Music festivals
Analysis
Pill Testing
Pragmatism, morality and the social science of pill testing
Critics of pill testing fear it will create a false sense of security that leads to more people taking more drugs. But the evidence says otherwise.
- by Liam Mannix
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The ‘harmful’ festival law adding $30 to the price of a ticket
Pressure is building on the NSW government to axe a law driving up the cost of festival tickets.
- by Linda Morris
Bigsound amplifies Brisbane’s unique role in shaping Australia’s music future
Music industry leaders and artists have descended on the city for three days of panel discussions and live performances.
- by Courtney Kruk
He played 200 days of pure noise. Now he’s performing in Melbourne
Marco Fusinato strummed a guitar eight hours a day for 200 days straight as Australia’s representative at Venice – but didn’t play a single song.
- by Karl Quinn
Opinion
Live music
There are many reasons Bluesfest failed. Not all of them are bad news
The imminent demise of Bluesfest is not a complete surprise, but nor is it a death knell for the concept of music festivals.
- by Bernard Zuel
End of an era: Bluesfest falls silent after 35 years
The curtain is coming down on one of the nation’s best-loved and longest running music festivals.
- by Nick Galvin
‘The city is suffering’: Festivals push for more music in historic Sydney park
Hit by cancellations and rising costs, festival organisers say the cap on concerts at Centennial Park should be lifted.
- by Linda Morris
These music festivals defied the trend and sold out. What’s the trick?
Defying the gloomy trend of cancellations, Strawberry Fields, Mundi Mundi Bash and Harbourlife have all sold out. Is there a pattern here for festivals to emulate?
- by Karl Quinn
How Australia’s music cartels are driving up the cost of live shows
The ACCC has told a parliamentary inquiry that “vertical integration” adds as much as 20 per cent to the cost of live music events in Australia.
- by Karl Quinn
Michael J Fox joins Coldplay, and other things you missed from Glastonbury
From Banksy protests to lip-synching accusations, here are some of the buzziest moments from the UK’s biggest music festival.
- by Nell Geraets
The hidden costs that are killing live music festivals
Pill testing could make attendance at music festivals and events much safer – but it could dramatically increase the financial risk borne by festivals.
- by Karl Quinn