So I waited for all the Big Day Outs to be done with before I wrote, there’s much to tell!!

Gold Coast, I love you. Such a great venue, such great people, such a great BDO!

I started the day hanging out on the main stage, just talking with people on the tour, as it’s like the first day of school, and everyone’s getting it together. I stood with Magic Dirt watching Airborne.

Ok, so Airborne speak the language of Australian Rock n Roll. They’re as obvious as a knock knock joke, yet you love them anyway. They’re like the puzzle on the plane that you have to make so many words out of only so many letters. They’re like watching you’re favourite James Bond film for the 200th time, and yet you still love it. You still know all the lines, you know all the moves, yet you still love to watch it. They have great song intros like “here’s a song about Hot Girls. It’s called, Hot Girls!”. Right on. It’s tops. And the guitar player wails, too.

Magic Dirt are positively fabulous. Their latest album is some of their best work, and by golly if they don’t rule on stage. Adalita, my petal, you are a goddess of guitar. Raul and Dean, you pull shapes that are textbook in their form, but expert in delivery. Robbo. You’re a machine. Songs are great as well.

Wolfmother are the cream of the crop, there is none higher, sucker MC’s should call them sire..(thanks Ad Rock). The best thing about the big day out is not seeing the sheer volume of bands, but catching at just that perfect moment, the band that is full of that rising energy, the band that is at the peak of their powers, the band that is within the zenith of their ability. Think of years past! Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden Bjork, At the Drive In, Ministry, The Flaming Lips, Queens of the Stone Age, Scribe, the list goes on. Wolfmother are at that point, and are fabulous. It’s properly done Rock ‘n Roll. It’s got all the right bits and pieces and it’s about warlocks. Superb.

Iggy Pop was un-fuckin-believeble. I think a few people stood there waiting for the song from Trainspotting to come on and then kind of wandered off. He is the Lord of All Rock ‘n Roll. He’s just brilliant. 59 years old. Mike Watt on Bass. The man is Flea in a 50 year old body. Flea is word for word, note for note Mike Watt. They even move the same. Crazy. Flea was even backstage at the Sydney BDO to hang out. Iggy Pop, thank you, you were amazing.

The Gold Coast is such a great Big Day Out, great weather, hot people, fun vibes, beautiful girls, great laughs, kooky Byron people etc. I love it, love it, love it.

I just figured that if I write about every band, I’ll be here all day, so I’ll skip forward to the after party.
Firstly, allow me to publicly recognise the astonishing efforts of Mel [v] who through tireless lobbying and befriending, managed to always get us after party tickets. No matter what city we were in, there was Mel with the goods. Your amazing efforts securing us entry to these affairs was astonishing!! Thanks Mel, I friggin love you. For many other things other than after party tickets. I think you’re ace because you taught me that blonde Asians have more fun.

I’m a firm believer that if you have a party, unless everyone has known each other since high school, the standard “DJ+Alcohol=FUN” formula doesn’t work. The party was at the GCI in Surfers’ and it was downstairs in this ballroom, which opened out on to a tennis court. A tennis court with terraced seating. There were super famous rock stars all eyeing the court, some even had a lame little hit, however it was a bit hopscotch.

If you’d got someone like James (”The Sandstorm” Mathison) to get into his tennis gear, (oh yes, it’s short shorts and headbands all the way with him) and had them walking about with a clipboard saying “ok, I’ve got a doubles spot up in ten minutes against the Kings Of Leon, and they reckon they can beat the Mars Volta’s arse, are you gunna let them own you like that?” and enticing people to play tennis, it would have been the party of the decade.

My Director at [v], the genius Bernie Zelvis, has taught me many things, but one thing he did teach me is that “people only need permission to behave, and then they’ll go for it”. Examples well and truly proven, are things like saying to large crowds of people “Get up and Dance!”, or “Everybody scream!”, or “get the (insert minority here)’s, they’re trying to peacefully enjoy a beachside suburb!!”. So at this party, if there was someone there getting people into the spirit of things, it could have been so much more than people standing about drinking alcohol staring at the rock stars across the room from them.

Faaaaast forward to Sydney. The big one. Close to sixty thousand people on baking concrete, on Australia day making their way past sniffer dogs to get in and listen to some bands. I had a quick walk around the crowd, with my friend Adam Zammit, and eve though it was early, already you could tell it was going to be a weird one. There were more Australian flags that day than I’ve ever seen before, and all of them being draped around the shoulders, Dio style, of yobby looking shirtless drunk blokes in their early twenties, who were hanging in packs of about ten at a time.

The crowd was much different this year than to previous years.

I have been taken to task in earlier posts on what I’m about to speak of, so let me preface it by saying this:
I love my job, I am blessed to do it, I work hard to keep doing the best job that I can, and never expect as standard or take the privileges and luxuries that come with my job for granted, never ever. I also realise that my job is in the public eye, and people will have mixed reactions when they see me. Some will say nice things, some won’t. Some will ask me to sign their tits, some will crash tackle me on to concrete. There was a lot of weirdness going on at Sydney BDO. For the first time ever I was hesitant to walk around. I’ve never not been able to just walk around a BDO before, checking out bands. Sydney was different.

The main thing I got from the crowd was that there was a large, dare I say it, “Cronulla” style element. Australia Day, Beer, Yobs in board shorts yelling things. Flags. Lots of “Aussie Pride” tattoos. Scary. There were fights there. I’ve never ever seen a fight at a Big Day Out. Why would you want to fight at a day like that? All the bands and food and hot girls/guys you’ve ever wanted in once place at once, and you have to biff? Why??
My dear friend Ali saw a poor guy get his lights viciously punched out because he refused to ‘KISS THE FLAG’ draped around the shoulders of some pissed animal who was travelling in a cowardly pack of other yobs. This is Sydney? Kiss the flag or I’ll hit you? Please explain to me how that works? I want to know. I really do. Post below and let me know, help me understand it, please.

Sydney, you’re letting the promoters who work so fucking hard to make this show happen each year down, you’re letting the bands that came out to be a part of it down, and most of all, you’re letting your country down. This is not how Australia needs to be represented to the world, and that’s what’s happening more and more internationally as far as how we’re perceived.

Gold Coast is the coolest, Melbourne was a dream, Sydney was odd, with the exception on Wolfmother who completely peaked in this current phase of their existence. They just blew that stage apart, they took the crowd to new levels. They were just a-fuckin-mazing. Their after party at the basement was great too. Great music, great people, and all because of Mel. You rule Meltish.

I didn’t see any bands in Sydney. I hung backstage in the Tiki lounge and drank cocktails and listened to funky Hawaii music all evening.

The Melbourne Big Day Out is awesome. New venue rocks, the people rule, the bands were awesome and I had a great day. Melbourne, you’re great. There were trees, and leaves, and smiles, and happiness, It was just all-time. Henry Rollins held a crowd of thousands for 45 minutes just talking. I’ve been seeing him do talking tours now for over ten years. He’s a great speaker, a great chat, and has many refreshing ideas. His tales of Iraq were harrowing. He’s an inspiration to me to travel. Don’t trust the news, go get on a plane, and have a look for yourself. MIA was incredible. Common was off the hook. I love Melbourne. Quickly becoming the 2nd best BDO after Gold Coast.

Channel [v] worked it’s collective arse off to shoot everything that moved at the BDO (with a camera!). Best thing to look out for is Yumi and Jade’s bogus journey. 1/2 of The Punisherz (the best band ever) and a video camera. Two hot Asian babes (and two hot Eurasian babies, when Yumi’s kids are there) travelling with the BDO from coast to coast. They filmed stuff you just won’t believe, climaxing in the Asian Mum Foundation party in Perth. I can’t wait to see it!!

Look, I’ve dribbled on for far too long now. I have to go running. Must run in between poker games to keep the brain working.
Poker. It’s on the Internet. It’s in my house. It’s at three games I go to a week. Poker. (Did someone say Scrabble?…)
That’s pretty much what I’m up to now, DJing, Poker and running.

Things I listened to writing this: Blue Break Beats Vol 3 (Blue Note, 1996), The Great Robert Johnson, Inner City Blues – the Best of Marvin Gaye, and Tism: Best Off. I love TISM.
xx aa

27 Comments »

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1. Comment by dreadfuldan @ February 6, 2006, 10:00 am

   I hear ya about the Sydney BDO. Was definitely an uncomfortable yobbo/macho element present. It’s supposed to be a celebration of “alternative” music and culture but that seemed to be undermined by the meathead crowd.

   BTW, i was taking photos from the pit, you can see them all here. I was pretty happy with the Iggy Pop shots.

