Public Address | Cafe | Hard News: The Big Roundup

Venetia King

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:03:20 +1300

I have the Veils' album, Nux Vomica, and like it well enough, but they're a revelation live.

I agree, but I haven't seen anyone complaining about the way the Veils' set was cut short – they seemed to have been asked to stop early and came off about 7 -…

Matthew Littlewood

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:38:34 +1300

Wow, I just realised that I used pretty pretentious language to dismiss Tool there! Talk about Pot, Kettle Black and all that.

Anyway, although they're anything but my cup of tea I would have to say that their fans have to be THE most dogged I've witnessed at a BDO…

Matthew Littlewood

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:21:05 +1300

Nice overview, RB, I'd have to say that I agree with your assesment in regards to all the acts, but there is something genuinely punchable about the Killers' Brandon Flowers that's just inescapable.

This is my fifth BDO in succession and it says a lot that out of all of…

Andrew Moore

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:21:50 +1300

Yes indeed, a truely epic day. In my top 3 BDO's ever!
Highlights for me were the Veils, the Killers, Lily Allen, the Streets and Crystal Method dj's,also phildogs dancing steeze, RB's enthusiasm levels, Daves adventure stories and the Goofballs!
See ya next year....

Devlin

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:06:29 +1300

If that gentle zephyr on Friday was enough to throw out the sound then I can only imagine what a Big Day Out in Wellington would be like... I had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed Minuit, Voom, That One Guy, Hot Chip, Lily Allen, Kasabian, the Killers, Muse and…

phildog

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:40:18 +1300

A great day, great bands, great friends, great crowds – one of the best BDO's ever! This was the first year I did not have access to the private bars and I didn't miss it one bit. Highlights – The Vines, The Veils, Lupe Fiasco and Shape Shifter, dancing with…

jesstherese

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:49:14 +1300

Should anyone not have their fill of other people's BDO experiences, take a look at this link to the Auckland BDO myspace blog
here

Russell Brown

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:47:05 +1300

It never ceases to amaze me – now there's a big "hoohaa" about videos of the BDO from cellphones being posted on YouTube.

It's a total media beat-up. I'm pretty sure no one involved with the show cares about cellphone video.

They did try and ban camera phones the year…

Adrian Wills

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 08:34:44 +1300

It never ceases to amaze me – now there's a big "hoohaa" about videos of the BDO from cellphones being posted on YouTube. For christ's sake! People aren't about to stop buying DVD's or stop going to concerts just because they can watch a shaky, lo res, 60 second slipwith…

Robyn Gallagher

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:27:54 +1300

Who was crap? Scribe.

I didn't go, but everyone I know who went and saw Scribe said he was rubbish. Apparently it was a dull dull, dull, falling back on hip-hop performance cliches like "All the ladies say oh-oh" stuff.

Glyn

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:53:34 +1300

From what I saw, who was great at BDO? Hot Chip and John Butler Trio (both fantastic), Lily Allen, Muse, Violent Femmes, SJD all really good and Jakob (a local Hawkwind-like revelation!).

Who was average? Jet, Killers (even though I like them), Streets, Dimmer.

Who was crap? Scribe. Oh and…

Sam M

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 19:39:09 +1300

I popped along to Hot Chip on the back of something I read on Public Address. Even dragged a few sceptical folk along. I really enjoyed that and will have to look them out next time I find myself in Marbecks.

The Killers sound was crap – even from the…

merc

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 19:38:57 +1300

Those bad boys should be kissing each other, that's what a true mate would do.
As for NZ nationalism, I'd rather love a person than a nationalism.

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:36:59 +1300

Wow. Just heard a bit more about the Sydney BDO flag ban. At last year's event – held not long after the Cronulla riots – there were reported incidents of dusky people being forced to kiss the flag, and beaten up if they refused.

I know a little of how…

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:06:48 +1300

Rather than say "no Australian flags" wouldn't it have been easier to say "no flags" and put it down to a safety issue or to prevent obstructed views of the stage?

There goes that pesky 20/20 hindsight again. That was the obvious thing to do, combatting the issue without even…

Hamish

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:04:15 +1300

...in the hardcore punk circles where it emerged, there's a understanding that anyone who falls will be helped up, that no one really gets hurt.

Sure sure, back in the good old days right? :P

Wammo

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:03:34 +1300

It's interesting (and a couple of the blogs alluded to this) that in the hardcore punk circles where it emerged, there's a understanding that anyone who falls will be helped up, that no one really gets hurt, especially girls, but I wonder if the munter brigade grasps that. There's also…

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:55:19 +1300

I just dont get it. I can understand the mosh pit, but forming a circle and bouncing into each other in the middle of the mosh pit – just plain strange! Through the binoculars (I know – I AM OLD!) I did get to see a few juicy punches being…

Wammo

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:47:38 +1300

Rather than say "no Australian flags" wouldn't it have been easier to say "no flags" and put it down to a safety issue or to prevent obstructed views of the stage?

