Australian News 1/31

The Tote To Live?

The state of Victoria’s move to brand all late night venues as high risk – forcing them to add more security and pay higher fees – has seemingly blown up in its face.

Indie live music mecca The Tote’s operator Bruce Milne announced he was closing the venue after almost 20 years as a result.

About 2,000 fans rallied outside to protest, and 20,000 signed a petition. At the same time, another indie music venue, the Arthouse, said it would not extend its lease after next year.

The reaction clearly rattled the Victorian government, especially as many of these venues are in areas where it has marginal seats.

Its Minister for Housing cut short his holidays to discuss the possibility of another venue operator taking over the running of the Tote. On Jan. 18, 26 acts performed as Milne closed the club.

The ashes of Sean Greenway, guitarist with GOD, were scattered over the stage.

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Rock & Pop Tours Launched

Music promoter Martin Contempree of CCEntertainment and Club Acoustica has teamed with former EMI Music label marketing manager Ian Hunter Gray to set up a new company called Rock & Pop Tours.

It will conduct pilgrimages to international cities. The first one heads to Los Angeles April 16-24.

Fans will meet rock stars, stay at the former Hyatt on Sunset, visit rock venues and museums, catch the Eagles at the Hollywood Bowl and record a track with fellow tourists.