A Very Big Day Out 2010

Band: The BIG Day Out
Venue: Flemington
Date: Aussie Day
Reviewed By: Espylyn


Australia Day at the Big Day Out is an institution. A day full of rambunctious Aussies and plenty of visitors pour into Flemington to see or perhaps only hear bands perform live from around the world.

As I arrived to the venue I was greeted with a ridiculously busy queue that barely dispersed but once through it was great to hear the end of Bluejuice as they powered it out in yellow tracksuits. Once into the front mosh of the major stages, Karnivool unleashed their beast and didn’t let old or new fans down. They played old songs including Themata and new songs including the haunting Simple Boy. Once the Vool had finished we all shifted out attention right to the American thunder dogs Mastodon. Close up their sound didn’t do their songs justice but they hit the mark right off with the first song off their latest album Oblivion and the crowd pumped their way through the set and when I was a little further back the sound hit the spot but it was time to check out Calling All Cars which have been receiving great reviews and they are supporting AC/DC in February.
Next it was the dash to see The Temper Trap but thousands had beat me to it, an hysterically packed lawn littered the front of the Green stage (defiantly needed to be on the main stage) and the boys didn’t let us down, the crowd moved and grooved to every song and once Sweet Disposition had finished it was like an evacuation, hundreds started pouring out (well about a quarter left) which had me wondering what I was missing out on elsewhere. The answer though was nothing, I continued to watch the set and then grooved on to checking out some markets and time for food. I missed the Eskimo Joe show; well I did manage to hear Black Fingernails, Red Wine which was pumping the main stage, so back to catch a glimpse of The Decemberists (folk, rock US band) and I found them to be rather pleasing and it was great to be able to sit down and kick back listening to their groovy tunes. A fifteen minute glimpse at Midnight Juggernauts – going off in the Boiler Room with lights and glitter aplenty as then it was time to fill up the water bottles and head back to the main stage. Alas I had to queue for about half hour which was rather scary at times due to people at the back pushing and shoving and people all around me so pressed up against me I knew I wasn’t going to fall over as I was held up by everyone . Small girls around me yelling to be let out and at one point all the security actually walked away and left us all wondering what on earth we’d gotten into! Lily Allen took stage and finally two songs in and we were running like sheep into the main ground, hands shaking from the ordeal and in amazement we all got through it. Lily Allen proved she has got what it takes to engage the audience with her fantastic crisp live vocals, Aussie flag outfit and flashing a plentiful boob! She sung all her hits plus more and I can say she was a surprising highlight for me. After her set we were given the boys from Mars Volta who provided an amazing set of colourful music and haunting vocals. Powderfinger got the Aussie’s pumped and it was clear these boys are a main attraction with the crowd singing word for word and a light show with zest. Final show of the main stage were those UK boys we know and love- Muse, and their set was powered with lights, extra screens and fuelled with rock and keyboards. Muse did not disappoint the crowd and the majority of us could not stand still. Nic Cester from Jet came out (Muse’s favourite singer) to sing Back In Black (by Muses favourite band, AC/DC) and this was fantastic, I was very surprised at how much this song rocked.

Leaving the showgrounds was an utter wipeout, ridiculous queues to the train so it was a long walk back to the car. This issue really needs to be looked at and fixed as it can bring a great day out to a disappointing end and more shade areas needs to be erected around the grounds.

On a brighter note, other special considerations to be seen are the photo exhibition called Documents of Rhythm by Simon Terrill (Australian) and sculptural amazement called The Uncanny by Clint Hurrell (Australian) which reflects a giant pelvis with two spines.

Well we came, we queued, we finally got out. Thanks Big Day Out for your 101th show!