3rd February Perth BDO
The flight over to Perth takes three and a half hours and there is nothing to see en-route but thousands of miles of desert. The city sits in splendid isolation on the far western coast of Australia. This is the last date on the BDO tour and everyone seems determined to put on a good show. Although, as Adelaide, the Essential Stage is in a shed at the showgrounds, this room has been fully carpeted and is far enough away from the main stage to not be affect by rumble. The only problem is the heat, which reaches 100 degrees during the afternoon, necessitating the placing of powerful fans onstage to cool the performers. Instruments suffer, lines go down and Enter Shikari’s samples refuse to play in the heat. Despite this, I had my best show of all the BDO dates. Due to the acoustic qualities of the room, I was able to relax and talk to the audience who rewarded me with their rapt attention.
I finished off by inviting Kate and her band, along with sundry members of Anti-Flag and Sarah from Operator Please up onstage to sing the finale of A New England. Inspired by Chris 2, I jumped from the top of my amp on the last beat, almost busting my leg in the process. Great fun.
The night before in the hotel bar, Tom Morello had issued a challenge to all the bands to take part in a ping-pong tournament on Rage Against the Machine’s travelling table. The Big Day Out Invitation Tourney took place backstage during the afternoon.
Having defeated Adam from Silverchair, I was knocked out in the semi-finals by Win Butler, lanky lead singer of the Arcade Fire. His final match against Zac de la Rocha of Rage was a thriller. As the light faded, the wind was getting up and playing havoc with the finer parts of each players style. Zac won the first game and for a while, it looked as if Win might pull level and take it to game three, but he went down fighting 21-18.
At the after-show party, there’s a feeling that summer camp is over and we all have to go home. While Gaz Mayal spins the discs, members of LCD Soundsystem reflect on what has been their last ever gig, the guys from Spoon promise to seek me out at SXSW and Win Butler gives me a point-by-point analysis of his match with Zac. The evening ends somewhat abruptly when the free bar starts charging ten bucks for a beer.
19 Responses to “3rd February Perth BDO”
By geoff on Feb 8, 2008
Who the fuck is Adam from Silverchair? Perhaps he’s that other augmenting keyboardist.
By Viv on Feb 11, 2008
I was wondering the same thing Geoff.
By Bernie on Feb 14, 2008
I was just watching the video for Sexuality (what a song!..and vid) and wondered if it is still performed live?
By Barry Hogue on Feb 17, 2008
This morning I read an article in the Belleville-News Democrat (Illinois) about Woody Guthrie being stationed at Scott Field in 1945 at the end of WWII. The article indicates that he wrote the first two verses of “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key” while there. Were you and Jeff Tweedy aware of this when you recorded the song on Mermaid Avenue? Were you aware of this before you chose Wilco to join you in working on the project?
By Lynne on Feb 17, 2008
What has Australia got that Germany hasn’t?
Er. Ok.
Don’t answer that.
By Scott Tucker on Feb 20, 2008
Hey Billy, off topic from this latest post, but with the big news today, I just have to ask…
What will Fidel Castro’s Brother tell the rich lady now? Just wondering your take on this matter.
By Willie Singerman on Feb 29, 2008
Dear Billy,
I’ve been a fan of yours for years. I’ve tried to get in touch with you through your press office but sadly (though understandably) they don’t seem like they’re willing to give me a direct contact for you. I’m going to make my way to London for your concert on 4 march and will be busking outside. I simply wanted to offer my services for any campaigning you are doing.
Hope to see you soon,
Willie
By Emma Goldman on Mar 1, 2008
Allo. All i have to say is Billy should hook up with America’s Michael Moore and do something big together. At the very least see his 2 movies Sicko and Freinheit 9 11. But i presume u already know who he is. Basically Michael and Billy could really change this world for the better. They’d be very powerful together. Thanks.
By Athena on Mar 1, 2008
I just wanted to ask Billy if he thinks he’s mellowed in his older age? I’m just noticing in your earlier music, u seemed more outspoken and outwardly passionate with your politics. I’ve been listening to England, half English alot lately, and it seems you have ‘toned down’ yourself a bit. I do miss the old fierceness u used to have in your words and messages. Your music changed my life in alot of ways(more like blew my mind.) And u r still great but, i do think time and age has had their mellowing effects on u and your music.
By demeter on Mar 1, 2008
Somebody tell Mr. Bragg to check out the singer Amos Lee. Billy would really like him. To all those out in this mindless cyberspace land, check out Amos Lee. He’s a very special voice just like Billy.
By D Lee on Mar 2, 2008
Thanks so much for blogging your time in Australia. I’m glad it ended up a good bonding experience of sorts for you guys. When you played in Sydney, I felt like I was part of that family atmosphere, and I appreciate what you said; So thank you.
By ketogah on Mar 3, 2008
Well when we have a one world whatever, I am voting for Billy Bragg and Arundhati Roy as the president and vice president of earth…people who listen to the people…it is reflected in his stories and songs. Nice blog. I am very happy to find this blog. peace, craxy cat lady
By John on Mar 7, 2008
Can we see the new lyrics to Beethoven’s 9th symphony yet? I know a special copy was given to the Queen, but how about us poor blokes who really want to see them? Is there a copyright problem somehow? Please can you release these new lyrics to the public, Billy?
By charlie on Mar 7, 2008
i only saw two bands at bdo
you and enter shikari
theirs was crazy, yours was magical
By Administrator on Mar 7, 2008
Ode to Joy
http://www.billybragg.co.uk/news/news_story.php?id=390
By John on Mar 7, 2008
Thank you so much!
Ode to Joy (Billy’s new lyrics)
http://www.billybragg.co.uk/news/news_story.php?id=390
Beethoven and Schiller would be proud.
Thanks again for your fast answer to my query
By Pamela on Mar 23, 2008
Hey Billy,
I was there at the perth bdo,but how HOT was it in that room?!, people were refering to it as the sweatbox.
You didn’t mention anything in your blog about how we like to cage up all the boozers over in W.A.
You were awesome! and thank you for taking me back to my days at art school when we listened to your music relentlessly!
By Fenella on Mar 23, 2008
What? Billy played at the Big Day Out and I wan’t informed?! Nooooooo!!!
Not to mention Rage and others…
By Gerry Arthurs on Apr 7, 2008
Bloody hell Billy - still no Irish gig announced for the tour! Come on, Im getting a bit nervous here….the Vicar Street gigs over the last few years have sustained my belief in the beauty of the Barking Man…..