First BDO 2011 announcement rulz

The annual “first” Big Day Out announcement is always a good discussion point.

Some punters are ecstatic about a specific band. Others lament the choice of headliner (I dislike the moaners, in general: If you don’t like it, don’t go, you silly buggers).

This year, the 8am announcement came early: I awoke at 7am to twitter and facebook abuzz about Tool and Grinderman and Iggy.

The official website (out of Australia, I imagine) posted the line-up early. Maybe it was a daylight savings meltdown.

Anyway, in a room of Kiwi bands and music types at 8am we got played the official line-up video (and still tried to act excited and surprised). And these are my thoughts:

• Starting on a downer (my moan): While most had already figured out it was just a rumour, I was still a bit sad-faced there was no Soundgarden or Stone Temple Pilots. This is just purely because I’ve never had the opportunity to see these bands live, and I’d like to, sometime.
• Because A Perfect Circle are touring in America, I wrongly assumed Tool wouldn’t be doing the Big Day Out. I was way, way wrong: They are headlining (again) – and this is good. Tool put on a great show, be it a small theatre or an outdoor festival. I’ve seen them many times in both settings, and they really bring it. Especially exciting is the fact the LA-foursome have been playing songs like ‘Third Eye’ recently. Choice.
• Rammstein are brining six containers of pyro gear and dildos. ‘Pussy’ was my favourite single in recent memory. I can’t wait to see this live, with backing flames and pelvic thrusts.
• Deftones round out a really rock-orientated line-up. I interviewed Chino earlier this year in LA and he told me Deftones were planning on coming here. He wasn’t lying.
• Die Antwoord are the band that’s going to get a lot of new fans, and make a lot of people smile. They will be the highlight of the 2011 BDO, for those who make it to their set.
• Shihad and Primal Scream are both playing through one of their full albums. This is a great.
• LCD Soundsystem: Murphy is wrapping this stuff up, apparently. We get to see his final tour here in NZ, we don’t have to travel to catch it. This is good.
• M.I.A. – her new album is loud and disjointed and noisy and I just can’t wait to see her live. I hope I get to see her, that is: because clashes will be bad in 2011.
• Kiwi music: I’ve already mentioned Shihad, but of course other Kiwi talent is going to shine. Street Chant. Naked & Famous. I like and admire the 3 bands I just mentioned.
• Serj Tankian has a new album out. I hope he plays the BDO again one day, as I really enjoy his stuff. In the meantime, I’m  hoping he’ll do another guest spot with his mates Tool. We’ll soon find out.

Me with Die Antwoord

Another couple of things:

• Tickets are a bit more expensive. With a line-up like this, this is fine.
• Organisers told me there will be a bit more space. We’ll see but I hope I notice it.
• I have “worked” at the Big Day Out for the last 5 years, meaning I’ve missed good moments like being in the crowed during Tool and missing most of Fantomas. This year I may go as a punter (no responsibility).