2. Comment by paulacarioca @ February 6, 2006, 11:29 am

   Hi!
   So glad to hear that you are well and that you really enjoyed it all. You certainly have the proverbial gift of self expression! I find it touching.
   Well, I don’t get around much anymore. I’ts been a while since I’ve experienced Live music. Not into being crushed and stepped on! I’ve been in this Country since 71 and I’ve pretty much seen it all! The good,the Bad and the Ugly. I have always tried keep an open mind but the human psyche baffles me! These venues are supposed to be Fun! don’t they understand the work and effort it takes to get these Gigs happening? It’s Sad.
   ‘Live and Let Live’ or even better ‘If it harms none Do what you will’
   We need to move on from all that negativity. This is the 21st century, have we learned anything? apparently not.

   Enjoy your Poker,running and whatever else eases your mind.
   xox
   p

3. Comment by Binga @ February 6, 2006, 5:36 pm

   What an elegant picture of Mel.

   Your hair is getting so long. I bet you can tie it up again. Pony!

   Tell Beard I said hi.

4. Comment by candy_loaded_kat @ February 6, 2006, 11:41 pm

   Aww Tell beard i said hi aswell… he is getting better looking everytime i see him.

   God bless Mel she is such a kind soul.

   I have the best emo line it just came out there was no thought at all….. “I can smell the freshly cut wrists.”

   the later i came up with this one, “Maybe emos were born with it… maybe it’s maybelline.”

5. Comment by starry_meme @ February 6, 2006, 11:53 pm

   WHOA!
   thanks for that G!~
   Grat sum up indeed…..
   enjoy life!~
   XX

6. Comment by Jeffro @ February 7, 2006, 1:27 am

   Airborne – truly rock-and-roll whizzes –
   Like doing those aeroplane quizzes
   Or Bond’s 200th time -
   Music that’s sublime
   Just seems like the thrill never fizzes.

   So much Andrew wanted to expound
   About all the great rockers renowned
   Could spend the whole day…
   Just so much to say
   ‘bout all the great talent that was ’round

   “Sandstorm” Mathison should’a egged on the tennis
   (though his middle name’s really “Hernandez”)
   Would have been kind of arty
   To liven the party
   With musoes showin’ their racketing prowess.

   WTF? A guy gets beaten up for not kissing a flag? I don’t go round kissing flags either. What does kissing a piece of material have to do with being proud of the country you live in anyway? And what right does some low-life have to want someone to kiss a flag they’re wearing anyway. Weird.

   Not very good at poker. Always up for a game of Internet Scrabble though.

7. Comment by Sarrah @ February 7, 2006, 5:31 pm

   I mean seriously, can you get any cooler?

8. Comment by spazamataz @ February 7, 2006, 7:39 pm

   G,

   Definatley a meathead attitude, dude. Kissing a flag? Fair enough, patriotic, but get over it? Most of us love Australia, and we dont need to kiss a flag to show it.

   Glad you had fun at MOST of the BDO’s. The beard is definatley more distinguishing. ) Lookin good!

   Adzkie.

9. Comment by JCGreek @ February 7, 2006, 8:27 pm

   Sounds like we have major issues here in Sydney and it’s not going to get any better with poples heads stuck up their arses! Wake up Australia! By the way, I love the beard!!

10. Comment by krystal @ February 7, 2006, 8:50 pm

    good to hear you had a great time also love the new look keep up the good work

11. Comment by theendhasnoend_ @ February 7, 2006, 10:24 pm

    Actually, im sad to say Iggy was terrible at the Adelaide BDO. He looked tired and bored and as if he had done it way too many times.

    Wolfmother were beyond brilliant. But the mosh pit was dangerous and i didn’t ever think i was going to come out alive. But i did.. With alot of bruises. It was the most aggressive moshpit i had ever been in. But so worth it.

    My highlight of the day? The Grates and Franz. Franz sure know how to put on a brilliant energetic show.

    Take care G, looking forward to next update.

12. Comment by Jeffro @ February 8, 2006, 9:08 am

    So will there be a “Post “Big ‘Big Day Out’ Post” Post”?

13. Comment by ash @ February 9, 2006, 1:00 am

    Good show.

    Bahaha. You are a funny one, Jeffro. Half the reason I read through the comments is to see what you said. *kudos*

14. Comment by Jeffro @ February 9, 2006, 9:03 am

    Well gee Ash, thanks for the acclaim,
    I hope that others feel the same.
    Thanks for the kudos,
    Was runnin’ low on those.
    I wonder if G thinks I’m lame.

