We have a lane smack bang in the middle of the city named in honour of AC/DC. A tribute, not just to the band, but to the cultural vitality of Melbourne and her 50 year history of innovative music.
You can’t help but belt out “It’s a long way to top if you want to rock and roll!” when you stroll past.
It’s going to be a lot longer to the top now.
The Tote Hotel has nurtured our musicians. It’s supported the newer groups, giving them exposure and gaining them fans. As these musos continued to charm audiences, their skills were sharpened and their talent blossomed. It’s hardly a surprise that Melbourne has been the Mecca for rock music since 1960.
Our live music venues have been the envy of other cities.
But knuckle-headed decision-making is out to wipe live music venues from Melbourne.
The Tote has to go. It’s been deemed ‘high risk’.
In thirty years of live bands the highest risk has been the inability to get to the bar for a drink. I speak as a former patron whose greatest horror was being trapped in the beer garden and having to walk around to the main bar via the street to avoid the hand-clapping crowd.
OK. I understand that alcohol and violence can go hand in hand. This puerile behaviour is considered par for the course in some of the city central nightclubs, much of it perpetrated by the security hoons.
Just because I’m an old age pensioner doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how young men behave when they throw down grog.
Violence is a serious issue, but one that has nothing to do with the Tote.
My Opinion
I had my say on the ABC about the Tote.
You can hear my comments here at ‘Long term Local defends the Tote’
What’s your opinion?