Australia: Drug Dogs, INXS, UB40, Queen’s Birthday Honors, NZ Artist Retreat

The Australian Greens Party is taking the New South Wales (NSW) police to court over a new policy regarding drug detection dogs. 

Before the June 9 Above & Beyond EDM festival at Sydney Olympic Park, the force warned that patrons detected by the dogs would be denied entry – even if no drugs were found on their person.

Calling it a “serious abuse of police power,” the Greens tried to get an injunction placed the day before, arguing that police detection dogs were mistaken at least 80 percent of the time. But a NSW Supreme Court judge denied the move, arguing that no injustices had been committed as yet.

However, after at least two known two patrons were denied entry at Above & Beyond, the Greens announced, “We will see the NSW Police Force in court next week.” No court date has been set as yet. Above & Beyond offered full refunds to anyone not allowed into the site.

British-born Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer Sir George Martin and a composer and producer in his own right, has joined the INXS team under the title executive music director for future projects. Martin and INXS met in 1994 when working on The Great Music Experience, of Japanese and international acts at the eighth century Buddhist temple of Tōdai-ji, in Nara, Japan. He remixed INXS’s greatest hits set and the 30th anniversary of the Kick album.

Chris Murphy, INXS creative director and chairman of their Petrol Records, said, “We need to ensure INXS’ incredible music and extraordinary story is heard by and told to future generations and as such, we want the best eyes and ears partnering with us across all our innovative and exciting upcoming projects.” Upcoming are an INXS “untold story” documentary, a musical based around its songs, and repackaged releases through Petrol and Universal Music Group.

Ten names in the music industry were among 700 Australians given accolades in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list June 11.

Receiving the high end Member of the Order of Australia (AM) were veteran songwriter, performer and producer Brian Cadd (who during one of his lengthy stints in the United States was a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers) and music historian Glenn A. Baker, author of a dozen music books and three-time BBC Rock Brain of the Universe.

Recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) were the late guitarist and songwriter Phil Emmanuel; NSW jazz guitarist and bassist and composer Michael Barkl who helped radicalise music education at tertiary level; David Mann, president of wellbeing organisation Entertainment Assist; Helen Jennings, longtime college radio roots music presenter and co-founder of the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society; Eric Scott, president of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame; country music singer-songwriter Olive Bice; Dr Rita Katharina Seethaler who performs in steelband ensembles and set up steelband festivals; and Aleksandar Vasiljevic, founder and managing director of Melbourne’s performing arts hub Alex Theatre. In New Zealand’s list of the Queens Birthday Honours, June 4, awarded were Roger Shepherd, founder of the iconic Flying Nun Records; ballad singer John Rowles, hip-hop pioneer DJ Sir-Vere and country music duo Topp Twins.

Britain’s UB40 will headline One Love festival, the two-day roots, rock and reggae event Jan. 26-27 in Auckland. Others named unveiled were Britain’s Maxi Priest, Ky Mani Marley, USA’s Kings Kolohe Kai and LaTasha Lee, Jamaica’s emerging Raging Fiyah, and NZ acts Katchafire, Tomorrow People. Common Unity and Cool Meditation.

James Palumbo, London-based co-founder of the global Ministry of Sound tour, venue and label franchise, has abandoned plans to create an artist’s retreat for international musicians in New Zealand. Palumbo, who also holds the title Lord Palumbo of Southwark, bought a NZ$8 million ($5.6 million) 27-hectare waterfront farm on Waiheke Island. It had two beaches overlooking picturesque Omaru Bay and two quality homes.

He received consent from the country’s Overseas Investment Office, which oversees land purchases by non-New Zealand citizens. Palumo had to promise setting up a certain amount of jobs, inject funds to further develop the property, and restore and enhance indigenous vegetation.

However, after three years, Palumbo sold the land. His New Zealand lawyer, Graeme Todd of Todd & Walker in Queenstown, told the Weekend Herald: “Given a change in Lord Palumbo’s personal circumstances he disposed of the property.” Pushed on what the change was, Todd replied, “That’s privileged information.”