Sunscreen? Check. Set times? Check. Drink? Check. Live music? Check. Puppy dogs that love to say hello at the entrance? Check! Ah, it must be time for the Big Day Out!
With so many great acts on the line-up in 2010 how do we fit all of our favourite bands in & what happens, at the end of the day, when we regret the band or act we missed?
As a regular festival goer I have previously stayed away from the Big day Out as, when I had attended, I felt like a cow in amongst a herd of cattle, herded into the next holding pen for a live act. Dismal sound in the main stadium, overcrowding in the than tiny Boiler Room & poor organisation of amenities, it felt like a festival run for money not for the love of music. While I was slightly well done from cooking in the blistering heat I have to say the standards of Australia’s longest run & most popular festival were high & the vibe was friendly.
The day kicked off with local up & coming act Miami Horror. Always great when the crowd sings along to the track as they did to “Sometimes”. Such a great summer track!
Karnivool let loose some of their famed prog rock with the first moving of the head to the music for the day as the body doesn’t really know what to do.
It was now that the tough choices started for me ~ Kasabian or Temper Trap? One of my favourite rock albums of the year West Ryder Pauper Lunatic or the floaty feel of the locals, Temper Trap. The latter won but we struggled with the intense heat in a crowd of people. They pleased with their smooth tunes & I’m sure from this performance, this is only the start for the Temper Trap. After ‘Sweet Disposition’ we made our way over to the main stage for the end of Kasabian. It was clear that Tom, the lead singer, was a little drained form the heat but the crowd were still loving it.
Wishing that I did now after so many great reviews, but did not get to see Passion Pit. Instead chilled out to the Aussie acts of Eskimo Joe & Hilltop on the main stage. It was more like reserving my energy for Dizzee Rascall but don’t tell anyone.
He did not disappoint with much of the 55,000 turning up to experience the distinct Dizzee style topped off with ‘Bonkers’. The crowd were pumping, jumping & moving. All in a day’s business for Dizzee and, as subsequent articles & interviews have proven he is a feisty fella. Not sure he gets our Australia humour, but we love him, loved having a hip-hop act so late in the day on the main stage.
Lily was next & she dropped in ‘everyone’s at it’. Always loved Lily, her upfront honesty & her English attitude. She says she is giving music up, but I have a felling she is simply experiencing growing pains, she will be back. Besides, the music industry wouldn’t be the same without her!
Alas, could not stay for her whole set & was instead spending my time meeting up with people. As Rage Against played in the background it was time for frozen cocktails ~ with actual alcohol in it! la de da!
Now, try convince 7 guys, who love their rock, to head to Calvin Harris to have a boogie ~ it’s not going to happen! Experienced the Mars Volta instead playing with the heavy stuff on the main stage.
The lead up to Muse was long but the familiar radio tunes of Powderfinger filled the void. They are Australia’s band having grown up with them. Their first BDO was in 1994. Seen them so many times but it’s always great to hear them again & sing along with the crowd with such well known tunes.
Since experiencing Muse in 2007 they have been my all time favourite Live act. With their absorbing visual displays, their mixture of progressive rock & classical music, singing along to their lyrics calling for an uprising and their interaction with the crowd this band gave its audience what they craved. A spectacle, a connection, and live music that resonates. There is a reason why this band has won so many awards for its live performances!
Groove Armada were a perfect way to finish up the day in the massive hall that is now the boiler room. A nice new sound was mixed with catchy tunes that are a must in any iTunes collection.
So, as the crowds departed on the 99th Big Day Out the people, although seemingly frazzled from extreme temperatures, from dancing & enjoying the odd beverage they all had smiles on their faces, helped out their new found festival buddies & waved to the police who made sure they were on their way safely. This Big Day Out was a great day out!
Now comes the struggle. With Passion Pit played on the Hottest 100 or when Calvin Harris’ ‘I’m Not Alone’ plays on my iPhone I cringe, imagining what could have been, the dancing I could have done, the crowd feeding of the act, the energy I could have felt. I tell myself “next year, they’ll be back. I’ll see them one day”. I look forward to that day, to my next music festival!
Michelle runs FulfilThis.com, a marketing strategy company letting the world know about Social Innovation. Occasional writer for Live2U Oh, & she loves music festivals.
