Local bands hold Palestine relief gig
The gig received a shout-out from American band Hot Mulligan at their Lyttelton concert on February 24. Source: Charlotte Thornton.
A daytime gig, held at backpackers At the Right Place on Bealey Ave, was held on Saturday with funds going to the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA).
The event was organised by The Monotones, who played second after opener Kenring. In a media release provided to Canta, The Monotones said they “wanted to do their part to help support those impacted by the war in Gaza”.
Charlie Osborne, 21, is a bassist and backing vocalist for The Monotones, best known for his exuberant jumping during performances. Osborne is one of several Monotones members at UC; he is studying a Masters of International Relations and Diplomacy.
Regarding the event, Osborne said, “It’s good, I’m combining my degree with the band.”
Osborne told Canta, “The reason we did it with the PSNA is so we could get the funds directly to where they need to go… to the people that need it.”
Following The Monotones in the lineup were This Dog, Stone Child, Velveteen, The Rainfall, Model Home, and S.E.I.S.M.I.C.
Monotones manager Luke Jones, 21, described the event as “a celebration of local rock and punk bands who are looking to give back to the wider international community.”
He continued, “The situation unfolding in Gaza, a lot of people will complicate it, but it’s really quite simple… there’s a disproportionate impact on children and civilians in the Gaza Strip. And we, as local Christchurch music fans, recognise that and want to give back.”
Jones said that “great collaboration” between the bands, and with the PSNA, made the gig possible. “We’re stoked to be able to give back to those in need in Gaza at the moment.”
Courtney Ellingham-Prebble, 23, attended the gig because “they were supporting Palestine… that aligns with my values, so I was like, ‘okay, let’s do it – what a great cause’.”
Pamphlets, zines, and badges were distributed at the door.
20-year-old Jah, who was on front of house, got involved through regular attendance at Saturday protests. “I just started coming, because why do nothing about it? […] I slowly educated myself over time.”
Osborne, right, with Duncan Gardner, 19, left, who played drums with Kenring. This was Gardner’s first gig “in nearly three years”. Source: Charlotte Thornton.
Pre-booked tickets were already sold out when the gig started at noon, and door sales ran out by 1:45pm.
An enthusiastic audience happily braved the sunlight on the deck as the gig continued into the afternoon, with another line of fans on the balcony above.
Drummer Sam Williams and guitarist Jack Cunliffe of The Monotones shared, “Even though the kick drum broke halfway through the gig, it was still a really great day to raise money for those suffering in Gaza.”
