BDO10 - The WBDF Review

Okay so here it is, another Big Day Out review from Javid. Dean came too but I know if I was to ask him to contribute this post may very well not appear until sometime around November. So with that in mind here I go.

After having to wait about an hour for Dean to show up (funny that), we entered the BDO. It has to be said that, out the front, there was the biggest police presence I've ever seen at Homebush, and this was my 9th time. Even saw a sniffer dog, but given that it was 1 dog for thousands of people something tells me the results werent going to be amazing.

The sun was shining as Bluejuice took the stage and they did what they always do. High energy show complete with much jumping around and dancing, as well bright yellow, figure hugging jump suits that showed you what size their penises were, regardless of if you wanted to know or not. A good mix of old and new stuff was played to a very receptive crowd and when a singer ends a gig in his undies you generally know its been a decent show.

After skipping Karnivool to go and assess the amenities and everything else it was into the stands to escape the burning sun and watch Mastodon from a distance. Reading what I've heard they seem like a rather intelligent prog-metal band but for most of the time I couldnt help but stare at the tattoo across the face of the lead singer. If you dont like prog stuff, you will not like Mastodon. I dont mind it, and had heard some of their stuff before, and would rather eat shit than watch Magic Dirt live (again), they provided an adequate 45 minutes entertainment.

Biggest crowd of the early sessions had to go to Kasabian. While Mastodon played the other side of the arena was filling up fast. The sound and energy were fantastic but I had no idea that these guys were so... electro-y. I thought they were a rock band but they're basically a mix of U2 and The Music put together. Not unenjoyable though.

As 'things' kicked in it was time to go for a walk of the grounds. I had no intention of heading into the boiler room this year but we ended up in there at some stage and I was impressed by the way they aimed it at people on drugs. The massive ferris wheel in the middle had a line that went for ages and the lasers had to be seen to be believed (and this was at about 4 - god knows what they were gunna do with them later). It was at about this point that Girl Talk took the stage and for the love of god I've never seen an act be more hyped for no damn reason. He's popular for the same reason people listen to 2WS jukebox Saturday night. But he gets paid a hell of a lot more for it. He is not smart, he is not, by any means, original. His 'amazing stage show' = he lets about 30 people get on stage with him so you cant tell who's fucking playing anyway. To remix Thunderstruck, fair enough, its fun, everyone loves it. But if you think you're good enough to touch 'Bohemian Rhapsody' guess again you douche. Not even the acid could keep me there.


So back to the main arena to see Dizzee Rascal after he let some shocking sound get the better of him at the last BDO. Got into the D as the clouds came over (out of nowhere) and the rain began. The set was brilliant! Plenty of new stuff, with the right old songs picked to mix in-between. The way he worked the crowd was brilliant (naww... fuck DAT shit man) and the crowd itself was one of the biggest of the day. Oh - and I finally get 'Bonkers' now. I thought it was a shit song but when you're in a mosh pit during a hip hop set it all suddenly makes sense. Absolutely brilliant.

Waiting in the D for the emergence of TMV meant that I was obligated to sit through the set of Lily Allen. While amusing those around me with constant, witty criticisms of her (at least I think they were) I had to watch and listen. Not much from the first album got a playing, and the set was full of the same talking shit. Its interesting to see that shes moved over to the female side of the market (the screams were a clear indication) as opposed to the kind of 'everybodys girl' image she used to go for. Its also a bit depressing to see her dress and dance like a slut when she didnt used to, especially with the coupling of targeting younger girls and feminists. But hey, at least she remembered the words to her own songs this time. Thats my positive for you. She remembered the words. God I hate Lily Allen.

Up next was The Mars Volta who have been a bit of a mixed bag for me over the years. They are amazing musicians, with amazing talent. But they are ridiculously self indulgent. An hour set used to consist of maybe 3 songs if you were lucky but its good to see they've finally started realising what you SHOULD play at a festival. It was a great mix of old, new, short and long. The band was on fire and the setlist was one to make you cream your jeans. Especially when they closed with Roulette Dares. Argh. Anyway. Brilliant.


It was at about this time I decided to leave the main arena, realising that most of the day had been spent there (as well as a random trip or two into lilyworld). So over to the other stages it was to catch the end of Ladyhawke's set. Given the last ones I heard it wouldnt surprise me if the set was almost identical to the one I saw her play a few months back. She needs to take some time off to write a new album before she gets stale, but I still like her. Next up was the inadvertant catching of Grinspoon. I just want to say - I dont really like Grinspoon, they havent recorded a good album in a LONG time but they played a set that consisted of 90% old stuff. If they ever release a greatest hits, it will sound like the set they played. Letting the crowd choose between 'Dead Cat' and 'Just Ace' was a bad idea though (as Just Ace prevailed). Phil was absolutely fucking hammered but they were having fun without being wankers. Entertaining.

As the choice came down to Muse or Peaches, I couldnt be bothered moving and decided to see Peaches. Given that I've seen Muse twice and the new album sucks, I wasnt overly enthused. Peaches has played many BDO's but I have NEVER seen her and after watching her I really have to ask myself WHY NOT?! She was brilliant. Sassy, horny, creative and hilarious. A high percentage of the songs were about genitals but it was just such a.. raw show. Costume changes on stage, amazing instruments the likes of which Ive never seen, and then saying "jesus walks on water, peaches walks on people" before playing 'showstopper' and having the crowd support her as she strolled on top of them, till she inevitably fell over. I dont know if this is just a regular Peaches show or what, but it was absolutely AMAZING. 10 outta 10. Finding out later that I'd "missed out" on Muse playing a setlist I expected and then having a special guest in the form of the singer from Jet join them on stage for a rendition of 'Back In Black' only helped amplify my thinking that I'd made the right decision. I love you Peaches.


Last but not least it was time for Fear Factory to take the stage. Ive loved FF for over a decade, they truly are one of the defining semi-industrial metal bands of our generation. With Gene Hogland and Byron Stroud from Strapping Young Lad now the rhythm section and Dino Cazares back on guitar I was excited. And then the sound guy had to go and fuck it all up. The band were having fun, rocking out. The drums were brutal, but the mix was practically fucking inaudible and so ridiculously loud you were only going to hear it well from either UP THE FRONT or aaaaaaaall the way to the back. Im saying it was so loud you could hear it from the front gate, and from the front gate it sounded amazing. It was good to see them but I didnt stick around due to the fact I kind of need my hearing to last me a few years yet.

The Verdict: Best Big Day Out in a long time. Last years was the first good one in a while but this one made last year look pathetic. Every band was amazing. The crowd were great. (Male) Toilet cues were short and efficient. Bar lines were short and fast. Water was only $4. And after the rain during Dizzee the 43degree heat went away and the day became comfortable again.

Highlight: Every single act I saw but if I had to pick one it would be Peaches. Brilliant.

Lowlight: Not even the fact I had to endure most of Lily Allens set could overtake the 20 minutes I caught of Girl Talk. Appalling. He's an idiot and if you like him then so are you. Enough said.

See you at next years.

All photos and videos are property of Javid van der Piepers and whiteboydancefloor™. If you want to share/embed thats cool but give credit where its due.