Soundwave Day 1 - Sydney, 28th Feb 2015
Words: Sam Strachan
For the first time ever, 2015 saw Soundwave expand to a two-day event. Whether this format stays, only time will tell, but what it offered was longer sets and less clashes, which can only be a good thing.
The skanking tunes of Chris Duke and the Royals welcomed punters as they exited the station at Sydney’s Olympic Park for Day One of Soundwave 2015. The Brewery was holding a ‘Prewave’ for people that wanted to start their day early with a few pints before entering the festival.
This year, entering the festival itself was a much smoother, quicker and easier experience than previous years. No queues, a quick ID check, bag check, wristband applied and away you go. Wham bam thank you ma’am.
The Irish Raglans had the earliest slot of the festival, starting at 11:30. Lead vocalist, Stephen Kelly admitted that they’d had a big night the night before, and whether he fell over or rolled around on stage on purpose it didn’t matter because their tunes were still tight, playing Natives, (Lady) Roll Back the Years and White Lightning.
Down at the main arena there was already a good-sized crowd milling about waiting for the Australian ska punk legends, Area 7. The Clash’s I Fought the Law was playing over the speakers as the band came on stage and launched into Himbo followed by Leave Me Alone. It didn’t take long for the crowd to start dancing. One fan had a sign held up with Slayer crossed out and Area 7 written underneath. Steve-O asked who in the crowd was under 20 and a sizable number of hands shot up. He then pointed out that none of these people were born when Second Class Citizen came out. After that song followed a cover of The Angel’s Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again? With the crowd happily singing along in the chorus, Steve-O himself was also showing his age. He busted a knee in Adelaide and wasn’t able to dance around as much as the rest of the band. He even had trouble getting back on stage after jumping down to the crowd barrier. They also played No Logic, Nobody Likes a Bogan, Start Making Sense and Bitter Words. Whilst Area 7 are nearing the end of their career Steve-O often mentioned new bands taking their place, often mentioning his affection for The Bennies. There were some respectful icons of the Australian ska scene nearby with Francis Harrison, the lead singer of the Resignators seen side of stage and Pete Cooper of The Porkers also in the audience.
The skanking tunes of Chris Duke and the Royals welcomed punters as they exited the station at Sydney’s Olympic Park for Day One of Soundwave 2015. The Brewery was holding a ‘Prewave’ for people that wanted to start their day early with a few pints before entering the festival.
This year, entering the festival itself was a much smoother, quicker and easier experience than previous years. No queues, a quick ID check, bag check, wristband applied and away you go. Wham bam thank you ma’am.
The Irish Raglans had the earliest slot of the festival, starting at 11:30. Lead vocalist, Stephen Kelly admitted that they’d had a big night the night before, and whether he fell over or rolled around on stage on purpose it didn’t matter because their tunes were still tight, playing Natives, (Lady) Roll Back the Years and White Lightning.
Down at the main arena there was already a good-sized crowd milling about waiting for the Australian ska punk legends, Area 7. The Clash’s I Fought the Law was playing over the speakers as the band came on stage and launched into Himbo followed by Leave Me Alone. It didn’t take long for the crowd to start dancing. One fan had a sign held up with Slayer crossed out and Area 7 written underneath. Steve-O asked who in the crowd was under 20 and a sizable number of hands shot up. He then pointed out that none of these people were born when Second Class Citizen came out. After that song followed a cover of The Angel’s Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again? With the crowd happily singing along in the chorus, Steve-O himself was also showing his age. He busted a knee in Adelaide and wasn’t able to dance around as much as the rest of the band. He even had trouble getting back on stage after jumping down to the crowd barrier. They also played No Logic, Nobody Likes a Bogan, Start Making Sense and Bitter Words. Whilst Area 7 are nearing the end of their career Steve-O often mentioned new bands taking their place, often mentioning his affection for The Bennies. There were some respectful icons of the Australian ska scene nearby with Francis Harrison, the lead singer of the Resignators seen side of stage and Pete Cooper of The Porkers also in the audience.
The Bennies began with one of their older songs, Bagz of Weed, and straight away singer Anty Horgan lit up a joint and in between singing and playing their respective instruments, each Bennie took a toke, before the last bit was donated to the crowd. Sharing is caring! Keeping with the theme, Anty was wearing tights printed with marijuana leaves and a t-shirt reading ‘Apologies I Have None’. They also played Heavy Disco, Mushroom Tea, My Bike and Highrider. Striking lights blasted across stage and often Anty played the Korg with not only his hands but his legs, feet and his face. During Don’t You Wish These Nights Go On Forever the crowd was split in half to sing the chorus and in between make the call “No way get fucked fuck off”. As most of punters had just been at Area 7’s set their singing voices were already warmed up.
