More Cancellations As Local Shows Struggle

Melody Moko is the latest artist forced to cancel shows due to low ticket sales. As part of the Suburban Dream Australian Tour, this weekend’s scheduled shows at Newcastle’s The Stag And Hunter (May 5) and Old Bar’s Flow Bar and Restaurant (May 6) have been cancelled.

“It is with a sore heart and an anxious stomach that I announce we have decided to cancel our shows this weekend,” she wrote on social media. “Pre-sales are down across the board and this one is especially low, making a risky weekend for mama and papa moko with the three small mokos to keep fed, clothed and alive. Never fear Newy and Old Bar, we will be back.”

“Can we all shake hands and agree that if we plan on attending an artist’s show, we buy a ticket beforehand?” she continued. “It’s a tough old world out here for all of us, music folk have had covid cancellations, the return of international touring, cost of living and a whole bunch of other unfortunate occurrences, one after another. it eases our minds just a bit when we know we got a handful of people to sing our woes with.”

One disappointed fan replied, “Awww... had my ticket and was looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night.”

Another commented, “I wish people would realise that pre-sale tickets usually literally decide if gigs go ahead or not. Walk ups are amazing and great but please plan your nights and pre purchase tickets, so many parties rely on those numbers. Our amazing artists rely on it.”

Last year, Sarah Leete cancelled the Victorian leg of her Australian tour due to low presales.

“I'm so sorry to say, but my tour run this weekend to Victoria has been cancelled,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, due to low presales, I can't afford to head down and play my two shows at Wesley Anne and Tanswell's Hotel. Being the week of show I had to make this call early for the venues and anyone who was making plans. This tour has been amazing, and I have fully understood the risk of so much travel, but unfortunately, without presales, I can't make it happen.”

Mike Carr, Jase Lansky and Sara Storer are also on record for show cancellations.