Auckland 2012 Big Day Out

Big Day Out 2012

January 20th: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Yesterday marked the final time that Auckland would host a Big Day Out. Mt Smart Stadium has been home to the festival every year since 1994 (with the exception of a year off in 1998) and the wheels were in motion to make sure that the event went out in style.

Maybe the crowd attendance was down this year (just under 20,000) and the event downscaled with only one Main Stage instead of the usual two. But there was a fantastic vibe produced by those in attendance which saw the young hanging with old all enjoying the grand finale. In fact I didn't see any problems at all... except for a certain drunken Shortland Street actor being removed by security from the Immortals Lounge, everything ran swimmingly.  Auckland police announced that there had been no arrests while St Johns Ambulance added it was a relatively trouble free day.

Cage The Elephant were one of the first to tear up the main stage. Many would have missed out on being introduced to the band, as lots punters had yet to arrive to the venue, and those that had were exploring the layout of the site. But there is a reason why Dave Grohl recently endorsed the band, which showed fantastic energy and stage presence.

Aussie band Regurgitator returned this year and showed they hadn't lost any of their charm or humour, with 'I Will Lick Your Arsehole' proving to be a crowd favourite. An underrated band for sure who should be much bigger on a worldwide scale than they are. 

It was just as the rain started to fall on the ground that The Living End jumped into action on the main stage. And to the delight of all they were joined by special guest Jon Toogood of 'Shihad' fame for a special rendition of Nirvana's song 'Breed'. A great surprise and fantastic rendition.  

NZ metallers Beastwars showed that the local metal scene has reason to be happy and front man Matt Hyde sports one of the meanest white beards around. 

Brazilian's Cavalera Conspiracy, which was formed out the remnants of Sepultura, had their moments but all in all sounded like lead singer Max Cavalera might have seen his best days. 

It was mid afternoon by this stage and time for a wander up to the Boiler Room to check out Six60. A little bit of a different crowd up here it seemed and no doubt Six60 have a strong fan base. Not my cup of tea personally and it seems they can't really decide what sound they are. It also got tedious when front man Matiu Walters kept telling the crowd every couple of minutes "This is the last fucking Big Day Out!". Yes, we know that Matiu.  But, they gave their (huge) fan base what they want and they lapped it up.  

Cairo Knife Fight were fantastic! There's a reason they've opened shows for bands such as Them Crooked Vultures, Faith No More and Foo Fighters. If you get a chance to check them out live then do so. Recordings don't do the duo justice. Guitarist Aaron Tokona asked the crowd if everyone was looking forward to Soundgarden. "They better not be stink" he added.

I worked my way up to the top part of the stadium where the Converse Green Stage was located as it was time for Best Coast. Big things could be on the cards for this band in the next few years, and one you should likely keep your eyes on. They seemed very reminiscent of The Pixies. Front woman Bethany Cosentino promised that they would be back for a proper tour.

On my return to the main stage a very different and young crowd had established itself as it was time for My Chemical Romance. It seemed everyone knew all their songs and the teens loved them. Lots of young girls commenting that front man Gerard Way had changed his hair colour... 

Kimbra was amazing. Really really good. It's no surprise that the kiwi has recently signed a worldwide record deal. Her quirky outfit and stage presence is something to be seen.

The evening was now upon us and Kasabian lit up the main stage. Good old fashioned British rock and roll here. Lots of energy and they were genuinely excited to be here. Was a lot better than their Big Day Out performance a few years back.

Mariachi El Bronx is one band I knew very little about. An eight-piece band from Los Angeles featuring horns, violins and accordions. Was completely different to anything I had heard that day and will endeavor to hear more of them in the upcoming weeks.

It was now time for the big guns Soundgarden. Huge huge sound here and they didn't disappoint. All the hits were played 'Outshined', 'Jesus Christ Posse', Outshined', 'Rusty Cage', 'Spoonman', 'Black Hole Sun'... the list goes on. And the good news is front man Chris Cornell told us that they're going to come back soon.

The show was coming to an end, but there was one more act to check out, Noel Gallagher. Featuring a selection of his new solo material and classic Oasis tracks, he seemed like a good fit to end the show. In my opinion Noel Gallagher is musically far superior to his brother Liam and did all the Oasis tracks justice. "Are you sad this is the final one?" Noel asked the crowd.

So what will happen net year? My guess is that there really won't be a Big Day Out in Auckland, but I wouldn't be surprised to see something unfold for 2014. And in all likelihood, we will receive Big Day Out fallout in the form of headliner side shows (much like System Of A Down is performing a Soundwave side show in Auckland this February).

Time will tell, but whatever happens the Big Day Out has had a great 18 years in Auckland.

For more photo's from the Big Day Out click HERE.  

Tagged as : Big Day Out | Cage The Elephant | Regurgitator | The Living End | Beastwars | Six60 | Cairo Knife Fight | Best Coast | Kimbra | Kasabian | Mariachi El Bronx | Soundgarden | Noel Gallagher | concert review |