Lead image: The Enmore Theatre on a quieter night.
Hot Dub Time Machine's sold out all ages show at the Enmore Theatre was shut down by the police at around 10pm last night for "a number of adverse incidents involving juveniles and alleged licensing breaches," according to a NSW police press statement. The dance party was scheduled to end at midnight, and tickets were $52.95.
On his Facebook page DJ Tom Londres, the man behind Hot Dub Time Machine said: "Guys, I'm am so so sorry. Tonight's show was shut down by the police due to concerns for people's safety outside the venue. I am shattered. I started Hot Dub to create a party about love for music and positivity, to have this happen is heart breaking. There is no after party, but we will work with everyone concerned to make sure this never happens again. Love, Tom."
The police statement continues: "Officers served the closure notice on the licensee and manager to explain the order and the serious consequences for any breach. All patrons were ordered from the venue and complied without further incident."
Hot Dub Time Machine's act involves a chronological musical tour through 20th and 21st century pop music. Mel, 26, who was inside the Enmore theatre as the show was shuttered, tells Time Out: "It was mid-90s decade when he got told he could have one last song, and they didn't even give him that – they put all the lights on while the song played and then turned the volume down to basically nothing... We heard from the performer, who had it relayed to him from security, that there was 'assault dangers' outside and inside the premises from punters."
As they left the venue, which holds 1600 people, police lined the road outside. "My friend asked one of the police what happened and they said the assaults were outside the premises."
Michael, who was also in attendance, tells Time Out: "I've been to maybe 8 of these gigs since Tom started. And they are the nicest, most pleasant, fun, positive gigs. Tom's dancing around like a loveable dickhead with his big smile and everyone is just vibing. From where I was standing inside the venue last night seems no different. Everyone was having a great time, but then the cops shut it down at 10pm. We were only at 1999. We hadn't even got to Beyoncé yet."
Pat Stevenson, a photographer who also attended the show said in a public post on Facebook: "Rampaging teens who got ejected were smashing windows and being little fucks around the neighbourhood, such a shame, it was wild!"
Hot Dub Time Machine has another all ages show at the Enmore Theatre next Saturday night. The Enmore Theatre has been contacted for comment.
This piece was updated at 9.50am with further quotes.