Without music, life would be a mistake.
– Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher and cultural critic
WE are sure to remember our first concert or seeing our favourite band live.
I was fortunate to have attended some concerts and gigs in my youth.
These ranged from large ones in Wembley Stadium, London, to smaller venues like the iconic Roundhouse in Camden and other lesser known locations.
They featured a wide range of musical genres, such as pop, rock, reggae, classical, jazz, country, heavy metal and hip-hop.
Some included elaborate staging, lighting effects, and audio-visual production to enhance the overall experience while others were simple setups.
All were memorable events in one way or another. Everyone should have the opportunity to undergo this mind-broadening and unique live entertainment experience.
On the home front here in Miri, I have attended only a few, such as the Borneo Jazz Festival, the most atmospheric being the two-day Rocktoberfest Borneo in 2017.
Overall, there have been only a few energising and memorable concerts here.
In May this year, Coldplay, a British rock band, announced its highly anticipated concert, set to take place on November 22 in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The announcement sparked a wave of anticipation and excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness Coldplay’s captivating live performance.
However, amidst the buzz and anticipation, there were loud voices of opposition, including from Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS).
The party expressed concerns regarding alleged links with the LGBTQ community. It called for the concert’s cancellation, saying the show would promote “hedonism and deviant cultures” in the country.
In the meantime, Singapore is grabbing the headlines and reaping enormous economic benefits, not to mention being branded as a centre for entertainment by hosting six days of Coldplay concerts with all tickets sold out.
The Arts, Live Festival, and Events Association (Alife Malaysia) said that protests from political groups have left a “sour note” with artistes, organisers, and international concertgoers.
The association alleged that these protests have proven to directly impact Malaysia’s international business environment and reputation, highlighting that the six shows in Singapore could have been held in Malaysia.
After Coldplay, Singapore struck another jackpot when Taylor Swift announced a one-day performance in Singapore. The high demand for her tickets might also increase the number of her shows.
According to Can Seng Ooi, a professor in cultural and heritage tourism at the University of Tasmania, Singapore’s emergence as a favoured destination for international acts is a product of long-term efforts by the government.
Ooi, who studies Singapore’s tourism strategies, highlights the government’s proactive approach to establishing partnerships with artistes and concert organisers as a critical factor in the country’s popularity among performers.
Amidst Malaya’s ongoing diatribe and controversy, Sarawak maintains an open and welcoming stance towards hosting concerts. It is seen as conducive and favourable for organising such events.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister, has consistently voiced an open-minded and realistic approach towards hosting concerts in Sarawak.
His statements on multiple occasions over the years have reflected this perspective, emphasising the importance of adhering to regulations while maintaining an accommodating environment for international artistes and concertgoers.
He emphasised that although Sarawak may not impose strict dress codes, it is acceptable as long as individuals are not naked.
He also stated that excessive restrictions would deter artistes from choosing Malaysia as a concert destination.
At this point, I would like you to read an extract from ‘The Concerts and Live Entertainment Industry: A Significant Economic Engine’ published by Oxford Economics on the impact of concerts in the United States.
• In 2019, the industry’s total nationwide economic impact of $132.6 billion supported 913,000 total jobs with associated labour income of approximately $42.2 billion.
• The industry generated a direct impact of $55.2 billion in 2019, which included local operational spending by live events venues and off-site spending by out-of-town live event attendees.
• If an out-of-town attendee were to spend $100.00 on a concert ticket, the local economy would benefit from an additional $334.92 in spending, resulting in a total spending impact of $434.92.
• Overall, the live events industry generated a total fiscal impact of $17.5 billion in 2019, including nearly $9.3 billion in federal tax revenues and $8.3 billion in state and local tax revenues.
Well, just imagine the benefits Sarawak could reap due to the closed-mindedness of Malaya and also by ensuring it can support such an industry with suitable facilities.
Concerts can bring in millions to Sarawak in tourist income and benefit industries ranging from hotels, transportation, food and beverage, retail, employment and much more.
I believe it can be done, and with events such as the yearly World Rainforest Festival, Sarawak is moving in the right direction.
So, let the music play and the good times roll! Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something extraordinary. Attend a concert, feel the energy and create your own unforgettable memories.
It’s an adventure worth embracing, a journey that will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Let the magic of live music transform your world and ignite your passion for the beat of life!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
