Summer's Biggest Day Out Rolls Into Melbourne
The Age
Saturday January 25, 2003
While safety dominates the news, this year's Big Day Out line-up is being touted as the best ever, writes James Norman and Patrick Donovan.
To see video of the Living End go to www.theage.com.au
Roll up! Roll up! With what is being touted as the biggest line-up ever, the Big Day Out kicks off on Australia Day for its 11th rockin' year at the Melbourne Showgrounds, boasting the best contemporary local and international musical entertainment.
Chris Cheney from local punk/Oz rock band the Living End, who played two Big Day Out shows last week in Auckland and the Gold Coast, says Melbourne audiences can expect a ``more relaxed atmosphere" than previous Big Day Outs.
``The vibes are better this year than in recent years because there's no real angry bands on the tour - there's not a crowd full of macho-ness," he said.
Big Day Out organisers Vivian Lees and Ken West have instituted rigorous safety and crowd control plans.
Safety measures include a ``D" barricade in front of the main arena stages, creating an alcohol-free zone in which security staff will have the power to remove crowd surfers, moshers or people who are intoxicated or aggressive. The area will be cleared at 4.30pm to allow a fresh group of moshers in.
Water will be sprayed on the audience to minimise the risk of dehydration.
``People are there to see damn good music," Cheney said. ``The line-up is awesome . . . PJ Harvey, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Pacifier, Rocket Science, You Am I and Us, a great blend of Australian and international bands."
The Living End formed in 1992 in Melbourne fresh out of high school. They released their first self-titled CD in 1998 and have made a name for themselves worldwide, touring America and Europe in in 2000-01.
But success has not come without its hiccups.
``All our plans were put on hold after I had a bad car accident in September, 2001, and smashed up my leg," says vocalist Chris Cheney.
``But I think we're a better band now than we've ever been.
``We're a good little rock show. We go out there and give it our all - it feels really positive for us. People know us; we just have to do our stuff."
Big Day Out organisers have also reminded people to wear sunscreen and a hat and to keep up their consumption of food and water throughout the day.
The first two shows of the 2003 Big Day Out tour, which took place in Auckland and the Gold Coast last week, were incident-free.
``There's no room for macho guys with tops off muscling in on other people's space," said Living End drummer Andy Strachen.
``At the Gold Coast and Auckland shows people were really looking after each other . . . everyone is there to enjoy the music.
``It's just a matter of being aware of whose around you and making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it as much as you," he said.
Mr Lees said the hardest part about the Big Day Out was squeezing so many good acts into the bill.
``We have a lot of bands who want to come to Australia in the summer, and we often find ourselves with too many bands," he said.
For the bands, it's the No. 1 gig on the festival circuit.
Dave Grohl, singer with the Foo Fighters, said: ``We play the Big Day Out because it's the best tour in the world. You ask any band in the world - they all want to play the Big Day Out, every single one of them."
The Big Day Out will also see the return of Perry Farrell, whose band Jane's Addiction has recently re-formed.
Farrell is credited with conceiving the first modern day alternative rock festival, Lollapalooza, in the US in the early 1990s.
Mr Lees said: ``I'm pleased to have Perry back. He's one of the great characters of rock. Some of the stories that came out of last time he was here, I can't even speak about them.
``Perry is the creative spirit behind Lollapolooza, so he really knows what it takes to produce a festival and to actually be the inspiration behind a festival and I felt that when he came out with his band Porno for Pyros in 1996."
Top five acts to catch
The Music 2pm JJJ Essential Stage
Queens of the Stone Age 5.45pm Orange Stage
Jane's Addiction 7.45pm Oranage Stage
Kraftwerk 7.45 Boiler room
Underworld
9.30pm Boiler Room
Preview
What: The Big Day Out
Where: The Showgrounds
.When: Monday, 27 January
Ticket: Through Ticketmaster7 outlets/Phonecharge, 136 100, and record stores
Ah the Big Day Out, so many choices, so many decisions. First, ensure you have a ticket and are prepared for the weather (the forecast is for 22 degrees and mainly fine). Next, download the schedule from the website (bigdayout.com) and highlight your must-see gigs, leaving plenty of time to walk from stage to stage.
Fortunately there aren't many obvious clashes this year, with the exception of explosive late '80s- early '90s rock band Jane's Addiction and electro pioneers Kraftwerk. Both perform at 7.30pm.
They are poles apart (Jane's are the ultimate rock stars, covered in tattoos, while Kraftwerk, which is credited with inventing techno and hip hop, comprises four middle-aged German men performing on laptop computers), but with both making comebacks, they could be the highlights.
But there are plenty of others, such as pop-alt country act Wilco, which is finally making the trip after two cancellations. And Queens of the Stone Age, which made an album as powerful as it is melodic. And boiler-room favourite Underworld, which applies poetry to beats, and Dry and Heavy, the Japanese dub reggae outfit.
And make sure you get there early for the Australian acts, including the Living End, which will be playing for the first time in ages after singer Chris Cheney was hurt in a car accident. Rocket Science, the Sailors, Augie March, 28 Days and Pacifier will also play. Although you've seen them before, it's a different experience at the magical rollercoaster ride they call the Big Day Out. -- Patrick Donovan
© 2003 The Age
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