Being an avid Oils fan I'm not too concerned but
I know some of my mates who forked out the $80 and aren't HUGE fans will be
very disappointed if it comes across as a rehearsal. Management better be
prepared for the angry backlash if the gig isn't up to
standard - $80 for a warm up gig is one thing, rehearsal is
something entirely different (although I guess it's hardly going to impact on
future album/tour sales). Surely there was a cheaper venue available (ANU
Bar?) which would have cut costs down? I wonder if they considered
negotiating with a smaller venue at cost "C'mon champ, it's the rehearsal
for the Bushfire Relief Concert, how about doing it at cost and claiming it on
your tax return as a donation to charity" or something like that (note, not
sure if a service can be claimed but at the least the publicity would have
been worth something to the venue). Mind you maybe the Convention Centre came
to the party, seems unlikely though, I park there each work day and the
ba$tards certainly like to bleed punters dry. I have faith but if the
unthinkable happens I'm not standing in front of the angry mob ;)
Cheers
Daz