Australian rock band Amyl and the Sniffers faced an unexpected turn of events when their free concert at Melbourne’s Federation Square was abruptly canceled. The decision came after security barriers were overrun, creating a significant safety hazard.
Lead vocalist Amy Taylor took to Instagram to express her frustration and disappointment, declaring, “You simply cannot imagine the tantrum I am having” about missing the opportunity to perform in their hometown.
In a heartfelt video message, Taylor apologized, saying, “We’re so, so, so sorry. We’re really sad.” She shared her sentiments while backstage, emphasizing how the band was eager to play and devastated by the abrupt cancellation.
“The fences got crushed in, there were too many people, and the cops shut it down,” she explained, clearly upset. “We’re really apologetic and so sorry.”
Meanwhile, Federation Square released an official statement explaining the necessity of calling off the concert. They cited that “multiple breaches of the perimeter fences caused a very high risk of crowd crushes,” which led to the difficult decision to prioritize public safety.
Fed Square said in a statement it was forced to cancel the show “after multiple breaches of the perimeter fences caused a very high risk of crowd crushes”.
“It was unsafe for the show to continue,” Fed Square said.
“We did not take this decision lightly and are deeply sorry for any disappointment caused, however tonight could simply not continue.
“Our sincere apologies to the band and their fans.”
Taylor and the rest of the band returned to Instagram later to say they had put $5000 bar tabs on at seven Melbourne venues for disappointed fans to “have a drink on us”.
“We’re not doggin’ ya, it’s because a bunch of people rushed the f—ing barriers and so it wasn’t safe, and especially because it was all ages, we just can’t have that, we don’t want anyone having a shit time,” Taylor said.
She also posted on her Instagram Story that she would be dealing with her frustrations by getting “blackout drunk somewhere in mourning”.
