It was a scorcher yesterday at A Day On The Green, and we’re not just talking about the weather! A crowd of over 10,000 people came together and watched as The Hoodoo Gurus, Violent Femmes and the Sunnyboys rocked Bimbadgin Estate with the help of Died Pretty and Ratcat. Our mates Caleb Dunn & Craig Wilson from Swamp House Photography were there to capture all the action.
Throughout the sweltering 32-degree day, the crowd partied on with little regard to the heat. They were there for one thing only, and that was to rock out and travel back to their youth.
Ratcat kicked off the day with an awesome set, preforming a handful of classics, the biggest standout being ‘Don’t Go Now’ From their 1991 chart topping album ‘Blind Love’.
With the sun shining down, Died Pretty worked the crowd with some good tunes and raunchy dance moves, urging the audience to join in! Although the vocals were a little muffled, they didn’t disappoint. Died Pretty opened the set with their most renowned song, “D.C ” with frontman Ron Peno running around the stage, showing that time isn’t catching up to him at all!
Despite illness taking out drummer Bil Bilson, the Sunnyboys were an absolute show stopper. Smashing out hit after hit, full of sensational guitar and keyboard solos.
As the temperature dropped, Bimbadgin’s best started catching up to people, and at one point, it started to look and sound like a giant sing-along in a pub.
Just before Sunnyboys left the stage, they ripped into one of their most recognised tracks, ‘Alone With You’, from their 1981 self-titled debut album ‘Sunnyboys’. The crowd went nuts.
With the sun finally set on the beautiful Hunter Valley, the Violent Femmes proved that even after all this time, they still know how to rock. With a set consisting of old classics, including one of Australia’s most known and loved rock anthems, ‘Blister in the Sun’, and a few new songs (their first in 16 years), the band proved they really could do no wrong with an Aussie audience.
As soon as Hoodoo Gurus walked on stage, it became clear just how loved and adored these guys are. With screams and cheers coming from every direction, they picked up instruments and got straight into it, playing song after song of pure Aussie rock gold.
“Get out of their f*cking seats and dance”, ordered Dave Fulkner, and most obliged.
And then, before you knew it, it was over. With the band returning for an encore with two of their most loved songs, ‘What’s My Scene’and ‘Like Wow- Wipeout’, it was a fitting end to a powerhouse set.
Photos: Craig Wilson, Swamp House Photography
Words: Caleb Dunn.
