Sheffield rockers 65daysofstatic are currently in Australia on tour, but last night’s show at The Hi-Fi in Brisbane did not go as planned. According to a statement from the band’s Australian tour promoter, the gig had to be cancelled moments before the band was set to take the stage.

“Basically, everything got set up. The support bands, Red Paintings and Tangled Thoughts of Leaving had both performed their sets, 65daysofstatic were ready to head up on stage and start the show,” Mike Solo of Bird’s Robe recounted to Tone Deaf.

“And then the emergency sprinkler system in the downstairs dressing room was triggered and basically started gushing down water all over the backstage, the stage, and down through the trapdoor, and flooded the whole electronics area, which set off the fire alarm, obviously.”

“We had to evacuate the building, take everyone outside, wait for the fire brigade to show up, who basically said there’s no fire here, the sprinkler system was set off accidentally. It was knocked or something,” explained Mike.

“It was basically unsafe to then proceed with the show, because you had a foot of water above all the electronics. So we spent several hours last night and this morning trying to rebook flights, find another venue, obviously the Hi-Fi is still being cleaned up…”

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The band’s show has now been rescheduled for the Woolly Mammoth, with doors opening at 8.30pm and the band set to take the stage at 9. All ticketholders with passes to last night’s Hi-Fi performance will be able to attend the Woolly Mammoth show with a plus-one free of charge.

But according to Mike, rescheduling the show was no easy feat, logistically or financially. “It was a trade-off. We sold a bunch of tickets for the show and if the show was cancelled, we would’ve had to refund over $5,000 worth of ticket sales,” he explained.

“We just made the call that — even though it would’ve been cheaper not to do the show and just refund tickets — we’d spend the extra money so that Brisbane gets a show, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

“We’re gonna do our best to make it work and it’s gonna be awesome. So hopefully everyone is able to make it tonight and we’re honouring all tickets, we’re giving everyone who bought a ticket a plus-one just to make up for the inconvenience.”

“We just wanna make it a good night, so as many people that can come down [would be great to see], maybe buy a T-shirt, and help the band on their way.” Readers can check below for all the details of the band’s Woolly Mammoth performance and a statement from the band.

As Tone Deaf reported last month, all three Hi-Fi venues are in administration. While it was unclear what precipitated the takeover, an official statement from venue owners has now revealed that the venues were placed under administration following a dispute with a major creditor.

Administrator Simon Nelson of Romanis Cant accounting group has told Fairfax that the venues are currently for sale and that if no one steps up to buy them, they will be shut down. Nelson said that while he cannot guarantee a sale, he is “highly confident” a new owner will be found.

UPDATE 13/03/15: According to James Power, Bookings Director at The Hi-Fi, the venue’s sprinkler system was set off by one of the support acts performing on the night.

“The emergency sprinkler setup was triggered by the support band and it was in no way any fault of the Hi-Fi,” Power told Tone Deaf.

“The emergency system is working fine. It was triggered by a support act hanging clothes off a sprinkler,” Power added.

65daysofstatic Australian Tour Dates

Thursday, 12th March 2015
Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane

Friday, 13th March 2015
Amplifier Bar, Perth
Tickets: Amplifier Bar

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