The Australian rock band Amyl and the Sniffers turned an unexpected cancellation of their scheduled concert into an opportunity for fans to celebrate. Originally set to perform a free show on **November 14, 2023**, at **Federation Square** in **Melbourne**, the gig was abruptly called off over concerns regarding overcrowding and perimeter breaches. Thousands had gathered to see the band, who are currently opening for **AC/DC** on their world tour, when the cancellation was announced over a loudspeaker.
Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation chief executive **Katrina Sedgwick** explained the decision, stating that the safety of attendees is paramount. “Fed Square was forced to cancel Amyl and The Sniffers’ show after multiple breaches of the perimeter fences caused a very high risk of crowd crushes,” Sedgwick told the **Australian Broadcasting Corporation**. She emphasized that the decision was made with considerable thought and concern.
In response to the cancellation, Amyl and the Sniffers quickly reached out to their fans via social media. 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.” To ensure an enjoyable evening for their supporters, the band announced a funded bar crawl, providing a total of **$35,000** to seven local pubs.
Local Bars Join the Celebration
The participating venues—**The Tote**, **The Curtin**, **The Old Bar**, **Labour in Vain**, **Hell’s Kitchen**, **Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar**, and **Cherry Bar**—each received **$5,000** to cover drinks for fans. The initiative was met with enthusiasm, leading to packed bars and long lines as patrons took advantage of the generous tab. Reports indicated that the funds were quickly exhausted within hours of the announcement, underscoring the excitement of the crowd.
The bar crawl occurred during a significant year for Amyl and the Sniffers, as they continue to gain prominence in the music scene. Their recent album, **Cartoon Darkness**, reached number two on the **ARIA Albums Chart** and made its way into the UK top ten. The band also performed to a sold-out audience at **Alexandra Palace** in London, which has a capacity of 10,000.
As they celebrate their success, Amyl and the Sniffers are also recognized for their artistic contributions, as evidenced by their nomination for a **Grammy** in the Best Rock Performance category for their song, “U Should Not Be Doing That.”
This innovative approach to a last-minute cancellation not only showcases the band’s commitment to their fans but also highlights the vibrant community spirit of Melbourne’s nightlife.
