As the Australian music industry slowly gets back on its feet following the worst of the global pandemic, this year’s Roady4Roadies events are more important than ever before. To mark the occasion, Crewcare has enlisted an all-star team of ambassadors. Icehouse, Missy Higgins, Vika & Linda, Paul Dempsey, Brian Ritchie, The Badloves, Catherine Britt, and King Canyon will all take part in this year’s event.
Rewind to 2020 and the Roady4Roadies events were some of the first pandemic victims. Just two weeks out from their 13 events, every one was cancelled. Almost a year later, things aren’t a lot better. While we’re slowly seeing gigs return, the industry is operating at less than 4 percent of pre-COVID levels. But this year at least, there is hope. Road4Roadies gives crew and musicians and day to reconnect with their colleagues and supporters. It’s also a day to raise awareness of the importance of roadies and funds for Support Act’s Roadies Fund, which helps music crew members in crisis.
“I’m in endless awe at the professionalism of music crew, how hard they work and the standard they work to. Us artists literally could not do what we do without a highly skilled team of men and women behind the scenes making it all happen. But it’s a really tough job, working crazy long hours and away from home months at a time. It takes its toll on mental and physical health. Then throw into the mix the past year with restrictions on live events, it’s just been devastating for so many music workers and their families who suddenly found themselves unable to make ends meet,” explained Missy Higgins. “We need events like Roady4Roadies more than ever right now, so we can show our support and raise some much-needed funds for these amazing men and woman who’ve always been the backbone of what we do.”
Roady4Roadies 2021 will be held on April 11 in 10 major cities around the country. Each event kicks off with a leisurely 3-4 km Roady4Roadies walk, followed by family activities and performances. All walkers receive a free T-shirt and face mask with their ticket, which are available now from Moshtix. If you can’t make it, you can also show your support with a virtual ticket. Here are all the sites and times for this year’s Roady4Roadies events.
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide – 11:30 am
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane – 10:30 am
The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay – 11 am
Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin – 11 am
The Salty Dog, Kingston Beach – 11:30 am
Palais Theatre, St Kilda – 11 am
Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 4:30 pm
The Lucky Shag, Perth – 11 am
Addison Road Community Centre, Marrickville – 11:30 am
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville – 3:30 pm
Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM