Splendour in the Grass is one of those iconic annual events on the Australian music calendar. A generation of us have watched our favourite bands and artists and discovered the sheer delight of sharing live music with our friends, family and community. To see Splendour cancelled in 2024 is a shock to all of us in the music community. But sadly it isn’t unexpected.
Rising costs, exorbitant insurance premiums, and stringent state regulations have rendered such cultural events increasingly fragile. The loss of Splendour and similar festivals is not merely a blow to fans and the local economies that benefit from the influx of tourism revenue. It is a profound setback for the artists, songwriters, and musicians who depend on these opportunities to hone their craft and sustain their livelihoods, as well as the livelihoods of the many workers who make the event a reality.
Implementing a comprehensive tax rebate for live music and enacting more effective regulations are imperative steps toward ensuring the continued vitality of the industry. Without such measures, the cultural fabric of our nation risks further erosion, depriving both audiences and artists of the transformative power of live music experiences and the export of great Australian music.