Once an important NZ phenomenon which attracted plenty of legendary acts, Big Day Out had been steadily rising in price & deteriorating in value. It had been flying the flag for Kiwi music festivals since 1994, but Big Day Out’s organisers had refused to listen to the loyal ticket-buyer who had pleaded for times to change and organisation to improve. Finally, after the worst (but inevitable) crowd turn out in the festival’s NZ history – a mere 20,000 of a possible 50,000 – Ken West (Mr organiser) called it quits. But now it’s back. Two years after the ‘last Big Day Out in New Zealand’, Mr West and the team are trying to rekindle that old flame. I’ll admit, I’m very skeptical, but chief promoter Campbell Smith has *promised* this year will be different – and to his credit, he’s taken the initiative by ditching the home turf of the Warriors (The home of persistent disappointment) in favour of a classic rock stadium. So let’s take a deep breath, and see what else is being done to re-establish a once glorious day in NZ modern culture.

Out of the blocks they’ve made a statement of intent with Pearl Jam headlining with a full set (not just the standard 50 minute slot), Blur making their BDO debut and Snoop Dogg (provided he keeps his Lion on a leash, this isn’t a promo tour Mr Dogg – we want the classics!) – three household names, and undeniably entertaining acts. To support these three big boys, Big Day out has recruited the likes of indie giants Arcade Fire, folk rockers The Lumineers, psych rock project Tame Impala and a flurry of electronic/dance acts with Major Lazer, Steve Angello, Flume and Dillon Francis. Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller will offer decent back up for Snoop & no doubt help reign in the hip hop enthusiasts – but ultimately, there seems a little to be desired. Clearly there is an aim to return their roots with a number of international rock acts – but my concern is a lack of genuine head turners (especially for the price – which I will touch on later). Of course some may disagree, as all these acts have made names for themselves somewhere along the line, but this isn’t Laneways or Parachute – THIS Big Day Out is supposed to be the ‘return of the king’ which NEEDS to sell out. There is hope though, as it’s generally established that announcement #2 and #3 (There better be 3 freakin announcements this year) add one or two extra international battlers and some Selleys no-more-gaps music (see: six60, Elemeno p, etc) – if we get a few more household names in the mix, we should be in the clear, but you never know and at this stage I’m not 100% convinced. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad start, but it’s not $185 worth of quality. (For the full line-up, see below)

That’s right, one hundred and eighty five dollars. Oh yeah but that’s ok, because they’ve promised that they won’t be hiding any sneaky surcharges this year – awesome. I’ve never been able to figure out why the price sneaks up every year (ok, more like bloody gallops up with steel boots). I mean sure, there’s rumours of some sort of economic crisis (really?), but let’s take a fans perspective: In 2005, I paid $90 for my ticket and was able to see the likes of Beastie Boys, Chemical Brothers, System Of a Down, Slipknot, Rise Against, John Butler Trio & the Streets, along with more than enough Australasian talent to keep me going all week. Now you can’t tell me that this year’s line up is worth twice as much as that – well you can, but I’d slap you. I’ve heard tales of people who paid $70 for the 1995 NZ Big Day Out and got to see Smashing Pumpkins & Soundgarden, one after another!! Surely, *surely* there is a reason we are being asked to pay such a premium for 2014’s edition. Could it be lowered food prices? Hell, lowered beer prices??? Let’s be honest, that’s unlikely. Maybe it’s so the authorities can gather enough $5 notes to stuff the mouths of every whinging prick that chose to purchase a house next to the Speedway? Maybe it’s a bigger & badder sound system for the main stage, to match was on offer when AC/DC and the Foo Fighters have graced Western Springs – I honestly don’t know. Admittedly, if you’re a keen bean & purchase one of the first 10,000 tickets, you’ll only pay $165 discount. That’s nice, but you’ll be doing this before the 2nd announcement is made and do you want to take that risk?

Quite possibly it’s because Big Day Out aren’t quite as in bed with Western Springs as they were with Mt Smart, so no mates rates have been given towards venue hire, but is the punter going to be happy to PAY for a new venue? (Especially if you live out of Auckland – they’re already gonna be paying extra petrol tax to help fund our new harbour bridge! Cheers!)

Well I say yes. When I heard the BDO was going to be held at Western Springs, I know I was nodding in agreement with the entire nation, because the force shifted a tectonic plate and Wellington had an earthquake. But seriously, it’s a step in the right direction and everyone’s able to concede Campbell Smith’s battle cry may indeed be genuine. Western Springs is a classic concert venue & will incorporate three stages: Two minor stages – one dance/electronic stage situated by the lake, sheltered by the trees for the lights & bass to resonate off (a brilliant swap for the decaying mess that was the boiler room) and one for alternative/local/terrible beside the bush by Bullock track – perfect for casual sex and comatose. The most impressive unveiling (and so it should be) will be the main stage. It will follow BDO tradition and act as a double stage with alternating sides, in front of a mammoth floor & bank. The view for this stage is bloody great all over the show and they’ve planned on having the alcohol zone on the bank with no fence, a big step up from the rabbit cage-beer tent from years gone by – although I can see this section getting very, very congested. No word on whether or not the dreaded ‘D’ will be incorporated – though one can only assume so, preventing masses crushing each other as the crowd lurches between each act. If you’re not interested in moshing or death circles, there will be a LOT of space in and around the venue, so if you just wanna lie down, chill out & listen, you’ll be able to find yourself a nice patch of soft grass.

I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed, but at this stage the glass seems half empty. Seeing a full Pearl Jam set at Western Springs is exciting, but I’m not sure that 40,000 people will be willing to pay $185.00 for that. The next two announcements (hear that Mr West? The next TWO announcements!) will be key to tipping the milk into this punters cup, so I’m hoping for a few surprise packages – watch this space.

Full Line-up

Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, Blur, Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, Major Lazer, Steve Angello, The Lumineers

Tame Impala, Dillon Francis, Mac Miller, Ghost Grouplove, Flosstradamus, Portugal. The Man, Toro Y Moi, DIIV, The Naked And Famous, Mudhoney, The 1975, The Phoenix Foundation, SJD, P-Money, Ladi6, Beastwars, Concord Dawn, Clap Clap Riot, Kody Nielson, Randa, PleasePlease