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Hi, everyone – David Young here on behalf of the AU Review's Wollongong contributors, here to wrap up what has been a very important year for live music in the Steel City. From arguably the biggest pop star in the world to the smallest upcoming indie bands, we've had our fair share of visitors passing through this year, as the scene marks development into a tight-knit community of fans and musicians.
It's been great to see so many people come back for more as the shows get bigger and bigger, and I've had so much fun as a regular to shows in the city – from rocking out at the Harp to chilling out at the Otis, there is something to do or see almost every week of the year. Not bad for a place that was, up until quite recently, often overlooked.
It hasn't been entirely a year of triumph, however – the middle of the year saw one of the city's most iconic landmark venues, the Oxford Tavern, close down without any forewarning to the community at large. The politics of its closure are still widely debated, but what is undisputed is the fact that this was not Wollongong's decision. Another sad ending was the Grand Hotel, which had been hosting the very popular Night Eats Day gigs and yet had all live music cancelled – promoters literally had to move gigs at days of notice, as DJs took their place. You'd think the thing that was bringing revenue into the place – Washington, Cloud Control and Hungry Kids of Hungary all sold out the venue – would be kept on, wouldn't you? A small venue with plenty of potential, the Grand – as well as, of course, the dear old Ox – will be sorely missed.
Why dwell on the negatives, though? After all, there's been a lot of fun to be had in Wollongong in 2010. Here are my personal top five gigs that have taken place in our fair city this year.
5: Art Vs. Science at Wollongong Uni Bar
Wasn't this a blast? In the middle of what became a completely sold out tour, the band took to Wollongong with all the energy you'd expect. Their support acts were a revelation too – Tim & Jean had matured significantly since their tour with Operator Please, and Jinja Safari had all the earlycomers trying out their best tribal dance moves. Cannot wait to see where these guys go next.
4: Boy & Bear at The Harp Hotel
It's a pretty big fucking deal to sell out The Harp these days, happening once in a blue moon. Thankfully, the blue moon shone beautifully upon this evening, as the unexpected heroes of the Australian folk scene had their audience either swooning or dancing – sometimes a bizarre combination of both. Dave Hosking is a sharp, charming frontman, backed impeccably by a group who knows their way around harmonies better than you know the back of your hand. Also of note: The brilliant, breathtaking performance of Passenger, who threatened to steal the show with his brilliant take on Simon and Garfunkel, as well as performing with Boy & Bear in the middle of the Harp. Quality.
3: Cloud Control at The Grand Hotel
Another band who have had a simply killer 2010, and a band who cemented it with a huge headlining tour. Filling out the Grand from the front to the back, the band lead us in spirited singalongs to tracks from their killer debut, Bliss Release, all the while looking and acting as if there was no other place they would rather be. What more could you ask for? Big love to Seekae, as well, doing an amazing job as opener, as well as locals The Bungalows.
2: Die! Die! Die! at The Harp Hotel
This one didn't sell out. It did, however, fuck up the shit of anyone and everyone who was present. The New Zealand three-piece are notorious for their devastating, chaotic live shows, and this evening was no different. There was sweat, loud guitars, stage dives, epileptic-fit dancing...there was probably even some blood in there, if I recall correctly. Howl also assisted in tearing the place apart – those kids are going places, I tell you right here and now. A fucking amazing gig – please come back soon! My review here.
1: Lady Gaga at WIN Entertainment Centre
Sure, this one sticks out like Dan Sultan at an Ugly Dude convention, but this was the biggest show to hit Wollongong this year and easily the best. The energy was huge, the stage show was ridiculous, the songs themselves awe-inspiring. Acts like Gwar or Rammstein use big gimmicks to distract from their music, which is generally average at best. Gaga, on the other hand, uses her big, fabulous gimmicks to emphasise her music and subsequently take it to the next level. The only people doubting her abilities after the Monster Ball tour were the ones that didn't attend. My review here.
Phew, what a year! A massive thanks to everyone at The Harp Hotel, Wollongong Uni Bar, The Grand Hotel, The Otis Bar, Hostage X, Five Islands Brewery, WIN Entertainment Centre, The Heritage Hotel, Waves, The Patch and pretty much anywhere in Wollongong that supports, has supported and continues to support original live music!
2011 is already starting to shape up, with return visits from Passenger and Deep Sea Arcade on the cards, as well as an awesome bill at the Otis Bar on the 6th of January with headliners Slow Waves (my personal favourite Wollongong band) and support from the gorgeous ladies of Owl Eyes and Bec Sandridge. Should be a great way to kick off what should be another great year for Wollongong.
Have a great Christmas and a very safe New Year.
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Find out what happened around the whole country in 2010 when the AU review and Heath Media release "Australia's Year in Music: 2010 Edition" in late January 2011. Find out more about the book here: http://www.theaureview.com/book