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:34:27 +1300

It's loaded with recent stuff for some over there and yes it is a good idea to make the punters safer where you can, but a drunken munter looking for a fight will do so if carrying a flag or not. Still think it was not the best idea anyone's…

JR

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:29:03 +1300

That's another thing I find odd about Tool. They're all Sacred Geometry and stuff, but some of their fans are just angry munters.

Funnily enough, some of the Tool members themselves have the exact same sentiment

Onion A.V Club interview with Maynard Keenan

Specifically the question: "Do you feel out…

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:24:16 +1300

as well as an emphasis on programming too, it works by establishing a reliable structure for the person to use to acquire and use knowledge.

And holy heck, did my apsie boy react well to that. He was way faster than me.

I'm sorry Russel but my knowledge of it…

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:20:59 +1300

On an entirely different note, how do you think we'd react if the groove in the park peeps said no nz flags on waitangi day? Lead Balloon there I reckon.

I think we'd react differently if NZ flags had been used as colours in race riots and there was some…

Simon Grigg

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:11:07 +1300

Some of us lacked any talent for music (no, really, I tried). We had to write screeds of dodgy fan journalism to make up for it. That and jump around a lot

Well said RB. Some of us also simply formed bands so we could manage them..that seemed appropriately punk…

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:08:52 +1300

as well as an emphasis on programming too, it works by establishing a reliable structure for the person to use to acquire and use knowledge. I'm sorry Russel but my knowledge of it pretty much begins and ends there but if I hear of anyone who's trained I'll point them…

Sam

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:03:22 +1300

Maybe I am getting old too, because I was quite scared even watching the 'death circle' business (from the safety of the East Lounge!)
I just dont get it. I can understand the mosh pit, but forming a circle and bouncing into each other in the middle of the mosh…

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:01:51 +1300

That's what the Alice program is about bro...

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:00:26 +1300

Some Aussies want to ban the Australian flag at their BDO....

Not just some Aussies but the promoters Ken West & Vivienne Lees. They seem to have been pushing their own particular barrow with this one. It appears said barrow could have a wonky wheel.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21097432-5005961,00.html

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21097419-5006024,00.html

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/bdo-flag-ban-stupid-says-pm/2007/01/22/1169330795860.html

and there's a…

merc

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:58:44 +1300

Oh God, listen to me ...

The reason why we listen to you RB is your such an enthusiastic fan of all things good and you never really moan. Plus, how else can I vicariously go to these concerts and stay true to my 1976 edict upon hearing The New…

Richard Bartlett

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:49:39 +1300

I know it is early days yet, but this is going to take a bit of beating for biggest 'Fuck Yeah!' line of the year:

I think there should be a special lounge for everyone who's been to every Big Day Out anyway.

*love*

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:41:26 +1300

Was it just me or did the crowds seem a lot larger than last year? And more aggressive? Whilst the vast majority of people were lovely, I experienced three shoulder drops from cud-chewing late teens. I was pretty damn sober and am experienced at working my way through crowds of…

Damian Christie

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:40:38 +1300

>Joanna, just ask Camilla formerly of bfm, c4,etc how nice muse are.

I'm not sure what Camilla's experience was, but I interviewed them a couple of years back on bFM, didn't have a clue who they were but had heard they were big with the kids etc.

...And they were…

Rickai

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:25:14 +1300

Was it just me or did the crowds seem a lot larger than last year? And more aggressive? Whilst the vast majority of people were lovely, I experienced three shoulder drops from cud-chewing late teens. I was pretty damn sober and am experienced at working my way through crowds of…

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:09:26 +1300

And for me, the so called punk thing was about me playing my music, not dumbly listening and crtiquing others. Borrow an amp, steal a guitar, don't learn notes and get up and do it!

Some of us lacked any talent for music (no, really, I tried). We had to…

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:54:22 +1300

Joanna, just ask Camilla formerly of bfm, c4,etc how nice muse are.

merc

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:53:58 +1300

Mat said, "Oh, please don't make me use the Report (Offensive? Report this post to a moderator) function".
Quote of the year so far, right there. And for me, the so called punk thing was about me playing my music, not dumbly listening and crtiquing others. Borrow an amp, steal…

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:52:27 +1300

not to mention over eager engineers overdriving things, I remember Josh Homme chewing out his tech over that main stage debacle.

reece palmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:51:06 +1300

The rather interesting thing I've heard from a friend who is a big time tool fan and has seen them several times, is that he thought maynard was lip synching for the first part of the set. Reckoned that he observed his mouth closed when his voice was present on…

Joanna

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:14:12 +1300

I like the Killers' music, but them live was booooooooooooring. They just come across as total wankers, like even they are bored with themselves. Which is a bit of a shame, but there were plenty of other bands who were gracious and happy to be there – apart from being…

Robyn Gallagher

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:04:10 +1300

For the last couple of years, I haven't gone to the BDO, dismissing myself as being too old. But every year I hear of someone older than me having a completely excellent time (not to mention many people my age and younger), and I vow to go the next year.…

Rogan Polkinghorne

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:52:07 +1300

Hahaha, to each their own Russell...I agree that Soundgarden were terrible, I think Chris lost his mojo when he cut his hair off.

