As the Australian summer approaches, music enthusiasts across the nation are eagerly anticipating the festival season. With events like Good Things, Beyond The Valley, Spilt Milk, and Lost Paradise on the horizon, there is no shortage of musical excitement. However, while many festivals proceed without incident, some have ended in disaster, leaving a lasting impact on the country. This article revisits some of the most tragic concert disasters in Australian history, reflecting on their causes and consequences.
Anna Wood’s Tragic Death at the Phoenician Club, Sydney – 1995
The death of 15-year-old Sydney teenager Anna Wood in 1995 remains one of the most poignant reminders of the dangers associated with illicit drug use at music events. On October 21, 1995, Anna attended an ‘Apache’ rave party at the Phoenician Club in Ultimo, Sydney. After consuming ecstasy tablets, she began feeling unwell and was later taken to a friend’s house. Despite being rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital, Anna fell into a coma and passed away on October 23 due to hypoxic encephalopathy, following acute water intoxication secondary to MDMA ingestion.
Anna’s death sparked a national debate about drug safety at music events. Her family has since campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness about the risks of drug use. In an interview with A Current Affair, Anna’s father, Peter Wood, shared how his daughter’s story continues to influence others.
“Every now and then on my old computer down there, I’ll get an email from someone saying I’ve been offered drugs but because of your talk you did at my school, I never touched them,” he said.
The Whiskey Au Go Go Fire – 1973
In 1973, a firebombing at the Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub in Brisbane resulted in one of Australia’s deadliest nightclub fires. On March 8, during a performance by The Deltones, two drums of petrol were ignited in the club’s foyer. The resulting fire sent carbon monoxide throughout the venue, leaving the only escape route blocked. Tragically, 15 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning, including two members of the band Trinity.
The incident led to the arrest and conviction of John Andrew Stuart and James Richard Finch, who were sentenced to life imprisonment. Their conviction, however, was marred by ongoing claims of innocence, adding a layer of controversy to an already tragic event.
Limp Bizkit at Big Day Out – 2001
The 2001 Big Day Out festival in Sydney became infamous when a crowd surge during Limp Bizkit’s performance resulted in the death of 16-year-old Jessica Michalik. As the crowd surged forward, Jessica was crushed and later died of asphyxiation. The tragedy prompted a coronial inquest, which criticized the festival’s crowd control measures and Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst for his “alarming and inflammatory” comments during the incident.
In the aftermath, the festival paid tribute to Jessica with a “minute of noise” at subsequent events, and Limp Bizkit honored her memory during their 2012 Soundwave festival performances.
The Star Hotel Riot – 1979
The Star Hotel riot in Newcastle in 1979 stands as one of Australia’s largest public disturbances. On September 18, the sudden closure of the popular Star Hotel led to a massive protest involving 4,000 people. The situation escalated when police arrived to enforce the 10pm closing time, resulting in a two-hour riot where cars were set on fire and police vehicles overturned.
The riot was immortalized in Cold Chisel’s song “Star Hotel,” capturing the chaotic energy and public discontent of the time.
Esoteric Festival Health Scare – 2024
More recently, the Esoteric Festival in regional Victoria faced its own challenges. In 2024, over 120 attendees reported symptoms of gastroenteritis following the event. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Ben Cowie, advised attendees to get tested for Shigella, a highly contagious infection.
“Shigella gastroenteritis is generally a self-limiting infection but is highly contagious and can be potentially serious,” he said.
The festival faced further issues when its application for a Place of Public Entertainment Occupancy Permit was rejected just hours before it was set to begin, highlighting ongoing concerns about health and safety at large-scale events.
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers associated with large gatherings and the importance of stringent safety measures. As Australia prepares for another festival season, the lessons learned from past tragedies continue to inform policies and practices aimed at ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.
