While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways, some of the hardest hit sectors in Sydney include bars, live music, and tattoos.
A brand that saw the hardship of these industries through its connection to all three is Sailor Jerry. The rum producer brought together and celebrated these sectors pre-pandemic, so when it came to finding ways to support the city now, it made sense to bring them together again.
Over the next month, Sailor Jerry will be bringing live music back to Sydney, with a series of free, intimate and COVIDSafe gigs, through partnerships with local bands, bars and tattoo artists.
‘Sailor Jerry Sessions’ kicks off August 12, with a one-of-a-kind Australia-first event. Local punk band The Dead Love will perform live in The Tattoo Movement tattoo parlour, while simultaneously being tattooed with Sailor Jerry flash art.
COVID-19 restrictions will be strictly upheld in all events, with limited guests who will remain seated for the performance. The lucky attendees will also have the opportunity to be inked themselves while they watch and sip on Sailor Jerry premixes.
Because in these uniquely trying times when you’re not allowed to get up and dance, what better way to replace a moshpit than with a tattoo bed?
The Dead Love described their involvement, and said: “The last couple of months in lockdown have been tough, not just for bands, but for the entire industry. It sucks we can’t play and hit up live shows in our local venues.
“When Sailor Jerry gave us the call and told us they wanted to support the industry, we were super keen to get involved! Then when they asked us if we’d be up for the challenge of getting tattooed while we perform, we thought ‘why the hell not?!’ We appreciate all the support and can’t wait to have a banger night with crew that are into our music.”
The Tattoo Movement’s Deepak Munsami added: “After being gone for so long, we can’t wait to partner and embrace Sailor Jerry’s ‘All-In’ spirit with an amazing live gig in the studio.”
The series continued on August 19, with The Polish Club (pictured in header) taking the stage at Newtown cocktail bar, Earl’s Juke Joint. The bar’s owner Pasan Wijesena said they were keen to get involved with something that would support a range of struggling sectors.
“The hospitality industry has undoubtedly been hit hard in the last couple of months. When Sailor Jerry approached us with their #supportyourlocalartist live gig series, we were thrilled to get onboard and collaborate to support not only our industry, but the music industry too,” Wijesena said.
“We’re all stronger together in this situation and it’s brilliant to see the big brands supporting the locals.”
Novak from the Polish Club added: “It’s been too long in between drinks and even longer between live sets. So what a lovely treat to have both with Sailor Jerry. Let us all set sail through a sea of booze and sweat.”
The last event of the series is set for August 27, and will see Newcastle pop punk band Eat Your Heart Out perform at CBD bar Since I Left You.
Sailor Jerry Brand Ambassador, Lucille Rose, described how the series aligns with the brand’s ethos to stand strong together through hard times.
“We may all be separated physically at the moment but if we Stand Fast together, we will come out the other end. Our new music series is our commitment to standing fast and we’re looking forward to our fans joining us in getting behind the music industry and raising a glass to the legends that make it tick,” Rose said.
To apply for a spot in the limited shows or watch the live performances, head to the Sailor Jerry Instagram here.
