Amyl and the Sniffers Transform Canceled Show into $35,000 Bar Crawl

In an unexpected turn of events, Australian band Amyl and the Sniffers turned a canceled concert into a lively bar crawl in Melbourne, offering a $35,000 tab for fans. The band was scheduled to perform a free show at Federation Square on November 14, 2023, but the performance was called off just before it was set to begin due to safety concerns regarding crowd control.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the decision to cancel the show was made after multiple breaches of perimeter fences created a significant risk of crowd crushes. Katrina Sedgwick, chief executive of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, emphasized that the cancellation was not taken lightly. Thousands of fans had already gathered in anticipation of the concert when the announcement was made over loudspeakers, leading to disappointment among many.

Bar Crawl Surprise for Fans

In a quick response to the cancellation, Amyl and the Sniffers took to social media to propose an alternative for their fans. Frontwoman Amy Taylor shared an Instagram video, expressing her regret about the situation. “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 stated. Taylor encouraged fans to enjoy a night out on the band, saying, “Have a drink on us, in an AC/DC fashion.”

The bar crawl featured seven local pubs, each receiving $5,000 to cover drinks for attendees. Participating venues included The Tote, The Curtin, The Old Bar, Labour in Vain, Hell’s Kitchen, Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, and Cherry Bar. Reports from these establishments indicated that they quickly filled with excited customers, with long lines forming and the generous tab exhausting within hours of the announcement.

A Landmark Year for the Band

The bar crawl marks a celebratory moment for Amyl and the Sniffers, who are experiencing one of the most significant years of their career. Their recent album, Cartoon Darkness, peaked at number two on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart and even made it into the UK top ten. The band also performed a sold-out show at Alexandra Palace in London, which has a capacity of 10,000.

Adding to their accolades, Amyl and the Sniffers received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance for their song “U Should Not Be Doing That.” This recognition underscores their growing impact in the music industry as they continue to tour as the opening act for AC/DC.

The innovative bar crawl not only showcased the band’s dedication to their fans but also highlighted the vibrant music culture in Melbourne. As fans raised their glasses in celebration, it was a night that turned disappointment into an unforgettable experience.