Alternative Media Group

Birthday festival a tradition

Author:

Deborah Erwin

Posted:

Friday, 27 January 2012

For some, Australia Day has become synonymous with the musical blitz that hits Homebush every year. This year proved no exception for the Big Day Out’s throngs of youth who were not dampened by the gloomy skies, soaking up more decibels than consumable in one sitting.

Surry Hills resident, Dionne Kelly said a few days before the event that she planned to attend. “I’m definitely going because I like all the bands that are playing and it’s a fun day.” She has attended about seven previous BDO festivals and was looking forward to watching Soundgarden, Battles, Kanye West, Mariachi El Bronx and Noel Gallagher. Her only criticism of the event was its mid-strength alcoholic beverages.

The line-up is always a bone of contention with festival-goers who compare the roster with other heavy hitters like Soundwave, Splendour in the Grass and Coachella in the US. Last year, the BDO had a contingent of aged veterans. Think Rammstein, Tool, Deftones and of course, Iggy Pop. But the show still went on at full speed. Rammstein went on stage literally blazing – as dictated by tradition – and dominated the stage with pent-up ire and muscle.

“Compared to last year, the lineup this year is not as good,” Ms Kelly said. This year’s included Kasabian, Kimbra, The Jezabels, Foster the People, Art vs. Science, Boy & Bear, among others.

When asked a few days before, Marrickville resident, Amy Gibbons, 30, said she was hesitant about attending.  “I would love to see Kasabian, Soundgarden and Kanye but I do think this year’s lineup is a little weak,” she said.  Even though Ms Gibbons had attended numerous BDOs including her first at the age of 14, she said the venue was not ideal.

“I think it would be better if it was in the city but it’s grown a fair bit so I understand there’s more tickets and more people,” she said. “It’s generally not a nice venue, there’s not a lot of shade and it’s always hot and it’s a bit of a hassle getting in and out of Homebush.”

Mel Avanzado from Forest Lodge said he missed the last few BDOs but remembered when the Foo Fighters and Nirvana were on stage.  “I think it’s fantastic … the music, atmosphere, the camaraderie, the free smell of marijuana when you walk in… that was earlier, not sure about now,” he said. “Because Olympic park is so big there’s an eclectic mix of music [and] you can choose what you want to see depending on what you like.” He said the price discouraged him from attending this year and he chose instead to watch the Apia International, earlier this month.

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