their supporters.
Protestors came in all sizes - from babies in prams to grandparents - brandishing instruments including guitars, banjos, saxophones and accordions, and all playing the AC/DC hit.
Some of the many signs said " I'm a musician, not a drunk thug", "Blunderstruck", "Melbourne - live music capital", "Are we in Sydney?" and "Save our rural pubs".
MC Brian Nankervis warmed up the crowd, starting the many chants.
"Do you believe in rock 'n' roll?," he asked.
"Yeah!" was the deafening response.
"This is our culture this is our music, they can't shut us down," he said
Curious onlookers and shoppers watched with wonder at one of the biggest commotions the city has ever seen.
The protest was organised in response to restrictions placed on small music venues under the government's liquor licensing laws.
Venues including The Tote in Collingwood have been adversely affected by the laws.
The Age 24/02/2010
