Fuck Yeah Big Day Out

HAVE MERCY ON US

Well that’s it - the end of the BDO 2011 tour. 

Ah Perth - what a day huh.

The bush fires weren’t the only things going crazy. All you folks at the Boiler Room were out of control. And not all of you in a good way.

I’m not sure if it’s the Perth pingas or the ridiculously expensively rack you guys have, but you were all mental at the Boiler Room.

Firstly half way through Bloody Beetroots set the stage manager had to stop the band and tell the crowd to look after each other otherwise the band would be forced to leave the stage completely. Everyone boo’d. Seriously are you all retards? He wasn’t pulling them off? He was just asking you all to be kind to each other because some people were getting crushed down the front. He’s just looking out for YOUR safety you twits.

The Bloody Beetroots are easy to lose your shit to though. Again they were incredible. Probably the highlight of my tour. Especially when Lupe jumped on stage with them and Refused’s Dennis (who was on the tour to sing 3-4 songs with them each set). If Dennis looks familiar that’s because he also started that band The International Noise Conspiracy. Anyway it was certainly a great moment and encapsulated what the BDO is all about - random artists appreciating each other’s music and wanting to collaborate in the name of fun. It was unreal. And Lupe was just so excited and into it. He wasn’t one of those high profiled names that comes over just before his songs and then nicks off straight after he’s done. He was there at the very beginning of the set rocking it out from side of stage and stayed until the entire band walked off stage. He’s a true fan. And who knows maybe they will be recording something together?! 

Lupe was also a true gentleman on stage. He graciously thanked all the crew who make BDO happen and acknowledged those who had driven 25 hours straight to get everything from Adelaide to Perth to make it in time for gates at 11am. It’s a pretty amazing beast the BDO. At 4am the day of the show the trucks roll in like a crazy end of the world scene. Then at 11am it’s all set up for the punters. It’s really extraordinary and you need to be a special type of person to work on not only any festival, but the BDO in particular. It’s such hard work and long hours and I’m not quite sure how they all do it. Most of them don’t even get to see any bands. I’ve only seen a small slither of how the  people make the show happen and it blows my mind. 

Apparently it was the last show for LCD Soundsystem who announced their retirement. However I have to say I heard James Murphy say they were retiring last album and whatdoyouknow - he’s still touring. It’s a real shame if they are because they are such a great live act in addition to very talented pop song writers. The songs were great and the energy was excellent. I kinda wish the entire band would get some overall style though. James and the Asian have it down - even the white beret multi-instrumentalist kinda has it right. The others just look messy.

Till from Rammstein stood next to that other guy in Operator Please who’s not the drummer at Die Antwoord. And even Sia came and checked out a bit. So apparently Die Antwoord were so inspired by watching Rammstein that whilst in Melbourne they went into the studio and recorded a Rammstein inspired song. And if you were at their side shows in Melbourne then you would have heard the debut of this song. They performed it at the end in the Pokemon costumes. 

Die Antwoord were at the after party for about 5 mins. In and out with Ninja heard saying “This is fokken stupid”.

Andrew Stockdale maybe peaked a little too early at the after party - he decided to push everyone he could into the pool, with Duckpond copping it first. He was seen running for Brad from The Vines but Brad’s a quick guy and got out of there fast.

Also seen:

Lovefoxx from CSS seen dancing closely with Mike from Ratatat.

Till trying to push a dirty skank into the pool.

MIA even turned up to this party and early. But maybe that’s because she got the hell out of that site quick! After going on stage late, she was forced to cut her set short due to sound restrictions just as she was about to play Paper Planes. All you high folks at the Boiler Room decided it would be really smart to start pegging bottles and well anything really, at the stage. The unfortunate thing about this is a) it’s not going to change the noise restrictions laws and b) people fucking get hurt you dickheads! 

Speaking of dickheads, Plan B decided it would be cool to a) get into a fight with the stage manager and then b) throw a punch at security. I hate seeing artists in this sort of light - it ruins the music for me. When you know they’re actually just stupid bogans dressed up in suits in the middle of summer, it kind of makes you see them differently and also changes your perception of their music. After meeting Kings of Leon at their first BDO when they were hardcore sluts who rated all women and before they had Victoria Secret models as girlfriends I got a little turned off their music after meeting them and hearing all about how hot they are and how much they score - from them. 

Anyway I think I should be super lazy (I am tired and hungover after all) and write an awards list for this year’s tour to sign off.


FYBDO 2011 ANNUAL AWARDS

BEST LIVE SHOW: Has to go to Rammstein. I mean c’mon. They have fire, pyro, glitter, sequins, walking machines a huge dick that Till rides on across the front of the stage. Plus they all get together and bow on one knee at the end. Now that’s a show.

FYBDO HIGHLIGHT MOMENT: Lupe Fiasco joining The Bloody Beetroots and Dennis from Refused on stage in Perth. A-MAZING! Followed closely by Rammstein joining Tool on stage in Adelaide and burning not only their drum kit but all their best and most expensive mics they used to mic the kit up. All turned to ash

BEST FESTIVAL FASHION: Ashley from Operator Please with his Tom Ford / Sailor Boy look. HOT! And the singer from Bloody Beetroots with his studded denim vest.

THE GENTLEMAN’S AWARD: Jim Jones from Jim Jones Revue. What a charming man. Close 2nd would have to be Heath from Children Collide.

BIGGEST BLAH: Plan B

MOST PISSED ARTIST ON ENTIRE TOUR: Plan B

BIGGEST TRIPPER: M.I.A

MOST UNDERRATED BAND ON BILL: The Greenhornes 

UNSUNG HEROES: All the BDO crew

LEGEND AWARD: Iggy Pop followed closely by Bobby Gillespie 

GRUMPIEST GUY: Nick Cave 

BAND THAT PICKED UP THE MOST: We all know this answer - Rammstein. If you were one of the “lucky” ladies who had the pleasure, I hope you had protection. It still might be a good idea to go for a check up regardless.

HOTTEST LADY ON TOUR: Tie between Andrew WK and Iggy Pop’s wives

MOST TALKED ABOUT: Arse painting at Lilyworld

FUCK I HOPE THEY STICK AROUND AWARD: Die Antwoord


Alright that’s it. I’m out. Thanks BDO for another wonderful year of music and memories. 

Until next year Australia…

XO FYBDO 

FYBDO SAYS RIP WHITE STRIPES

It seems appropriate I pay tribute to the end of the White Stripes. Not only did the band play the BDO twice, but Jack White’s bandmates from The Raconteurs - The Greenhornes are also on the bill this year and have played previously as well. 

Some of you may have heard about the rock n roll flights that happen around the country while the BDO tour is on. You can see some of your favourite bands and acts all on the same flight. 

Here’s a pic from a rock n roll flight a few years ago. See if you can tell which one Jack White is. It’s pretty obvious. 

XO FYBDO

AND THE SHOW GOES ON…

Adelaide you were unreal! 

For those of you going to the Perth BDO tomorrow here are some must sees:

RAMMSTEIN - What a fucking show. Words can’t quite describe it. Actually maybe fireworks and dicks can. After a few too many drinks I was feeling quite ill, but couldn’t manage to rip myself away to spew in fear of missing out on another unbelievable moment from these loveable Germans. They also joined headliners Tool on stage during their set and in true Rammstein fashion set the Tool drum kit on fire.

BLOODY BEETROOTS - Ok so this might not be music you listen to at home or even in the car, but the live show is fucking incredible. You can’t help but dance! And dance hard. Guaranteed fun. There might even be a little surprise appearance in Perth too! Chino from Deftones was side of stage for most of the set looking like an excited but shy schoolboy. 

LUPE - Awesome. Great band. Good fun. A class performer. And has totally been embracing the BDO festival spirit. Lupe was seen side of stage and dancing his butt off to Bloody Beetroots. He was LOVING it. He was also seen at FOH watching Rammstein with his crew. And again, LOVING it!

DIE ANTWOORD - You already know I love these guys. I’ve seen them so many times and am still not tired of them yet. Make sure you get there early because you don’t want to miss out on Enter The Ninja. A-Mazing. But even better - apparently Ninja warms up for stage by doing push ups while Yolandi prepares by doing karate moves. Don’t you love them even more now.

PRIMAL SCREAM - Screamadelica is a classic album and Bobby hasn’t lost it in any way, shape or form. He still sounds great. And it’s a great show. 

CHILDREN COLLIDE - Shit man for 3 guys on stage, they sure do have a huge sound. Plus there is something a bit sexy about that lead singer. Even if he does have that junkie, dirty look going on. Hot. 

GRINDERMAN - Nick Cave. No Pussy Blues. Need I say more. Awesome rumour: Snoop wants to cover this song!

GYPSY & THE CAT - Yeah they’re pretty much ripping off sounds from the 80’s but it’s fun to dance to and the crowd have been loving it. Their live show has come a long way. Shit they use to be boring on stage. But it feels like they’ve found their way live and have been getting better each show. It’s pretty cool to see a band at this level grow - who knows what they will become one day! 

AIRBOURNE - These cats are cool. Down to earth awesome blokes who put on a good rock show and have fun. Although climbing the scaffolding is dangerous and a bit silly, it’s pretty fucking cool.

LILYWORLD - Lilyworld has been going off this year. Andrew WK, Matt & Kim, Reggie Watts, The UV Race and arse painting are just a few of the highlights you can catch there. You should definitely make time to hang out there at some stage. Preferably during one of the above moments. 

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - James Murphy might be a grumpy old man but he still brings it on stage. Dance the night away with this awesome band and beats. Fun show sober or not.  

PNAU - Even though I’m pretty sure Holiday from Bridezilla is miming (or at the very least just singing on the top of a backing track) to Embrace these guys are worth seeing. Especially because rumour has it this could be the end of Pnau?! 

