I got to the gig just a little too late. Fed Square closed all the entry ways to Federation Square as the space hit it’s maximum capacity. And rightly so as Amyl and the Sniffers were playing a free gig at Melbourne “public square” space.

Now if you don’t know Amyl and the Sniffers, it probably one of the biggest Australian rock bands of this time. They sellout large crowds and headline festivals so when a free gig is offered, of course, the people of Melbourne are going to show up.

It was probably an oversight of the City of Melbourne organisers how big this was going to get as over 10,000 people, including kids showed up. Now it more packed than a can of sardines in there.

I kinda remembered that I was a journalist and in my bag was my freelance journalist pass and so I was making my talk with security to get in. Before I knew the barricades started to get pushed open and the masses streamed in. I may as well pull out my camera and take photos making my way up photographing the chaos.

People were climbing walls getting in and walking along edges of the structure with a second storey drop to get in. There must of been thousand or so more wanting entry.

I got through to my friends but unfortunately the screens said the gig was cancelled and the crowd went into uproar. Some high schoolers had wagged school and been waiting for this since 11 am. Out of security concerns, Amyl and the Sniffers wouldn’t be performing.

It sucked but is what it is it. Slowly the crowd dispersed and was people held on hoping, just hoping the band would come out to play. For Amyl and the Sniffers coming out to play a free gig is a godsend in the years of going to see live acts is a whole weekly paycheck. They had originally come to be support act for AC/DC which could of given an indication that they were a big deal.

Still in the end, teenagers listened in unison on their phones and sound system, some of their bangers, singing along and revelling in the space. Not dettered that they missed a chance to see their idols play.

In the spirit of amazing humans that they are, Amy went on her instagram and offered to pick up the tab. 7 of Melbourne’s local venues of live music and put up a $5000 bar tab at each of their venues to promote going to see local music live. I took on the offer, rode my harley with the radio on loud booming their tracks. Had a few people aknowledge and dance at the pedestrian walking and it the Last Chance Rock N Roll bar for a drink and their famous chips and gravy.

Melbourne still the king of live rock n roll scene in Australia and I am glad to be living in it.