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

Australian rock band Amyl and the Sniffers turned an unfortunate cancellation of their scheduled performance into an extraordinary opportunity for fans, organizing a massive bar crawl funded by a $35,000 tab across several local pubs in Melbourne. The Grammy-nominated group was set to play a free concert on November 14, 2023, at Federation Square, but the event was called off due to concerns over overcrowding and safety issues.

Thousands of fans had gathered in the square to see the band, who are currently on tour as the opening act for AC/DC. The cancellation announcement, made via loudspeaker, cited “multiple breaches of the perimeter fences” and the resultant risk of crowd crushes. Katrina Sedgwick, chief executive of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, prioritizing public safety.

In response to the cancellation, the band quickly took to social media, promising fans an unforgettable evening despite the setback. In a passionate Instagram video, frontwoman Amy Taylor expressed her disappointment, stating, “We’re so f–king sorry that we couldn’t play… It sucks to not be able to play in our hometown for free.” She encouraged fans to enjoy the night on them, saying, “Have a drink on us, in an AC/DC fashion.”

The plan involved a bar crawl at seven local establishments, each receiving $5,000 from the band to cover drinks. The participating bars included The Tote, The Curtin, The Old Bar, Labour in Vain, Hell’s Kitchen, Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, and Cherry Bar. Following the announcement, these venues were inundated with eager patrons, leading to packed rooms and lengthy queues. Reports indicated that the generous tab was quickly exhausted within hours.

This remarkable gesture comes during a significant year for Amyl and the Sniffers. Their recent album, Cartoon Darkness, reached the ARIA Albums Chart at number two and broke into the top ten in the UK charts. The band also performed to a sold-out audience at London’s Alexandra Palace, which has a capacity of 10,000 seats.

As they continue to make waves within the music industry, Amyl and the Sniffers are also recognized for their nomination for a Grammy Award in the prestigious Best Rock Performance category for their track, “U Should Not Be Doing That.” This combination of talent and fan engagement highlights the band’s commitment to their audience, turning a night of disappointment into a memorable celebration across Melbourne.