Audioculture Presents: Gareth Shute – Music and New Zealand drinking laws

For nearly 100 years, playing music in a public bar was illegal. Gareth Shute explored how this, and other laws affected the music scene in an article for the music history website www.audioculture.co.nz. In this talk, Gareth expands on his findings, illustrating how booze often slipped into music venues even when it was still illegal. Learn why so many venues in the ‘70s were in hotels and how there came to be alcohol-themed bands like Beam and Distillery. About the speaker Gareth Shute is a music historian who has authored five books, including NZ Rock and National book award winner Hip Hop Music in Aotearoa. He’s also a musician - currently with party band The Golden Geese, though he’s previously toured internationally with The Brunettes and the Ruby Suns. This talk was presented at the Central City Library on 3 May 2023. Image: John's Place, Rialto Arcade, Newmarket, 1971, Rykenberg Photography. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1269-19710522-05 Music: Surf Experiment performed by Gareth Shute . Used courtesy of the artist.