Big Day Out 2008

Tickets have been bought, flights booked and sunscreen at the ready - the 2008 big Day Out is going to be a cracker.

* Rage Against the Machine
* Silverchair
* Hilltop Hoods
* Spoon
* Regurgitator
* Midnight Juggernauts
* Karnivool
* Björk
* Arcade Fire
* Carl Cox
* Augie March
* Dizzee Rascal
* Anti-Flag
* Gyroscope

That's not the complete listing, but you get the idea. It's only one day, so it's not on the level with the big European festivals, but it's the biggest thing we've got, plus it'll be packed with drunk guys in wife-beaters (blue singlets ... see photo) draped in the Australian flag. To be honest, I can't think of anything more scary than those ultra-patriotic guys and their 'beloved' flag. I have as much admiration and passion for the flag as all of these guys combined, but you won't see me stalking non-caucasian patrons demanding they 'kiss the flag or get the fuck out of the country'. At the last Big Day Out, organisers asked that people not bring or wear the Australian flag - I could see their reasoning; they're obviously as scared of these people as I am, but as expected, that simply threw more fuel on the fire. I don't expect it'll be any different this year, but I can tell you know, I won't be kissing no flag that's been draped over some fat chick's ass. As for the boys, well they serve as excellent eye-candy while they sweat it out in the mosh-pit and, although they find reason to fight over almost anything, they inevitably sort it all out and make-up with a hug and proclamations of 'I love you man, you mean more to me than she ever will ...' Gives me a hard-on every time.

And back to the music ... if no one else bar the Arcade Fire were playing, I'd still be there, but with Bjork and RATM it can't be anything but a ... big day out. Although I know I'll loose my voice during the Arcade Fire section, I'm almost looking forward to Spoon even more. Their latest album GaGaGaGaGaGa is easily top three for 2007. I know nothing of their live credentials, but if they can recreate on stage their delicate yet sometimes ferocious sound, my tickets and airfare will have been vindicated.