In early 2010, the SLAM rally swept through the streets of Melbourne in protest against Victorian liquor licensing policies that linked live music to violence - a concept which shocked and angered the Victorian music community.|

On 23 February 2010, the SLAM rally saw 20,000 people march through Melbourne to the tune of AC/DC's Long Way to the Top in protest against the proposed policies.

Many Tamworth musicians are keen to support their Victorian counterparts.

The three gigs will be held from 7pm this evening (Thursday 23 February) at the following venues - Good Companions Hotel, The Albert Hotel and Tamworth Tennis Club.

It was important that local artists showed solidarity with their Victorian counterparts, even though Tamworth was in a unique position within the musical landscape, Tamworth musician Lawrie Minson said.

"The important thing is to send a clear message to people who are in a position to create legislation that live music is, in terms of income ... the major source of income for us," he said.

One of the other musicians involved, Kootingal's Allison Forbes agrees.

"In this day and age, the only real way for a muso to make money is to play live," Allison said.

Lawrie said that targeting live music as the perceived source of street violence and putting legislation in place to quash it was "throwing the baby out with the bath water".

"Overall, the aim (of tonight's shows) is to create more awareness of live music," he said.

"Tamworth is quite good - fortunately, there's a culture within the city which understands music is healthy for tourism and promotion of the city (via the Tamworth Country Music Festival). For Tamworth, it's a thing which sets us apart from the rest of the nation.

"I know we've got a lot to be proud of here and igf anyone wants to judge the imopact of live music on the economy and prosperity of a city, Tamworth is the best example in the country."

• The artists playing at the Good Companions Hotel are Megan Williams, James Craswell, Sally-Anne Whitten and Allison Forbes
• Tamworth Tennis Club will feature Blake Saban, Deanna Rose, Beau Baker, Chris and Sam Langston, and Brookie Schiemer
• Lawrie Minson will host the SLAM Jam at the Albert Hotel

Funds will be raised for Northcott Disability Services at Good Companions, while money raised at the tennis club will go towards the children's ward at Tamworth hospital.

Lawrie said the hat would also be passed around at the Albert Hotel to gather money for late guitarist Marius Reynolds' family.

SLAM representatives, the lobby group Fair Go 4 Live Music and Music Victoria co-signed the Live Music Accord on the eve of the SLAM rally in February 2010 and then spent a further seven months negotiating the Live Music Agreement, where it was officially announced that live music does not cause violence.

Since then, SLAM has successfully negotiated important changes within a number a number of other key music reforms in Melbourne.

SLAM has contributed to the Busking Policy and the Live Music Strategy for the City of Melbourne, the City of Yarra's Live Music Working Group and the Music Council of Victoria.

"Like" SLAM on Facebook and keep up with news on live music at www.facebook.com/SLAMrally

By Wendy Spooner
Photo courtesy Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth