I probably approach Big Day Out a little different to most people. Firstly, I try to see as many of the international acts that I want to see, and then I fill in the gaps with acts that I wouldn’t normally go to see. Obviously scheduling comes into it, and I may have to struggle through a set in order to find a good vantage point (e.g. Jet). This year all the bands that I saw I had never seen before live.
Operator Please (Green Stage) where a good way to kick off the Big Day Out, the reason the technical is low is due to some feedback issues and they were really loud even for a festival.
Performance 7
Technical 6
Macromantics (Hot House) carry a lot of energy and even though rap isn’t particularly a genre I enjoy, I could appreciate what they were doing.
Performance 7
Technical 7.5
That 1 Guy (Hot House), well to quote the words from the Big Day Out website, “a one-man band straight outta your imagination who plays a home made, seven foot tall, metallic Magic Pipe”. That is exactly what you get. I don’t think I would fully appreciate a recorded version of That 1 Guy’s music, however very entertaining to see live.
Performance 8.5
Technical 8
DJ Aniki (Boiler Room) whom I have always a soft spot for, presented a very professional set, slowly building the energy, getting everyone primed for Lily Allen.
Performance 7
Technical 8
Lily Allen (Boiler Room) one of the biggest highlights and she is far too popular to be contained by the Boiler Room. The marquee was packed and people standing everywhere outside and around anywhere. This was a full class act by Lily Allen, supported by a full band including a three piece brass section.
Performance 10
Technical 9.5
The Sleepy Jackson (Green Stage) is hard for me to rate their performance as I was sitting back just chilling for a bit, but what I heard and did actually see (their last song) was good.
Performance 7.5
Technical 8.5
Kasabian (Green Stage) provided some good straight up British rock. I didn’t really know what to expect from these guys. All I can say is that these guys have definitely won a new fan. I look forward to when they return to Australia for a headlining tour.
Performance 9.5
Technical 9.5
The Killers (Orange Stage) produced a great sound, but where a little bit boring with their on stage performance. I think The Killers would be more spectacular in a large indoor venue (e.g. Brisbane Entertainment Centre). Somewhat disappointing, but enjoyable.
Performance 7.5
Technical 10
Jet (Blue Stage). Let me say straight off the bat, I don’t think I have ever become so bored during a live rock set. Jet were trying really hard to keep the crowd going during their set. I think that the majority of the people in the D were there to see Muse and Tool, with little or no interest in seeing Jet.
Performance 6.5
Technical 8.5
Muse (Orange Stage) MUSE! Now this is who I really came to see and “oh my god”. As one of my friends simply put it “Best live band. Ever!” These guys put on a class act and even provided me with entertainment before they were on stage. During the aforementioned Jet and became bored my eyes wandered over to the Orange Stage and I was already in awe. Some of the equipment on the stage, was but not limited to, two massive screens, these strange but very cool looking plastic tube things with lights, and from another review I read, apparently a plethora of foot pedals/switches connected to there guitars.
I think the set list was as follows:
Knights of Cydonia
Starlight
New Born
Supermassive Black Hole
Hysteria
Map of the Problematique
Invincible
Time Is Running Out
Plug in Baby
Stockholm Syndrome
Take a Bow
Just outstanding if my scale went to 11 Muse would definitely get it. I have my fingers crossed and hope that Muse will be returning for a headlining tour of Australia again soon. I have achieved a new benchmark, from which all other live performances will now forever be judged by.
Performance 10
Technical 10
Tool (Blue Stage) did what Tool are known for, and provided us with the heaviest modern metal experience ever.
The set list went something like this:
Stinkfist (extended)
The Pot
Forty-Six & 2
Jambi
Schism (extended)
Opiate
Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Ænima
And all that lasted 90 minutes. The stage had three (maybe four) screens across the back. The best thing about seeing Tool live is the drummer, Danny Carey, two kick drums, countless other drums and symbols, and to top it all off a gong positioned behind him. According to other Tool fans it was a real surprise and a treat to get Opiate live. The most exciting thing about Tool’s set was when they announced that they would be back in November/December this year. Just outstanding!
Performance 10
Technical 10
All in all the technical was of a high standard through out the day and various stages. The highlights from Big Day Out 2007 with no surprises were Muse, Tool, Lily Allen, and Kasabian, with the most interesting going to That 1 Guy. I don’t know if I will do a festival again ... but if the headlining acts are of the same quality again I might just put up with the aching legs.
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