Cypress Hill are coming to Australia, but they are missing Brisbane:
- 7/12 Perth, Global Festival, Belmont Racecourse
- 9/12 Adelaide, Planet Nightclub
- 11/12 Canberra, ANU
- 12/12 Melbourne, Metro Nightclub
- 13/12 Sydney, Global Festival
The population of Brisbane, plus the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, adds up to well over 2 million. That puts us in 3rd place behind Sydney and Melbourne, and it is understandable that a lot of bands—especially those with small touring budgets and low ticket prices—feel that it’s not viable to play here. But, Cypress Hill is not one of those bands.
I think it’s cool when popular bands make an effort to play some smaller places. ANU Bar, Nambour RSL, Birdsville Hotel, go for it. Even if it is at Brisbane’s expense, it doesn’t really matter, because there is no shortage of live music in this city. But lately, a few big bands such as Cypress have been giving Brisbane the arse, and I’m positive that they’d play here if they could. Is there a venue shortage in this city?
The historic Festival Hall is gone, and Devine Ltd is currently dancing on its grave, pending the demolition of the building and another soulless apartment tower to be built in its place.
The Arena is still in business, but we all know just how long that will last.
The Entertainment Centre is too big, the Zoo is too small, the Convention Centre is too busy, the Riverstage is too outside, the Tivoli is too inside. Other places exist, but either the logistics of hosting a concert are too difficult, or the tour organisers are too lazy.
At any rate: Cypress Hill, if you could play here next time you’re in the country, that would be super.