As for the 'Punk Rock Wars'...who said they'd finished? Keep fighting the good fight...

jon_knox

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:43:12 +1300

Some Aussies want to ban the Australian flag at their BDO....wonder if they could extend the ban to cricket grounds.

Mat Wiseman

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:35:54 +1300

I actually have a fairly long tradition of not digging BDO headliners. I thought Soundgarden were dreadful (twice!) too, and all that machine rock from America gives me the shits. It's like the roll fell out of their rock 'n' roll.

Oh, please don't make me use the Report (Offensive?…

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:29:37 +1300

Russell, people like Tool because...there's just so much to like. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, once you know the process this band goes through to create their art (they don't call it music), you gain some appreciation for how unique they are...from Maynard's fascination with Sacred…

Wammo

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:19:56 +1300

It was odd that even the slightest breeze did effect the quality of sound and this was no more apparent then at the Green stage where Kasabian were let down by an undersized PA. It wasn't until we were within 15 meters or so of the left speaker stack before…

Nigel Caughey

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:19:17 +1300

Emo Kid = Depressed, Black Hair, lots of piercings, listens to Hawthorne Heights
( Well according to my 14yr old anyway ).

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:18:17 +1300

I'm old.
I'm so old that I can't really txt.

Me too. And it got worse as the day progressed. I had to delegate texting to MD after a while.

Nigel Caughey

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:17:46 +1300

The East stand did sound better, unfortunately we didn't get there until the Killers, who were my pick of the bands I heard, though I had two teenage daughters & we headed off about 8:30, it was a shame about the west stand audio & vodafone sms packing it in, the timing…

Deborah

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:12:24 +1300

I'm old.

I'm so old that I can't really txt.

I don't understand.

Could someone please tell me what an 'emo kid' is?

Rogan Polkinghorne

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:12:08 +1300

Russell, people like Tool because...there's just so much to like. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, once you know the process this band goes through to create their art (they don't call it music), you gain some appreciation for how unique they are...from Maynard's fascination with Sacred…

Julian Melville

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:01:51 +1300

tweens who only knew Blister in the Sun but pretended they knew more.

Heh, I saw the Femmes at 2003 East Coast Blues & Roots show in Byron Bay (no I have no idea what they were doing there either). They were pretty good too.

Apparently Australian kids are fed the…

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:40:00 +1300

I think, and this is not a dig, that the BDO is infinitely better for those who get comped into VIP lounges and the like. Which means that they get excellent press that doesn't really reflect the ordinary punters experience.

I don't think so. I waded through nearly 50 BDO…

JP Hansen

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:31:57 +1300

Here's my pick for next year's headliners; Crowded House

Rich of Observationz

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:30:14 +1300

I think NZ is a fairly unique market as both US and UK indie bands have healthy sales here, whereas in the UK a lot of the american college bands don't really make much of an impact.

I missed out on BDO this year but went to the Big Night…

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:19:18 +1300

Thought Killers were good, and Tool (yes Tool) and Evermore were rather lovely. Relaxed and charismatic for such young guys and there sound translated well to live.

I actually wish I'd seen a little bit of Evermore. They're really not my thing, but I get the impression they were quite…

Janet Digby

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:12:39 +1300

Yeah Matt, I thought the sound during the Killers was all over the place too. I thought it might have been something to do with the breeze it was so bad. Didn't seem to be like that for the other bands in the main stadium.

Went to the first 6…

Sam

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:10:03 +1300

Apparently the 'sound issues' were because the wind was blowing the sound back into the PA (or so I was told by some sound-engineer type). The sound did seem better from the East Stand though. It really was an oasis of calm after the madness of everwhere else....

The placing…

Hamish

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:54:02 +1300

...wouldn't be surprised if the figures still showed something like that, but when was the last time someone checked instead of just writing it?

I choose to blindly trust the first google result when searching for obscure facts. Abdicates the responsibility for being right.

Russell Brown

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:42:50 +1300

What was the deal with the sound setup for The Killers? Flat, muffled and, at times, completely inaudible.

It seemed to sound better from the East stand – further away from that stage, oddly.

Aaron Dick

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:31:13 +1300

Re: Hamish

I've heard that figure bandied about a lot and I'm beginning to question if anyone's going back and rechecking it. I remember it being related to Aenima and Undertow album sales and the population of the day, but there's been two albums and a live disc since, plus…

Mat Wiseman

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:30:38 +1300

What was the deal with the sound setup for The Killers? Flat, muffled and, at times, completely inaudible.

Hamish

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:49:24 +1300

Which meant we caught a little of Tool, I'm sorry, but: I. Just. Don't. Get. Tool.

RB — trolling your own blog? :-P

Apparently New Zealand is, per capita, Tool's biggest selling market. What does that tell you about kiwis?

Public Address

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:49:23 +1300

Discussion from blog post.