Can Australian Music Survive in the Age of Spotify?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALMBC Statement on the Cancellation of Byron Bluesfest
The Australian Live Music Business Council (ALMBC) was saddened to hear of the cancellation of the Byron Bluesfest and recognises the significant impact this decision has on the workers and small businesses across the live music community, as well as on many thousands of ticket buyers.
Bluesfest has long been a cornerstone event for the Australian music industry, supporting a wide network of small and medium enterprises including artists, crew, staging and production companies, merchandise, caterers, accommodation providers, transport operators, local traders and hundreds of local casual staff. The abrupt loss of this event represents a substantial financial blow to many workers and businesses that have already incurred costs and committed resources in good faith – many of these whom the ALMBC represents.
Ticket buyers are also directly affected, having invested their money and placed trust in the live music market. In periods of uncertainty, The protection of these consumers should be paramount.
The ALMBC reiterates the importance of ticket income being held in trust, as is required in other industries such as (real estate, travel and more), in order to:
eliminate consumer risk in order to:
- protect small businesses from insolvency or cancellation scenarios
- discourage unsustainable or speculative promotions
- make ticket companies compete on service, not on cash advances
- build long-term confidence in live music.
It is important to note that this is an opportunity for system-wide reform, not an attack on any single operator, to ensure the best possible outcomes for both ticket holders and the workers and small businesses that rely on timely and fair payment.
ALMBC Chair Howard Adams says, “Trust arrangements provide essential safeguards, improving confidence in the market and reducing the ripple effects of event cancellations on the broader interconnected industry. When a major festival is cancelled, the consequences extend far beyond the headline event. Protecting ticket revenue through trust mechanisms is a critical step in supporting consumers and the small businesses that form the backbone of Australia’s live music sector.”
The ALMBC stands ready to work with governments, promoters, insurers and industry stakeholders to strengthen financial protections, rebuild confidence, and support a more resilient future for Australian live music.
ENDS
About the ALMBC
The Australian Live Music Business Council is the peak national body representing the interests of Australia’s live music businesses, advocating for sustainable policy, fair commercial practices and a thriving live music industry.
