Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Big Friday Music: Counting Down at the Springs

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  • llew40,

    Issues with queueing have been well covered here by others (and the slightly confusing inability on the part of organisers to easily part me from my cash), but I do want to put in a bouquet for the Chowtown concept - best food I've ever eaten at a festival. the Salmon Tatahi from Masu, hmmm mmm.

    And, it was a welcome novelty to be able to walk home, surprisingly sober, from a BDO. Although judging from the state of some of the vomiting punters near the stage during Snoop, not everyone had so many problems accessing alcohol.

    The Western Springs site - teething problems aside - will hopefully become a regular feature, lots of space, easy to get around, and easy to get to and from.

    Most importantly, some great music, Tame Impala, Portugal the Man, Toro Y Moi, and (most unexpectedly to me) Snoop, all did it for me.

    Arcade Fire are a great band, and I love the Reflector album, but their set seemed the most impacted by the wind, and while I enjoyed Liam Gallaghers take on Gimmer Shelter, it mainly felt a bit pub band to me. Also enjoyed some SJD at the Lakeside before the access got a bit chocka.

    Sorry Russell, didnt get into the Metro Cube at all (poked my head in once and it was standing room only), other than to briefly chat to the charming Mr Grieve outside. Hope the concept worked.

    I did miss the Lilypad area (somewhere nice to relax and have a drink and listen to music), and also missed the Boiler Room for the indoor dance vibe.

    Since Nov 2012 • 140 posts Report Reply

  • Matthew Littlewood,

    Sadly, I didn't get to this year's BDO (I attended BDOs 2003-'11), but will definitely do so next year. Western Springs sounds like a great venue, even allowing for the obvious logistical problems. Hopefully they will be sorted. I will be up for Laneway next week tho!

    Anyway, my friend and Timaru Herald colleague Al Williams was there, and his review of the day is pretty comprehensive and amusing.

    "It was 20 years ago today" - an opening lyric from The Beatles' seminal Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

    The announcement of a new direction in popular music. A milestone. That was 1967.

    And so it was in 1994 when the Big Day Out reached the shores of New Zealand. A tide of indie rock inspired by the explosion of grunge. I was 21.

    Fast forward to 2014 and a coming of age.

    A change of venue and clashing timetable. I wasn't sure. Perhaps my expectations were high. It was drizzling on Friday morning and at 42, I was contemplating a mac and pair of gumboots. In 1995 when Nick Cave took the stage it was bucketing down and I didn't give the mud and rain a second thought.

    I wasn't at the Springs when Bob Marley took the stage in 1980, or when Bowie broke attendance records in 83, but I did anticipate Gen X propping up the festival as punters gathered for Pearl Jam's two-hour set. Marketing genius? I was willing to wager a bet that one of the Finn boys would make an appearance with Eddie Vedder.

    The wind and rain subsided, and it turned out a beautiful day. Some of us were better prepared than others, with plenty of sunscreen and water.

    Public transport was free for festival goers and dozens of buses lined up outside the venue.

    I made it through the gate with no hassles, my backpack not even searched.

    Western Springs offered a lot more green space than Mt Smart. Plenty of rolling banks and trees.

    With a map in hand, I made my way around the site. Six stages, Kowhai, Tui, Aroha, Tamaki, Lakeside and the Cube.

    The 1975 were mid set on Aroha with their blend of indie rock. Tame Impala were blasting through a set on Kowhai sharing "a steady flowing psychedelic groove that emphasizes dream-like melody".

    I made my way up the grassy banks of the main stadium to a perch where I could observe the four main stages. The sound was conflicting at times but fine for those daring to enter the pit.

    The Naked and Famous got things warmed up with a mish-mash of arena bombast.

    The lines were getting longer for the toilets and the drinks. One hour long. A word to organisers perhaps?

    Old favourites Primus were fantastic. Even for entertainment value.

    Bassist/vocalist Les Claypool is an enigmatic figure on stage. Their style is difficult to define and a sense of humour is always present.

    The Hives then offered a manic dose of indie rock, but the banter between songs was too much.

    I wandered off and walked past two security guards to find myself backstage with Beady Eye. But no sign of the infamous Liam Gallagher. It was about 15 minutes before someone asked what I was doing backstage and I was asked to move on - easier to get backstage than to get a beer - a word to organisers perhaps?

    I didn't know I was backstage with Beady Eye members until they took to the stage, Mr Gallagher offering his usual disdain and muttering, "This next song is for the Oasis fans." I didn't think there were any Beady Eye fans there and had already missed my opportunity to tell him what a great songwriter his brother Noel is.

    Arcade Fire. Magic. A huge band in terms of membership and loads of fun in the arena. They were great, I thought.

    Then the headlining acts, Pearl Jam and Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion.

    Snoop Lion stole the day with his infectious humour. Just so funny and so groovy.

    Pearl Jam were taking the whole thing seriously but not to take away anything from a tight and polished two-hour set. Liam Finn joined them on stage for a song.

    I was knackered as it neared the end and jumped a bus before the crowds started to swell.

    Cheers for 20 years, Big Day Out.

    Apologies for posting it in full, I just thought posters might enjoy it!

    Today, Tomorrow, Timaru • Since Jan 2007 • 449 posts Report Reply

  • Tom Semmens,

    It was about 15 minutes before someone asked what I was doing backstage and I was asked to move on

    Saw this happen to someone at a big US festival, only he wasn’t asked politely to leave. From the reaction, I’m guessing his parents only found out what happened to him from Edward Snowden. NZer’s are so laid back. My South American friends all took pictures of the big signs that said “keep left” as well, they that was really funny.

    Sevilla, Espana • Since Nov 2006 • 2217 posts Report Reply

  • Matthew Littlewood, in reply to Tom Semmens,

    Saw this happen to someone at a big US festival, only he wasn’t asked politely to leave. From the reaction, I’m guessing his parents only found out what happened to him from Edward Snowden. NZer’s are so laid back. My South American friends all took pictures of the big signs that said “keep left” as well, they that was really funny

    Yeah, even when the crowds have been about to burst at the BDO- and the year of Metallica got pretty damn close- the overall vibe has been surprisingly chilled. Many of the bands have said it's the most relaxed of all the shows on the circuit.

    In one BDO, I had a "Boiler Room only" backstage pass (through contacts), but managed to get backstage in the main event. I kept out of people's way largely, but the Donnas invited me for a drink (they were gorgeous, charming and knew their stuff), while I also noticed Mike Skinner's girlfriend brush his hair and make sure his collar was straightened in preparation for his set with the Streets. She was very fastidious. That amused me- every time he played the lairy lout in his actual set, I kept imaging his girlfriend worrying whether he would be messing up his clothes.

    Today, Tomorrow, Timaru • Since Jan 2007 • 449 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Matthew Littlewood,

    I kept imaging his girlfriend worrying whether he would be messing up his clothes.

    That's a lovely little observation.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

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