100 Big Days Out
Thursday, January 28, 2010 by mitch
Who would have really thought that 100 shows would come up soo quickly or even at all. I bet it was just a dream to even do more than one show of Ken West and Vivian Lees when they joined together eighteen years ago and did the first ever Big Day Out. But now 100, that is crazy, insane and exciting all at once. Together, with a dedicated group of crazy kids and long hours they have put together some of the biggest acts from all over the world on one piece of paper. There have been good times, and bad, but many many memories which will never be forgotten. And on the 100th show I just happened to be one of those.
The vibe for this show was unlike any other I have been to. It was just after 1 when I joined the sea of people which the venue consumed and everyone went their separate ways. The first act I really wanted to see for the day was Kasabian and they were amazing. I've got to admit, I hadn't really looked into their live performances before and didn't really know what to expect but I was pleased. It really was a good way to start the day, even if it was like 1000 degrees in the main arena.
Over at the Converse Essential stage was fucking amazing. That vibe I felt when walking into the venue was blown away by Passion Pit and their set. Out of every act which was on the lineup this was the one I anticipated the most. Who could have thought it was only two years where Michael Angelakos first dreamt up the band back in New York. Spreding their bigger songs throughout the set it got the crowd singing and dancing together. The Reeling first up, followed by Sleephead and then finishing the set with Little Secretes. It was amazing.
You would have had to be crazy if you missed Greg Gillis AKA Girl Talk. The energy admitted from one person is amazing. This guy puts on a party you can work out to. His live set is a fucking workout. You could picture a bunch of middle age ladies having his music play while they do their aerobics. The crowd was hot, sweaty and pumping and the Boiler Room was packed. Having this vibe in such a large arena you could only imagine the energy he would put out in a smaller venue, or even a house party. This guy doesn't stop. And having been surrounded by a bunch of guys and girls on stage only lifted the set more.
Calvin Harris, Simian Mobile Disco and Peaches were a great way to end the day. Calvin got everyone jumping and singing along to his hits I'm Not Alone, The Girls, Flashback and You Used to Hold Me. Fire Hoses were dragged into the middle of the crowd and swung above heads. Lights, music and water really got the crowd dancing. Simian put together a hour long set which was awesome. I would love to see these guys in a smaller venue, but this was still a hot set.
Even though I spent the last parts of the day in the Boiler Room away from Muse it was on my way to Peaches where I decided to drop into their set. I have to say that I'm not a massive fan of the band but would have to say they put on an amazing live performance. Big screens both behind and beside the stage and lasers.
And of course what good is a birthday party without fireworks. The night went off with a bang. Nice job reaching the mighty 100 guys, and I will be seeing you again next year!
