A D.I.Y. gig under a bridge in North Melbourne had an article written up on indimedia at
Below is a copy of the article that has had over 600 people read it:
Punks Not Dead - Melbourne punk bands reclaim unused spaces for shows
Almost 35 years since punk hit independent bands in Melbourne, Australia are still keeping the punk spirit alive. They are are saying F*@% you! to the main stream venues around that charge high prices for drinks, large entrance fees and make bands jump through hoops to play by running their own shows in unused spaces.
I recently attended a show put on under a bridge in North Melbourne that was organised and put on by The Flying Rats. A crazy punk/ska band that regularly practices in a squatted band room in the middle of an abandoned factory in Glenferrie. The gig was free to attend, BYO drinks (although there was a lot of home brew being passed around) and had a feeling of community that has been missing at most shows I have been too lately.
The show was run of a generator provided by The Flying Rats, played through a P.A. provided by one of the other bands, Dixon Cider, and the instruments and amps were provided by all manner of people there. A few bands were lined up to play then people just jumped on and played as they felt like it. This DIY environment and laid back attitude has been missing in recent years with many people being more concerned with fashion or who is more punk. It is refreshing to see these ideas thrown out the window and people just getting back into having a good time.
