Last year it was easy to rip into what some may call Australia's "first music festival", the Big Day Out. From headlining acts pulling out weeks before scheduled concerts and stages being replaced by skate ramps, for many it appeared to be the beginning of the end of this much loved celebration of music.
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| Vampire Weekend were one of the first confirmed acts of 2013's lined up |
But prayers were answered, complaining blogs were read and Ken West, one of the key organisers of the BDO promised that in 2013 the original music festival would be back to its former glory. Early leaked line ups had social media commentators skeptical at first but it wasn't long until acts including major names The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend and The Red Hot Chili Peppers were confirmed as headliners for 2013s tour.
Whilst Sydney experience it's hottest day ever on record for the Big Day Out at a whopping 46.5 degree peak, this reviewer hit the Adelaide Show Grounds for the first time in a few years, to see if the Adelaide BDO could compare to the big guns along the east coast.
The Friday before the Australia Day long weekend certainly set the tone for the festival with festival goers either partying hard or taking the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun and some tunes. With the main stages offering well known acts throughout the day, many found a nice patch of grass early and settled in for the afternoon.
The Friday before the Australia Day long weekend certainly set the tone for the festival with festival goers either partying hard or taking the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun and some tunes. With the main stages offering well known acts throughout the day, many found a nice patch of grass early and settled in for the afternoon.
Grinspoon were one of the first acts on the orange stage and with patriotism and nostalgia in full flight, Phil and the guys had the crowds moving in no time to their rock and rolls melodies - as with many bands, showcasing some of their new work - as well as having crowds belt out the classics together, flawlessly playing "chemical heart" and "no reason" amongst many. As regulars of the Big Day Out it must be handed to Grinspoon - the energy was high and despite being one of the earlier acts in the day, this translated to the crowd. Once Grinspoon were done festival goers wanted more.
Of course, the fantastic thing about music festivals like the Big Day Out is the number of stages showcasing both local and international talents. One can simply stroll up to a stage and immediately be educated in indie rock, dubstep or dance, hip hop, reggae or blues. But whilst the genres vary, the musicianship always remain quality. Friends of the RTM Full Tote Odds featured on the Red Stage, whilst international Comedian/Up-and-coming Hip Hop act Childish Gambino took his flavour to the Converse Essential Stage, playing with a live band featuring one bad ass violinist. Not bad at all Childish, not bad at all.
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| Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs took no prisoners |
Band of Horses were the smooth cats of the day on the main stages, entertaining the substantially smaller crowd that hung around for their set. Regardless to this they were not disheartened interacting with the audience and taking the opportunity to showcase their talents across their broad range of bluesy instruments. The crowds we however present for Vampire Weekend and they certainly got the crowd moving. It seemed even those who weren't familiar with Vampire Weekend (yes - there were some who had emerged from their rocks) couldn't resist the urge to run around in circles during songs like A-Punk and their breakthrough hit Cousins.
Mainstage antics continued with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs bringing down the house - Karen O's insane voice proving that their is room or real rock chicks in this day and age. The dirty gritty deep pitch Karen creates works perfectly with the instruments in the band contributing to the overall finesse of the band. Only days after their new album cover art caused a stir online, the band showed no signs of moving backward and reminded everyone why they were headliners for the 2013 Big Day Out.
Crowds gathered together for The Killers, who were set to perform immediately before The Red Hot Chili Peppers. While the girls were swooning over Brandon Flowers and his pearly whites, The Killers showcased every song they were known for and did so effortlessly. With fireworks and confetti guns, festival performances don't get much more spectacular than this. As someone who remembers when The Killers first emerged, there was something quite satisfying about seeing them perform as band that had truly mastered their craft.
Finally, the Red Hot Chili Peppers hit the stage and if The Killers had mastered their craft, the RHCP had created a whole new level for their own. Seeing the Chili Peppers was a personal treat; Chad Smith has been an idol of mine from a very young age, which was emphasized by how old all the members of the band looked. Looks aside the RHCPs smashed our their set, with riffs, grooves and solos in between to demonstrate what years of playing music can lead, inspire and allow you to create. The sing alongs were a plenty - anyone who has heard Triple J's live recording of Under the Bridge will know that almost all Australians know (almost) all the lyrics to this and almost all other Chili Pepper songs.
The Big Day Out was exactly that, and I forgive you, event organizers for last years almost disaster. The festival seemed to have been reminded of its roots and what real musicianship and talent is. However whether this is a one off or a promise that will be maintained is only something time can tell. In the meantime we have a whole year of festivals coming our way so stay tuned for all you're festival updates right here on Ran Type Music.
