A trip to Bimbadgen for A Day On The Green is a no-brainer.
The organisers have got their shit together. There are no long waits for a drink, they have a wide variety of food options and there’s not a bad seat in the house. The grassed amphitheatre is just that good.
Tonight I’m here for a walk down memory lane. Jebediah, The Meanies, Spiderbait, Something For Kate, You Am I – These are the bands I lost my virginity to. They not only gave me hours of listening pleasure, but they’re an important part of my history. And tonight, I’m amongst a hoard of people who feel the same way. And it’s awesome.
Jebediah
This reviewer is old enough to remember when The Jebs first broke on Triple J. To be honest I never got them. For me, Kevin’s voice was forced, and it felt all style over substance. Many years on, seeing Jebediah live on stage at Bimbadgen, I get it now. These guys are punks, they play fast, hit their guitars hard, make mistakes and it’s glorious.
The Meanies
The last time I saw The Meanies play they supported Pearl Jam at Eastern Creek raceway. See I am old! They’ve lost nothing. Sure the hair is a little grey, but the fury you remember, it’s still there. Unlike Jedediah, these guys don’t miss a beat, it’s part of their appeal.
Spiderbait
The return festival band. If anyone knows of an Aussie band that’s better at bringing the party to the stage please give them my number. As always, it’s Kram’s show. He drums like animal from the muppets and controls the whirlwind of sound like a philharmonic conductor. Highlights are (as always) Buy Me A Pony and Calypso.
Something For Kate
Paul Dempsey is the true renaissance statesmen. His skill on guitar is mesmerising and the chance to hear a bunch of material written throughout the bands career reminds me how important the guitar sounds Paul has produced are to the rest of Australian music. It’s obvious too, the love and respect the members of this band have for each other. Finishing with Captain was the icing on the cake. The highlight of the event for me.
You Am I
To be honest Tim Rogers really shits me. Arguably one of the most talented songwriters this country has ever produced, he is often quite hostile to the audiences that turn up to see him in his various forms. Tonight though, out the front of his You Am I, he’s accessible, jovial and even (dare I say it) giving. Punters surge the stage, ringed by the many white seats now empty behind them. It’s not mashing, but it’s the closest you’re gonna get at A Day On The Green.
Thanks to Tim Bradshaw for the photos.
