Australia’s longest-running band are being forced to split, after 122 years of musical service, by their very own lineup – the Victoria Police.
Code One is a pop/rock Police band, and no, they’re not a tribute act to Sting and co. – though we’re sure they’ve played a few of the band’s hits in their time.
The group has been running, in some form or other, since 1891, with the Code One lineup being made exclusively of police officers, but cost-cutting by the Victoria Police is forcing the group to go into (not so) early retirement, as The Music Network reports.
Victoria Police confirmed Code One’s breakup due to cost-cutting measures after a caller to 3AW’s breakfast program posited the rumour that the long-serving outfit would be disbanded, as Yahoo 7 News details, with Victoria Police officials claiming that the funds used to promote Code One are instead being used to finance an additional 45 officers on the frontline. (That must be an expansive tour rider!)
“The Chief Commissioner has made it clear that all Victoria Police resources must be focused on support to front line services,” read a statement from Victoria Police.
According to the official band profile on the Victoria Police website, the group continues the tenants of their forebears more than a century ago; namely, “the quest to maintain public confidence and perception, Code One conveys positive organisational messages targeting the Victorian community, specifically youth, through the universal language of music.”
Even more specifically through set lists dotted with “pop music from early ’50s through to the latest ‘Top 40’. Everything from Santana to Farnham, ABBA to Simple Plan, Kylie to Madonna.” Described as a “crowd drawer,” Code One were last ‘on patrol’ at a public performance at the Echuca Blue Ribbon Foundation Ball on 31st August, but it could turn out it was the last set from the band in the blue.
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The current day lineup of Code One features Leading Senior Constable Brian Carbery and Lorena Novoa on vocals, accompanied by Rick Varlet on guitars, Simon Deppeler on the bass and Richard Bennett on drums.
Writing to their fans on their Facebook page, Code One confirmed “with much sadness” that they would “not be around after December this year… we would like to thank you all for your support over the years.”
Supporters of the Police band have also taken to the Facebook page with their views of the split. “There is a reason to keep them. Positive interaction with the youth of today. Wake up Ken Lay, Denis Napthine and all your bean counters!” criticised one commenter. While another added: “It’s okay to spend money on those horrible dark uniforms, but not good enough to spend money to keep the bands & foster good relations between citizens & police. Dumb move!”
An online petition addressed to the Premier and the State Government of Victoria urging to save Code One from being disbanded has gained over 2,200 signatures since its foundation late last week.
