Aussie rocker Dave Gleeson calls for NRL entertainment overhaul, less than 48 hours after performing
Less than two days after performing at the NRL grand final, Screaming Jets frontman Dave Gleeson has called for a major revamp of how the NRL books its entertainment.
Gleeson, 58, who joined Sunday night’s NRL grand final pre-game entertainment as part of the Jai Arrow tribute, suggested artists forgo lucrative performance fees and instead donate their talent fee.
A mere two days after performing at the NRL grand final, Dave Gleeson says the footy’s pre-game entertainment needs an overhaul. Today
Speaking on Triple M Breakfast with Beau Ryan, Cat & Woodsy on Tuesday morning, the lead singer said that acts shouldn’t pocket what could be thousands or millions of dollars for a short grand final performance.
Instead, Gleeson said the NRL could cover performers’ basic costs before directing the money towards charity or grassroots causes each year.
“You know what I thought? Instead of these artists, whether they be local or international artists, coming and ripping a bunch of money out of the NRL – half a million [dollars] or whatever – what if they just get paid the accommodation, airfares, on-ground costs and stuff?” he said.
“And each year, they raise up [money for] a charity or a worthy cause, whether it be junior rugby league, whatever it may be, instead of just ripping money out for 15 minutes.”
It’s reported that Gleeson donated his performance fee to Motor Neurone Disease causes, as a show of support to Jai Arrow.
Gleeson’s comments come after plenty of conversation surrounding this year’s performance and the NRL’s unsuccessful attempt to secure Tones and I for the event.
The Aussie singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, pulled out as the headline act for the pre-match entertainment just days before the grand final.
The Aussie singer clarified that “prior commitments” meant she could not agree to the league’s offer, after initial reports claimed the singer’s refusal to perform her biggest hit Dance Monkey led to the NRL scrapping her appearance.
After talks between Tones and I and the NRL broke down, V’landys said the $1 million entertainment budget would instead go towards junior football programs.
V’landys clarified that the NRL would still make that contribution, but a smaller amount would go to the entertainment, which was finally confirmed at the 11th-hour.
In the end it was an emotional tribute for Jai Arrow, with Amy Shark, Dave Gleeson and Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson all taking to the field. Getty Images
After it seemed like there was going to be nothing at all, the NRL pulled out a moving performance for Rabbitohs player Arrow, after his medical retirement due to a motor neurone disease diagnosis.
It kicked off with Australian singer Amy Shark belting out the opening lines of You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers a cappella.
As the victory lap continued, Billings joined Dave Gleeson, lead singer of legendary Newcastle rockers The Screaming Jets, for a stirring rendition of What’s Up by Four Non Blondes.
Members of Grinspoon and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers also performed, along with Reuben Styles from Peking Duk.
Aussie singer Phil Jamieson, from Grinspoon, then hit the field to kick off a cover of Simply The Best by Tina Turner, joining Shark and the Screaming Jets on the main stage.
