#VAXTHENATION is here: Live Industry Venues and Entertainment join forces to call for help from fans to get this show back on the road.
It is safe to say that across the country our industry is hurting and today, Australia’s $36.4 billion* Live Entertainment Industry is speaking out.
More than 400 of Australia’s biggest artists and performers have joined forces with leading tour promoters, music festivals, venues, ticketing agencies, record labels, comedy producers, theatre, opera and dance companies, media outlets, industry associations, peak bodies and global brands like YouTube and TikTok launch #VAXTHENATION – a new campaign asking Australians to help ‘stop the interruptions’ and get vaccinated... now!
Spearheaded by the newly established LIVE Alliance (Live Industry Venues + Entertainment) – which includes representatives from organisations Association of Artist Managers (AAM), Australian Live Music Business Council (ALMBC), Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN), APRA AMCOS, Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), Australian Festivals Association (AFA), Frontier Touring/Mushroom Group, the Live Entertainment Industry Forum, Live Nation, Live Performance Australia (LPA), Secret Sounds and TEG – #VAXTHENATION has brought our country’s Live Events Industry together as never before.
Lending their names to #VAXTHENATION are over 225 performers including Powderfinger, Jimmy Barnes, Tim Minchin, Courtney Barnett, Celeste Barber, Vance Joy, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach, Em Rusciano, Guy Sebastian, Dave Thornton, Adam Harvey, Amy Shark, Iva Davies, Gina Jeffreys, John Williamson, Courtney Act, Birds Of Tokyo, Tom Gleeson, Amyl & The Sniffers, Hilltop Hoods, Nazeem Hussain, Marcia Hines, Midnight Oil, Judith Lucy, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Christian Hull, Troy Cassar-Daley, Nina Las Vegas, Briggs, Judith Lucy, Daryl Braithwaite, Human Nature, Melinda Schneider and countless more.
“It’s like boxing – a few well-placed jabs can keep your opponent at bay – so let’s get the jab to fight COVID-19 so we can get back to what we love doing.”
“There aren’t many things we can control in the world at the moment. It’s pretty hectic out there with loads of competing information. For us it is pretty straightforward. Vaccination is the only way out of this for not just the live entertainment industry, but everyone. Back the science, back your community and especially its vulnerable members. Take control and get vaccinated.”
“We need to all be on board with looking after each other. We have the power to change things. The entertainment industry alone has been completely decimated by COVID and ongoing lockdowns. We want to get back to our jobs and entertain you, help you laugh, help you connect and get you dancing again. Vaccination is the way out of this. Get busy. Get vaxxed. Stay safe and let’s kick this thing in the d**k. ”
“If you can get vaccinated you should, unless you can figure out another way out of this mundane lukewarm bath filled with p!$s of an era. The risks of side effects are low, it’s going to be ok! Honestly, I’m fully vaxxed with no side effects! It’s for the community as a whole, so take one for the team”
#VAXTHENATION aims to remind all Australians of the magic of live events. It kicks off today with a national television campaign – watch the TVC here – soundtracked by multi-Platinum ARIA winners Powderfinger, who donated the use of their iconic hit single “My Happiness”.
Australia has one of the world’s leading music and entertainment sectors. It’s not just vital to our economy and jobs; it provides a rich cultural fabric that connects us all. From sweaty pub gigs to crying with laughter at a comedy show; being moved by an opera aria or diving into the festival mosh; taking your child to their first live show, marvelling at an intricate ballet, or sitting with loved ones in an ornate theatre… these are the moments we all want to get back to.
Vaccination is the only way to ‘stop the interruptions’ and break the cycle of lockdowns.
With a target of 80% agreed by National Cabinet, the LIVE Alliance says vaccinations are not only important for overall public health but an essential step in stopping the ongoing and devastating effect to our live entertainment and events industry. LIVE Alliance members say:
“The impact of the pandemic on Australia’s world-leading music, theatre, comedy and live entertainment industries has been truly devastating. Getting vaccinated is the crucial step fans can take which will allow us to join together and enjoy the unbeatable magic of live performance once again.”
Australia needs to get vaccinated, so we can all get back to doing the things that we love. Help us stop the interruptions and get vaxxed as soon as you can. Every jab makes a difference, and every Australian can play their part.
Head to the #VAXTHENATION website for further details and information on where to get your jab: vaxthenation.com.au