The ultimate pub band competition in NSW is reaching a climax, with five finalists set to battle it out at one of Sydney’s ultimate pub rock havens.
Live music is a major element to the Australian economy, employing 65k full-time and part-time workers. Expert studies report that for every dollar spent on live music, three dollars of benefit is returned to the wider community.
The industry was floored by the COVID-19 pandemic, losing $1.4bn in 2020 alone.
Local pubs have always been synonymous with live music, and their closure in March 2020 was a death blow for musicians around the country. Accordingly, local pubs will be pivotal in its resurgence.
After three years quiet, the AHA NSW launched a revised iteration of its ultimate pub band competition – Rockin’ the Puburbs – in August.
“Many of Australia’s top music acts first got their start down at their local and this competition is our way of giving back and supporting the next generation of local talent,” said AHA NSW CEO John Whelan, at the event.
Also present, NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson, noted the symbiotic relationship.
“Live music is a massive drawcard for people to attend their local venue, which in turn creates jobs.”
The NSW hotel industry has traditionally seen over 75k live music performances at pubs each year, and the Association recognised it was important to ensure the connection played an important role in this year’s campaign.
Rockin heats were held in Tamworth, the Illawarra, the Hunter, Central West and Sydney, showcasing entries from around the state, and generating further “boots on the ground” the live grand final is to take place at the iconic Selina’s Entertainment Centre, in the Coogee Bay Hotel.
Judges have selected the five grand finalists:
- Dande and The Lion, from Manly
- Jamie Lindsay, from the Central Coast
- LamBros, from Sydney’s northern beaches
- Roar Sky Harvey, from Marrickville
- Wicked Things, from Sydney’s inner west
The contenders span a broad range of musical genres, seeing Dande and The Lion’s mix of synth pop and indie rock, Tamworth Country Music Festival finalist Jamie Lindsay, the LamBros’ didgeridoo, distorted guitar and homemade hybrid drum-kit, and hard-hitting pub rock.
“We have been thrilled by the level of talent and diversity of our Rockin’ the Puburbs entrants,” said John Green, AHA NSW director of liquor and policing.
“While these are very different styles of performance, they are a perfect representation of the diversity of music found in pubs right across NSW.”
The Grand Final will be held at Selina’s, from 7pm on Thursday, 23 February. Guest judges on the night will include The Hon. John Graham MLC and 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues.
The winning band will receive a $15k prize package, including cash, a dedicated tour publicist, and east coast pub tour.
Tickets are free, but limited, available HERE.
