_{By Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)}

Recently, online (and in person for other reasons, which I will get into later in the article), there has been discourse surrounding all-ages shows. While there is no general consensus, as both sides (for and against) have been pretty adamant about their opinions, my belief that all ages shows are NECESSARY for a scene will never waiver.

Here is why.

Over the weekend, I attended a hardcore show at a community centre here in Adelaide, South Australia. It was a charity show, headlined by SPEED and US band Magnitude. It was put on by a local booker, True Till Death Bookings, and it was one of the best shows I’ve been to in a while. There were old heads with their kids, young guns throwing down, and the current leaders in the scene. There were casual listeners like me, who like to get down when I can. No drugs, no alcohol, no security. No drama. A few injuries and a whole lot of fun. Spirits were high. People of all ages, backgrounds, genders, etc were in that pit throwing down. It was magnificent.

View this post on Instagram

Adelaide is one of the few places in Australia, it seems, where all-ages shows are quite regular. I’ve seen tour posters drop a lot recently where most cities say 18+, but here it’s AA. As somebody who grew up going to shows, the idea that so many people are locked out of seeing so many great bands because of their ages is awful. I remember the occasional frustration when some shows here were 18+ (I even got a fake ID just to go to shows/had friends’ bands sneak me in as a ‘merch girl’- shush, don’t tell my Mum). The thought that would be a regular occurrence though? Unfathomable.

Being surrounded by adults in the scene can lead to some risky situations- I do agree with that. I also think that, as adults, it can feel a little uncomfortable having a few drinks or partaking in some things we do when we go out around minors. That discomfort, though is something we should learn to carry or save for the 18+ shows. COVID was a perfect demonstration of why we need kids at shows before they turn 18.

When you are 14-15 and being introduced to the scene, it can teach you a lot. Teach you how to mosh without being a jerk. How to engage in the community in a meaningful way and, most importantly, inspire young ones to pick up an instrument and start a band. It can encourage people to give a shit. To get off the internet and live in real life. Connect with their peers. Create friendships that will be long-lasting. It future-proofs the scene so we have a constant influx of hungry bands wanting to make their mark.

As older people in the scene, we have the opportunity to pass on knowledge. To share music. To give out wisdom (even if sometimes that wisdom is a spin kick to the chest). To teach young ones how to be responsible for their scene. How to spot weirdos. HOW TO ACTUALLY GIVE A FUCK- something that is severely lacking.

I know things like insurance and liquor licences are very real inhibitors. Which is why these community centre shows are so great! I also know there are times when councils can be the enemy (I mean, look at the SPEED show last year in Melbourne that got canned) but as bookers, bands, promoters and just people in the scene in general, we should be screaming out for all-ages shows.

If I didn’t have the opportunity to go to shows every single weekend as a teenager, I would be nowhere near as passionate about music as I am now. Nowhere near as engaged. Think about all the bands we love, both massive and small- where would they be without a scene in their most formative years?

All-ages shows are the lifeblood of the alternative music scene.
Let’s not lock out the upcoming generation.