Attending a festival show in the New South Wales state of Australia has become more difficult after the government passed legislation aimed at preventing drug overdoses. The law could hit organizers with significant fees for licensing, which has irked many in the industry. At their show in Melbourne last week, the Red Hot Chili Peppers spoke out against the regulation, with Flea declaring, “That is the stupidest f***ing thing I have ever heard in my life! What could make a community stronger and better than everyone going out to see live music? Who the f**k came up with that idea?” Frontman Anthony Kiedis wasn’t thrilled either, echoing his bassist’s sentiment, calling it, “some bullsh**t.”
According to ABC News Australia, “The group was referring to the State Government’s new festival regulations, which have been implemented after a string of drug-related deaths at events last year. Under the new arrangements, 14 “high-risk” festivals will need to supply a safety management plan to receive a licence from the independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.”
