Aussie rock legends Grinspoon brought their performance to an unexpected halt at Launceston’s Festivale on Friday night after frontman Phil Jamieson intervened to defend a fan who was being confronted by security.
The extraordinary moment occurred during the band’s hit “Lost Control” when Jamieson spotted a security guard attempting to remove a female attendee from the front of the crowd.
“You can’t kick her out. You can’t kick her out. She’s just dancing, mate. She’s only dancing,” Jamieson called out, stopping the performance mid-song.
“We’re here to have fun,” the vocalist added, as the band paused their set while the situation was resolved.
Festivale is one of Tasmania’s premier cultural events, with around 30,000 people flocking to Launceston’s City Park for the sold-out three-day celebration of food, wine and entertainment.
Tourism Minister Jane Howlett said 40% of ticket sales went to interstate visitors this year.
“Events like this bring so much to regional areas,” she said.
“What it will do to the Launceston economy will be phenomenal.”
Grinspoon headlined on Friday night, with Jessica Mauboy and Boy and Bear among the other drawcards across the weekend.