In sweet girly dresses, Le Butcherettes were anything but innocent, tearing up the stage. Lia Braswell was killing it on drums and singer Teri Gender Bender was either banging on the keys or jamming on the guitar whilst singing in a style reminiscent of PJ Harvey. Omar Rodriguez Lopez of Antemasque/Mars Volta was hidden at the back of the stage playing the bass. This Mexican riot grrrl outfit was all energy. Teri was running around stage, climbing up on the drums and giving it her all. Their song I’m Getting Sick of You had a catchy guitar riff underlying whilst Burn the Scab was more of a keys bashing tune. Towards the end of the set Teri crowd surfed with her guitar and as her band mates left the stage she kept playing until the sound was cut off.
On the metal stage, Ne Oblivscaris had some impressive synchronised head banging but not enough fiddle. Back in the main arena Japan’s One OK Rock played their set including their hit Mighty Long Fall. Following them was Gerard Way’s solo set, with a rockier sound than My Chemical Romance, playing Action Cat and Zero Zero. Apparently his socks are a big deal, whatever that means.
Classical jazz piano and saxophone calmed down the crowd at the main stage as they waited for glam metal band Steel Panther. Dressed up in fluoro animal print tights with matching instruments they launched into Pussywhipped, with Ralph Saenz aka Michael Starr often performing for the onstage cameras so those punters further away didn’t feel like they were missing out on the action. During Let’s All Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World Lexxi Foxx was continually checking out his appearance in a mirror on stage. Satchel backed this up saying they don’t care about sounding good they only care about looking good. Tell you what, looking
In sweet girly dresses, Le Butcherettes were anything but innocent, tearing up the stage. Lia Braswell was killing it on drums and singer Teri Gender Bender was either banging on the keys or jamming on the guitar whilst singing in a style reminiscent of PJ Harvey. Omar Rodriguez Lopez of Antemasque/Mars Volta was hidden at the back of the stage playing the bass. This Mexican riot grrrl outfit was all energy. Teri was running around stage, climbing up on the drums and giving it her all. Their song I’m Getting Sick of You had a catchy guitar riff underlying whilst Burn the Scab was more of a keys bashing tune. Towards the end of the set Teri crowd surfed with her guitar and as her band mates left the stage she kept playing until the sound was cut off.
On the metal stage, Ne Oblivscaris had some impressive synchronised head banging but not enough fiddle. Back in the main arena Japan’s One OK Rock played their set including their hit Mighty Long Fall. Following them was Gerard Way’s solo set, with a rockier sound than My Chemical Romance, playing Action Cat and Zero Zero. Apparently his socks are a big deal, whatever that means.
Classical jazz piano and saxophone calmed down the crowd at the main stage as they waited for glam metal band Steel Panther. Dressed up in fluoro animal print tights with matching instruments they launched into Pussywhipped, with Ralph Saenz aka Michael Starr often performing for the onstage cameras so those punters further away didn’t feel like they were missing out on the action. During Let’s All Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World Lexxi Foxx was continually checking out his appearance in a mirror on stage. Satchel backed this up saying they don’t care about sounding good they only care about looking good. Tell you what, looking
good gets you the girls! Starr wanted to break the record for the most boobs seen at a concert and then Satchel one upped him wanting to break the record for the most girls sucking the one guitarists cock after a concert. At this point there were already girls on shoulders in the crowd flashing the band, caught on camera and being projected to the rest of the stadium. Throughout the rest of the set there was often a call of “titties!” when a pair was spotted. They played Asian Hooker and If I was the King but Starr wasn’t impressed with the crowd and had to remind them that they are not Linkin Park, they are Steel Panther! So sing louder! Lexxi Foxx was offering lessons in looking good and let his luscious blonde hair blow with the aid of an industrial fan on stage. The band invited girls from the audience to dance up on stage during 17 Girls in a Row. The crowd was assured that all the girls were over 13 and therefore, in the world of Steel Panther, they were legal. The punters were asked to put their hands in the air and show their Gloryholes for the next song. The inappropriate banter between the guys of Steel Panther really made the show. That’s what you need at a concert. Yes, you’re there for the music but you want a show as well and that’s what Steel Panther gave. Getting the crowd to chant “Feel the Steel” and “Suck Our Cocks” they also gave us Community Property and Party All Day (Fuck All Night).
Ska fans were in attendance during The Interrupters set where they performed Haven’t Seen the Last of Me, Liberty and White Noise. The Porker’s Pete Cooper couldn’t be seen in the audience but apparently he had made the bands t-shirts. They had only flown in two hours beforehand but still gave a lot of energy to the show and the crowd really got moving during This is the New Sound. They asked to see a Sydney circle pit and the punters got into action during a cover of California Sun. It was a warm day and during A Friend Like Me they threw bottles of water to the crowd. They also played a cover of Operation Ivy’s Sound System, followed by Last Call and Family.
On the screen behind the main stage there was a countdown until Incubus came on and when they did, they launched into Wish You Were Here. The standing area and the seats on their side of the main arena was full and some parts of the mosh was three people tall. They played Absolution Calling, Nice to Know You and In the Company of Wolves but they didn’t play Drive, although they did give the big crowd what they called a ‘fancier’ version of Pardon Me. At one point singer Brandon Boyd pulled out the bongos before turning around helping Jose Pasillas on the drums.
