29 January, 2008

Big Day Out – Sydney & Melbourne

The 2008 round-up continued

More action, updates and gossip to read if you weren’t a lucky BDO punter. Remember, the Big Day Out official site has press releases – of the shows as they travel around: BDO Press Releases.

Bjork fans would have been shattered by her having to pull out of Sydney BDO due to swollen vocal chords. She was back on the bill for Melbourne – vocal chords all rested, costumes all flowy, stage presence amazing!

Weatherwise, showers had plagued the Gold Coast event, but weather for Sydney and Melbourne was hot and dry. Melbourne BDO saw the move to Flemington Racecourse, which proved to be nice and roomy, however dust was a bit of a problem.

In Sydney, Police and rescue workers praised the behaviour of the BDO crowds. However, in Melbourne, crowds caused pandemonium when they surged forward and started climbing structures to see Rage Against the Machine. One guy, whilst unconscious, had to be crowd-surfed to an ambulance.

I cannot understand the stupidity of dangerous unruly crowds. Of course, some moshing, pushing, shoving is unavoidable (no problems there), but when it escalates to surging and crushing fans, they are ultimately risking their safety ~ but more importantly, that of many others by their actions. The tragedy of Sydney’s 2001 Big Day Out should not just be a distant memory!

Ok, I’m off my soap-box now!

For more highlights and updates, also check out In the Mix, Triple J or Central Station.

Also, check out Josh Pyke’s own BDO diaries as he travels around with the tour – Sydney, Melbourne.