×
Skip to main content
Got a tip? Got a tip?
Account

Australia’s Bushfire Emergency: How The Music Industry Is Responding

As Australia bakes and burns in the worst bushfire crisis in living memory, the music industry is stepping up.

Australia Bushfire
NSW RFS firefighters work through the night to prevent a flare-up from crossing the Kings Highway in between Nelligen and Batemans Bay on Jan. 2, 2020 in Batemans Bay, NSW, Australia. Kate Geraghty/The SMH/Fairfax Media via Getty Images

As Australia bakes and burns in the worst bushfire crisis in living memory, the music industry is stepping up.

Artists, promoters, music companies and executives from the land Down Under and around the globe are pitching in with donations, time and support. Live music benefits are springing up on what seems to be a daily basis, raising much-needed cash for firefighters and those whose lives and homes are at the front line.  

Related

The Wiggles

Original Wiggles Reuniting to Raise Funds For Australian Fire Relief

These are difficult times for Australians. Summer always brings fires. The hotter the season, the worse the blazes. The late months of 2019 and early 2020, however, have been disastrous.

Police in New South Wales, the worst affected state, on Wednesday (Jan. 8) confirmed the 20th death from the current fire season. At least five others have lost their lives around the country, as fire fighters battle blazes whipped up by fierce winds and exacerbated by bone-dry conditions.

Here’s a snapshot of how the music community is battling. And how it’s responding.

The Lorne leg of Falls Festival was canceled just ahead of New Year’s Eve:

Sydney Festival show Opening Night was controversially scrapped:

Cold Chisel’s A Day On The Green show in Rutherglen was scrapped due to hazardous conditions:

The fight back! Artists and live music professionals from around the country chip-in with benefit concerts:

The Make It Rain — Fund the Firies 2020 fundraisers take place Jan. 8 and 9 in Byron Bay (bidding on the Make It Rain auction closes Jan. 17).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We are heartbroken for our country right now. The loss of life, wildlife, cattle and property is catastrophic. The devastation is on a scale that is hard to comprehend. Alongside the huge sense of loss, we also feel a huge sense of gratitude to our firefighters, emergency services and volunteers whose heroic efforts over the last few weeks have surely saved countless lives. This evening we donated $25,000 to the CFS Foundation, an organisation that supports volunteer firefighters in South Australia. If you’d also like to donate, you can via the link in our bio. In February we will also be taking part in a massive bushfire fundraising concert in Sydney, the details of which will be announced soon. Stay safe and take care.

A post shared by Hilltop Hoods (@hilltophoods) on

The biggest names in music will work stadiums for Sound Relief 2020. And Fire Fight Australia:

Artists and celebrities are digging deep:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We are heartbroken for our country right now. The loss of life, wildlife, cattle and property is catastrophic. The devastation is on a scale that is hard to comprehend. Alongside the huge sense of loss, we also feel a huge sense of gratitude to our firefighters, emergency services and volunteers whose heroic efforts over the last few weeks have surely saved countless lives. This evening we donated $25,000 to the CFS Foundation, an organisation that supports volunteer firefighters in South Australia. If you’d also like to donate, you can via the link in our bio. In February we will also be taking part in a massive bushfire fundraising concert in Sydney, the details of which will be announced soon. Stay safe and take care.

A post shared by Hilltop Hoods (@hilltophoods) on

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our hearts and thoughts are with those affected by the widespread devastation across the country. ? ? Live Nation Entertainment’s Australian businesses (@livenationoznz, @secretsounds, @ticketmasterau & @moshtix) are pledging $500,000 to support bushfire relief efforts.? ? We will be working with artists announcing tours in the months of January and February to raise funds through donations, charity upsells and auction off experience. ? ? We would like to extend our utmost gratitude to the many volunteers, firefighters and emergency services who continue to work bravely and tirelessly – thank you.? ? (Photo by Nathan Edwards/Getty Images)

A post shared by Live Nation Aus & NZ (@livenationoznz) on

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

YES !!! It’s official. We’re donating our stage from our QAL show the previous night in Sydney for this great line-up of talent to raise money for Bushfire Relief. ——– FIRE FIGHT AUSTRALIA will kick off from 1pm and run till late at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday 16 February 2020. Tickets go on sale at 12 Noon (AEDT) today at www.ticketek.com.au and are priced at $100, $85 and $70 with an option to make further contributions to bushfire relief during purchase. Ticketek Australia is the only authorised seller of FIRE FIGHT AUSTRALIA tickets. Do not pay more than the prices listed for your tickets. All concert ticket profits and all contributions through Ticketek will go towards key organisations providing vital “Rescue”, “Relief and Recovery” and “Rehabilitation”. • “Rescue” – Rural and regional fire services in affected states • “Relief and Recovery” – Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery • “Rehabilitation” – The RSPCA Bushfire Appeal Fans can also donate to bushfire relief through www.firefightaustralia.com All Media Enquiries: media@firefightaustralia.com All Other Enquiries: info@firefightaustralia.com Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on

Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about?

Get in the know on

Icon Link PMC Logo

Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2022 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by WordPress.com VIP

optional screen reader

ad