Soundgarden opened up with Flower, with graphics to match playing behind them, follow by Outshined, Kickstand and Spoonman but unfortunately no one played the spoons on stage. At this point the sun was setting and an almost full moon was above the stage. They also played Been Away Too Long and My Wave. Singer Chris Cornell mentioned that last time they played at an Australian festival, they shared a stage with Kanye West and he made an offhand remark about it sounding like retarded children. The comment blew up in his face and he promised not to say it again. This time the worse thing he’ll say is poo.
Ska fans were in attendance during The Interrupters set where they performed Haven’t Seen the Last of Me, Liberty and White Noise. The Porker’s Pete Cooper couldn’t be seen in the audience but apparently he had made the bands t-shirts. They had only flown in two hours beforehand but still gave a lot of energy to the show and the crowd really got moving during This is the New Sound. They asked to see a Sydney circle pit and the punters got into action during a cover of California Sun. It was a warm day and during A Friend Like Me they threw bottles of water to the crowd. They also played a cover of Operation Ivy’s Sound System, followed by Last Call and Family.
On the screen behind the main stage there was a countdown until Incubus came on and when they did, they launched into Wish You Were Here. The standing area and the seats on their side of the main arena was full and some parts of the mosh was three people tall. They played Absolution Calling, Nice to Know You and In the Company of Wolves but they didn’t play Drive, although they did give the big crowd what they called a ‘fancier’ version of Pardon Me. At one point singer Brandon Boyd pulled out the bongos before turning around helping Jose Pasillas on the drums.
Soundgarden opened up with Flower, with graphics to match playing behind them, follow by Outshined, Kickstand and Spoonman but unfortunately no one played the spoons on stage. At this point the sun was setting and an almost full moon was above the stage. They also played Been Away Too Long and My Wave. Singer Chris Cornell mentioned that last time they played at an Australian festival, they shared a stage with Kanye West and he made an offhand remark about it sounding like retarded children. The comment blew up in his face and he promised not to say it again. This time the worse thing he’ll say is poo.
Capping off the great collection of ska music at Soundwave Day One was the seminal Aquabats, starting their set with Fashion Zombies followed by The Cat with Two Heads. During Martian Girl they did their usual thing spelling WOW with their hands, as the Bat Commander pointed out spelling words at a concert is so rock and roll! He then went on to talk about the bravery of Sydney, settling in this wild land and launching into The Shark Fighter. The crowd attempted a circle pit during In My Dreams but that didn’t last long. Then a Croc Man came out on the stage and fought with the Bat Commander. Of course he ended up winning, utilising a fire extinguisher on stage as a weapon. There was no love from the security during the set. The Bat Commander thanked them and asked them to hold hands and take a bow. But they were too shy. Maybe after the show they would hold hands! Pizza Day went off, naturally. The Bat Commander compared The Aquabats to the hard bit of cheese that gets left on the platter. They called themselves the hard bit of cheese on the Soundwave sandwich. They played Super Rad and spruiked their awesome kids show on ABC. Their last song Pool Party was lots of fun as hundreds of blue and white beach balls were launched into the crowd. It was a fun end to a disappointingly short set.
In contrast, Faith No More were a bit more serious looking than the Aquabats. All dressed in white, with the main stage decorated with flowers, they gave the scene a very holy, epic and serene look. They kicked of their set with new single Motherfucker from the upcoming Sol Invictus album, then complimented the Sydney crowd on how beautiful they were and growled (or purred) at the bigger guy at the front of the crowd. Occasionally Mike Patton would sing into a megaphone. They played Evidence, Epic and Midlife Crisis, during which, Mike broke out the familiar “wimoweh” of The Lion Sleeps Tonight, before smashing back in to the powerful ending of the track. Faith No More also offered a rare performance of The Real Thing’s Zombie Eaters, followed by The Gentle Art of Making Enemies, Soundwave’s only performance of Digging the Grave, new track Superhero and a cover of the Commodores’ Easy. Ending their set with We Care a Lot, they were an Epic finish to the very busy and full on first day of Sydney’s Soundwave.
In contrast, Faith No More were a bit more serious looking than the Aquabats. All dressed in white, with the main stage decorated with flowers, they gave the scene a very holy, epic and serene look. They kicked of their set with new single Motherfucker from the upcoming Sol Invictus album, then complimented the Sydney crowd on how beautiful they were and growled (or purred) at the bigger guy at the front of the crowd. Occasionally Mike Patton would sing into a megaphone. They played Evidence, Epic and Midlife Crisis, during which, Mike broke out the familiar “wimoweh” of The Lion Sleeps Tonight, before smashing back in to the powerful ending of the track. Faith No More also offered a rare performance of The Real Thing’s Zombie Eaters, followed by The Gentle Art of Making Enemies, Soundwave’s only performance of Digging the Grave, new track Superhero and a cover of the Commodores’ Easy. Ending their set with We Care a Lot, they were an Epic finish to the very busy and full on first day of Sydney’s Soundwave.