15. Comment by pin up girl @ February 9, 2006, 2:21 pm

    I love reading Jeffro’s responses too, he is very cool at the limericks.
    Sydney overall is starting to suck. I wish people would just kick back like they used to, but what can you expect with our government promoting the fear propaganda. Of course the ignorant ones are going to buy into it and create divisions and get violent.
    See movies like Outfoxed, Fahrenheit 9/11 and The Corporation to get even more scared about what’s going on without us knowing it!
    Loving the look G, you are looking SAHWEEEET!
    Glad Henry rocked your world, I am secretly in love with him (well it’s not a secret anymore).
    Are you playing Texas Holdem poker? That’s my favourite, and I am also addicted. Recently bought the box set with the chips and dealer button. LOVING IT.

    Be nice to each other, no matter where you come from. We’ve all got sad stories and deserve each others’ compassion.

    xxoo

16. Comment by the_crazy_genius @ February 9, 2006, 11:20 pm

    hey andy g.
    BDO was awesome ey.
    anyhoo, plz check out this I drew a while ago. I think it was due to your obscene robot dancing on idol.

    take care.

    =Deb=

17. Comment by Jeffro @ February 10, 2006, 6:38 pm

    It was very nice to have some compliments from ash and pin up girl… Good to see that my public loves me. (When I say “my public”, I actually mean the small sector of Andrew’s public who like my input – I know it’s not much of a demographic, but it’s my 15 nanoseconds of fame.)

    Interesting pic Deb. LOL. It should have a caption: “We are Andrew G of Borg. We will be humiliated. Obscene robot dancing is futile.”

18. Comment by lay-dee_sim @ February 10, 2006, 9:11 pm

    hey G
    didn’t get a chance to go to the bdo.. would have been awesome though!! wolfmother, franz & the living end are awesomee!!
    sydney sucks, no offence but ONE LOVE / ONE LIFE people.. some just don’t understand. xx peace

19. Comment by stuartst @ February 10, 2006, 9:16 pm

    Just saw the Bernie Interview tonight. Brisbane is the most creative city in Australia. And Mr G, you are a part of our legacy.

20. Comment by i luv andrew g!! ; ) @ February 10, 2006, 10:56 pm

    sounds FREAKIN AMAZING!!!!!!!! im happy the gold coast was the best 1… woo gold coast!! there is no way 2 explain 2 u y those ferrets would fight at sumthing as awesome as the bdo, g… all i can say is there r ppl like thaqt everywhere n always will b… theres nothing we can do about it but 2 stay away from that sorta crowd n surround yourself by happy, positive ppl. i believe its one of the best ways 2 feel good and succeed… hmm i dont no wat im saying. yay… U R LOOKING AS HOT AS EVA G. I LOVE YOU!!!!! glad u had fun!!!!! thanx heaps. xx

21. Comment by i luv andrew g!! ; ) @ February 10, 2006, 11:13 pm

    well, i think u r lame, jeffro… hahaha only jokin. ur cool. i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g, i love u g. there. i had 2 get that out. goodnight!!!

22. Comment by the_crazy_genius @ February 12, 2006, 1:01 am

    oh Jeffro, with people like you around, how can the world be messed up. =D

    thanks for the compliment.

23. Comment by ilovejamesMATHISON @ February 13, 2006, 10:46 pm

    hey G!
    wow sounds like you had an awesome time… but really how could you not!! you get to experience the amazing big day out vibe like a billion times in one year!! amazing… now let me just say one thing…. i live on the gold coast and i would have paid good money to see james out on that tennis court classic stuff!!
    anyways thanks again! love sonja xoxo

24. Comment by Jeffro @ February 14, 2006, 12:05 am

    Sorry to hijack the thread but while I’m getting all these compliments I thought I might apologise to anyone who’s been disappointed that clicking my username isn’t getting to my website, as I’m still waiting for a new broadband connection. (There’s not a lot on the site, so you’re not missing much.)

    I only get about 3 hits a day (excluding people who know me personally), which is… well… downright pathetic, but it’s part of a small study in demographics, as the ‘Glog’ is the only site that provides any link to my page.

    Will soon have my own PHP/MySQL/WordPress blog handler running soon too… hosted from my PC so it won’t cost me an extra cent. (Chiefly an academic exercise.)

    We now return you to normal proGramminG.

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