The loss of live music: SA clubs and pubs open but artists still can’t get a gig

Husband and wife Zkye Compson-Harris and Damien Steele-Scott used to play in several bands — now they only have each other.

“It’s lucky we can do this with just the two of us, because I think I’ve had two band gigs this year maybe, and that’s lucky,” Mr Steele-Scott said.

Ms Compson-Harris has had to sideline her rock, blues and country groups because venues can only afford solo artists or duos playing to their COVID-restricted crowds.

“There is no band anymore … basically when there’s no dancing and no stand-up consumption, it’s very hard,” she said.

After nearly two years of the pandemic, the full-time musicians consider themselves fortunate to still make a living, even though they have gone from seven gigs a week to two or three.

Live music venues, like the popular Wheatsheaf Hotel in Thebarton, say they cannot afford to host bands with the current restrictions.

“Unfortunately we haven’t had a show since just before Boxing Day — we had to shut it all down,” Wheatsheaf music coordinator Ria Loof told the ABC. 

Without music, owners of venues like this do not believe they will be able to keep trading for much longer.

“Our whole ethos is about live music and brewing our beers and sharing that,” Mr Loof said.

The government has just raised capacity restrictions to 50 per cent, but is yet to say when dancing and standing consumption of alcohol will be allowed.

“We are though wanting to lift those restrictions but to do in a safe way that’s going to be sustainable,” Premier Steven Marshall said on Saturday.

The restrictions – in place since Boxing Day – have meant that musicians are among the few industries unable to work even though there is no lockdown.

Adam Page — one of Adelaide’s best-known musicians and the owner of a recording studio – said that meant the local music scene had disappeared.

The loss of live music affects more than just those who play it.

Artists and venues all fear for the loss of culture and connection associated with live performances.

“It’s not just the artists,” Mr Page said.

With COVID-19 case numbers dropping, live music may return, but it will need audiences who feel safe to go out and listen.

Ms Compson-Harris and Mr Steele-Scott want the government and local councils to provide more access to public spaces, like parks, for outdoor gigs, to encourage audiences to return safely.

“Outside is the new inside,” Ms Compson-Harris said.

“That’s where venues need to adapt … utilise all these amazing parks we have, even having the street performing we did with Adelaide City Council in winter.

“It was amazing. That helps a lot of musos just get by.”