The 2014 state election campaign can already be crowned the most rock 'n' roll election outing in Australian history – with the fate of St Kilda's Palais Theatre attracting support from no less a figure than Mick Jagger during the Rolling Stones' Rod Laver gig, with follow-up support from single-issue candidate Tex Perkins running in Albert Park. Meanwhile, the fate of the Palace Theatre in Bourke Street remains a live issue, with a protest called for Sunday in the wake of last week's invasion of jackhammers at the legendary music site, ahead of the City of Melbourne City Council considering a heritage order for the building. The Palace is earmarked to become a "boutique hotel", but muso Ezekiel Ox is having none of it, and wants concerned citizens to join him for a rally at 2pm on Sunday. "We call a peaceful, music-filled rally for live music and culture, and against corporate attacks on our sacred sights," he writes on website themusic.com.au. "We will be loud, we will be proud and we will not be intimidated by corporate thugs or their government stooges."

Bitter taste

The crowd at the Taste of Melbourne festival at Albert Park were not the type for public demonstration, but there were some cranky folk to be found after a ticketing botch-up left some foodies with stomach aches before they'd even got to last weekend's lakeside celebration of the city's best restaurants. For what was otherwise a very slick event, the pre-purchase of tickets via Ticketek left something to be desired. The standard option of printing tickets at home or having a barcode sent to your phone was unavailable. Nor could you collect your $100-plus tickets at the door. You had to collect them at one of four nominated outlets in advance – three of which were closed last Sunday, while the fourth – at Crown Casino – didn't open till until 1pm. That was an hour after the event started. Frustrating enough. But those who fronted to collect their platinum passes were thrilled to be told their tickets weren't available. Where were they? "At the venue," a stony-faced computer-jockey told guests, some of whom had travelled from country areas and missed the first 90 minutes of the event. There was no apology, no compensation. Fortunately, dazzling food eventually made up for the wasted time.

New broom

The AFL may not admit it, but after a difficult year it's clear the powers-that-be have paid attention to the little fan engine that wouldn't shut up. The AFL Fans Association spent last season giving a voice to the supporters who felt the governing body had for too long given them short shrift, whether it be on match scheduling, food prices, or the cost of tickets. New AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has been keen to wind back some of the more unpopular decisions of the Demetriou era, and next year he will have a fresh AFLFA voice in his ear. On Thursday, the association elected Gerry Eeman as president. Eeman, 39, is a lawyer (watch out, Gill) and wisely gives voice to the ambitions of a national competition – he grew up in Canberra and is a Sydney Swans member. Eeman declares himself ready to build a positive relationship with the AFL. "I'm really pleased with the new stewardship of Gill McLachlan … hopefully we can work together to bring about change to improve the match day experience and bring back disenfranchised fans."

Royal turnout

Down under we are used to the demands of accommodating a head of state who lives, shall we say, a hemisphere or so distant. But in the US, the demands of a royal visit can be mystifying. A looming visit to New York by heir William and his pregnant spouse Kate has caused some consternation, with New York magazine headlining its story: "British Royal Family Pretty Sure It Can Still Tell Americans What To Do." The issue is the dress code: "Smart attire for men includes the wearing of a jacket and tie, and for women a trouser or skirt suit. Those wearing jeans or trainers will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away. This also applies to technicians." The mag asks: "Why should the United States press corps … schlep extra pieces of clothing to work just so they can make small talk with a British air ambulance pilot-in-training and a former chain-store accessories buyer?" Good question, guys. But take it from us: just do as they say and enjoy it.