Sheppard’s ambitious Gold Coast Airport gig draws 130,000 streams

Brisbane band Sheppard’s ground-breaking gig on the tarmac of Gold Coast Airport last Friday (May 29) was a run(a)way success.

The show, for Gold Coast radio station Hot Tomato, pulled 130,000 fans on Facebook Live via the Airport and Hot Tomato social media channels.

The five-song concert, between 4.30pm and 5pm, was watched and listened to by people across Australia, New Zealand and as far as England.

During the show, singer Amy Sheppard called it a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Thank you so much to the Gold Coast for having us. It has been such a treat,” she said. “We love the Gold Coast, we love visiting, and as soon as we can we will be back for a holiday.”

The Queensland border was centre stage again today, but this time for good reason. Brisbane band, @wearesheppard performed live on the Gold Coast airport runway, shining a spotlight on the tourist city, as the border battle rages on. https://t.co/VZ3A1cpmr5 @AmandaAbate #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/Yc7pqcENUo

— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) May 29, 2020

The idea for the gig was pitched to the band during a George Sheppard interview on the local radio station’s Moyra, Mal & Baggs’ drive show on May 20.

Local businesses including Dreamweavers Production and Gold Coast Helitours were brought in, donating their services to bring the ambitious concept to life.

The concert was as much a showcase of the band as it was a marketing event about what international tourists can expect from the Gold Coast when air travel begins again.

In a behind-the-scenes video released on YouTube last week, Dreamweavers’ John Harris reveals his company contributed a 20-person crew and used eight cameras.

Hot Tomato’s Simon Baggs commended them on “an amazing job”, saying “These companies have come on board, donating their time and service to showcase our beautiful city to the world.”

Pre- COVID-19, Gold Coast Airport had 20,000 passengers a day through its terminal, its COO Marion Charlton said.

“Our passenger numbers and flights are significantly reduced right now, so it was a rare chance to allow the runway to be used for a performance like this.

“There are not many airports around the world that are located in such an incredible spot, so close to the beach and the hinterland.

“We knew the views would be fantastic and help promote the Gold Coast to visitors.”