Australian punk favourites Frenzal Rhomb and Clowns are currently zig-zagging across the country on their Friendless Summer tour, hitting up regional venues up and down the East Coast, but not everyone is stoked about it.
Whilst most fans who witnessed the bands’ Friday, 22nd January performance at the Marlin Hotel in the New South Wales town of Ulladulla came away with cherished, sweaty memories, one local resident wasn’t pleased by the alleged “debauchery” that went on.
“I am writing this letter to you after myself and others witnessed a disgusting performance at the Marina Hotel [sic] in Ulladulla this week by ‘rock’ acts Frenzal Rhomb and The Clowns,” the letter, addressed to ‘Ms Gash’, opens.
“A few of our staff members had already raised concern after seeing the poster, and had brought it to my attention last week. I paid $35 to witness some utterly horrifying ‘entertainment’ and frankly, I’m disgusted that this was allowed anywhere near our town.”
“Debauchery like this may suit the riffraff in Sydney, where violence and crass behaviour is celebrated and practiced on a daily basis, but I believe I speak for all of us here in Ulladulla, when I say that filth like this should never be welcomed in our clean, positive, and family friendly community.”
“Firstly I ask that my money is returned and to me from whoever is responsible for organising this. Secondly I believe management and both bands playing at the rock concert should write a formal apology and also a promise that they never enter this town again.”
Both Clowns and Frenzal Rhomb have responded to the letter, with Clowns sharing the outraged missive on their official Facebook page and writing, “We are terribly sorry. Here’s the refund for your ticket. Keep the change.”
Official complaint from last nights show.Dear Ms Baumer,We are terribly sorry. Here's the refund for your ticket. Keep the change.Kind regards,Clowns xoxo
Posted by Clowns onFriday, January 22, 2016
Frenzal Rhomb would like to apologise unreservedly for our language and actions at last night's function, both onstage…
Posted by Frenzal Rhomb onFriday, January 22, 2016
While Frenzal Rhomb added: “Frenzal Rhomb would like to apologise unreservedly for our language and actions at last night’s function, both onstage and off; and promise to deliver an altogether more professional and family friendly event tonight at the Baroque Room, Katoomba…”
Before you go thinking this is all just a clever viral marketing stunt, the promoter of the Marlin Hotel show has confirmed the complaint is genuine, though the identity of the author has come into question after a member of the Milton Ulladulla Business Chamber commented on Clowns’ post.
As for the “debauchery” that allegedly took place at the gig, one punter clarified: “I was at this show and can say for a fact that this person is full of shite. I watched Frenzal & Clowns set and there was no violence and the security didn’t intervene or kick anyone out.”
“The security were actually having a good time and were mostly pushing crowd surfers back into the crowd. The most ‘debauchery’ thing I saw was a crowd surfer pulled on a light fitting which the crowd and security removed out of the audience.”
However, living up to their ‘debaucherous’ reputation, Clowns initially responded to the disgruntled author’s refund request by… well, see for yourself:
