Jimmy Barnes says NSW's controversial lockout laws are not working and has thrown his support behind a rally in Sydney featuring fellow music heavyweights Urthboy, One Day and The Jezabels' singer Hayley Mary.
"I made a career playing in live venues in Sydney. I learnt my craft playing in those venues," the Cold Chisel frontman said in a video for the Keep Sydney Open group.
He said attendance at live-music venues had dropped 40 per cent since the lockout laws were introduced.
"The lockout laws aren't working. We've got to help keep music alive and keep Sydney alive. Let's find a better way to do it," Barnes said.
Legislation requires central Sydney venues to turn people away from 1.30am, serve last drinks by 3am and ban the sale of takeaway alcohol after 10pm.
Opponents say the laws are killing off the city's nightlife, with venues being forced to close and hundreds of jobs disappearing.
An independent report, which was handed to the state government in September, recommends a two-year trial in which the 1.30am lockout and 3am last-drinks measures are relaxed for live entertainment venues.
Thousands are expected to turn up to the rally at Belmore Park in Sydney on Sunday to protest against the laws.
Sydney hip hop artist Urthboy and The Jezebels' singer Hayley Mary will speak at the event, which will also include live performances from hip hop supergroup One Day and Paul Mac with Stereogamous.
Keep Sydney Open's Tyson Koh said the group would work with the government and stakeholders to improve the living standard of all Sydneysiders.
"It has never been clearer that the lockouts are the wrong answer to the question of how to create a safe, fun and vibrant city," Koh said.
"Keep Sydney Open will march in the streets to call on the state government to let Sydney have the same, world-class late-night culture we all know this city is capable of having."