Oh and of course IGGY & THE STOOGES!!! And if you’re a massive fan, make sure you get up front, because he does his stage invasion where he gets a bunch of fans from the crowd on stage with him. If you are chosen to do this - be careful - not only is Iggy getting on, but security are doing it tough to ensure everyone is safe. So have fun and enjoy the moment but be respectful. BTW Iggy’s wife is oh so hot!

Other fun things from Adelaide: Tim Rogers seen with “girlfriend” Megan Washington. I don’t know who cares, but apparently some people do. I say - BORING. The usual wildlife - koala, wombat, lizard and snake were backstage in artist catering for artists to meet and cuddle. Chino seen coming home from the after party at 6am. And The Greenhornes leaving the hotel for the flight to Perth at the same time. 

See you tomorrow Perth BDO!

XO FYBDO 

LOVERS & HATERS

The 2011 Big Day Out tour officially started today in Auckland. 

Everyone was talking about Die Antwoord who blew the roof off the Boiler Room. Who gives a shit if this band is a joke or a novelty act. They’re fucking entertaining and know how to put on a show. I don’t care if they last 10 minutes or 10 years - I’m loving it now.

Lilyworld kicked off the tour with a psychedelic trip. Highlights were Matt & Kim, Andrew WK and arse painting. Apparently the guys originally had several “nude” references in their timetable that had to be changed - or they would be shot. AWK gave the Lilyworld what they wanted - a brilliant show and a nose bleed.

There were some sweating earlier in the day when Primal Scream went AWOL. But luckily for all of us they arrived in Auckland and went off.

Back home in Australia I’ve heard Pnau are very nervous about this Sunday’s Gold Coast show. A lot has happened since they last played the BDO. They signed to Elton John’s management company, moved to the UK and started writing music for the circus. 

I’ve also heard a rumour that Jack White might be accompanying The Greenhornes to Australia. I think its lies though.

On the interweb front - someone from whothehellnet decided to be a big baby and start hating on the BDO official twitter. The whothehellnet tweeter complained that the BDO official tweeter was going on too much about famous people backstage. The fact is some of us BDO fans actually want to know this stuff! It’s just fun. You don’t need to take it too seriously. And if it’s really annoying you that much - well there’s a button you can click that says “Unfollow”. 

I have a sneaky suspicion the whothehellnet tweeter was just jealous. Have you ever heard that quote: “Jealousy is all the fun you think they had.”

Anyway I’m annoyed at myself for giving this angry tweeter so much attention when I should have just ignored it. This person should really be careful - the creator of whothehellnet works in the music industry and manages bands. It’s not a good look having some douchebag slag off the world’s biggest traveling music festival. 

I’m a lover, not a hater.

“We won’t need an army, or a TV, we’ll just need you and me”

(Actually I probably will need a TV)

XO FYBDO

NOW & THEN

In 12 hours the first Big Day Out kicks off in AUCKLAND. If you don’t follow me on twitter you should because if you did you would have heard about MIA’s quest to save 1 Tamil Tiger per BDO show from detention. Currently there are 6 Tamil Tigers in detention centres across Australia. In case you’re confused I’m talking about big cats who have been naughty. I’m talking about the Sri Lankan Freedom Fighters (or “Terrorists” depending on what publication you’re reading).

You also would have heard TOOL are not allowing anyone to watch their soundchecks. And to ensure no one does, they have brought their own security on the tour with them. 

So many artistes, so many shows, so many good times and so many BDO memories (segue into…)

REMEMBER WHEN…

The Black Eyed Peas were actually good. Pre-Fergie. The only good thing Fergie has brought to that band is a hilarious quote from Date Night “You know Will-I-Am from Fergie”. Not only was their music cool back then but so were their hot dance moves. One of my fave BEP moments was when they passed around a spliff at the Perth BDO to all the crowd (the irony is, they should be doing that now - you need some sort of drug to listen to their music)

At-The-Drive-In walked off stage in Sydney with Cedric “baaaing” at all the “sheep” in the crowd. I had always been a fan of ATDI but this just made me love them even more.

The Mars Volta came and conquered. Their drummer from the first BDO tour they played (John) was gracious enough to meet a fan who he made a bangle for out of his cymbal. Last year Omar was excited to talk about the film he had made which had just been accepted into a film festival. (I know people tend to talk about Omar & Cedric the most - but man I love Juan. What an unreal guy. And what is with this band and their drummers - it doesn’t matter who they are, they’re always fucking A-MAZING)



When Courtney Love accosted a 16 year old Daniel Johns and started ranting at him 

When Courtney Love (bless her socks) absolutely ruined a Hoodoo Guru’s classic on stage in Sydney. But but top points for a) covering an awesome Aussie song and b) for asking Brad Shepard to perform on stage with them

The Greenhornes played the BDO with The White Stripes - who knew then that these 2 bands would eventually evolve into another band The Raconteurs. 

Iggy & The Stooges played Wanna Be Your Dog not once, but reprised it and played it twice. Only the best bands in the world can get away with playing the same song twice in one set.

Katy loved Justin. Ah young love. So foolish.


Well that’s it for now. Big day tomorrow.


I’ll sign off with a random pic of Soulwax in their dressing room. 

XO FYBDO