Thousands took to the streets in Melbourne this afternoon to protest against the government's draconian liquor licensing laws that are threatening the very existence of live music in Victoria.
At 4pm thousands of people of all ages, wielding placards and instruments, gathered at the state library before moving down Swanston Street and towards Parliament House. The procession was led by event MC Brian Nankervis, who fronted a band on a flatbed track, recreating AC/DC's video for 'It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock n ' Roll)' shot on this very spot 30 years ago. Today's band included musicians Ash Naylor and Peter Luscombe, as well as original bagpipe playing members of the troupe that appeared in the original AC/DC filmclip.
The crowd convened at the foot of Parliament House, where speeches from musicians, hotel owners and event organisers John Perring, Quincy McLean and Helen Marcou were received rapturously. Members of the Liberal party gathered on the steps behind the speeches to feebly wiggle placards that read 'Liberals Love Live Music'. As McLean would later turn to say, "Where were you when the Tote was closing!?".
High profile members of the music scene that took part in proceedings included Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Mick Harvey, Tim Rogers, Something for Kate, Clare Bowditch, The Dirty Three, Augie March, Wilbur Wilde, Paris Wells, Wally Meanie, The Living End, My Disco and Dan Sultan, as well as current Australian tourist, American Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls.