This week, a record crowd of some 15,000 music lovers descended onto Belmont Station near Broken Hill in western NSW for the now iconic Mundi Mundi Bash. While the event officially started on Thursday, many took advantage of early-bird entry and were treated to acts such as Chocolate Starfish, The Headliners and the local “Mundi’s Got Talent” featuring Leroy Johnson & the Waterbag Band.
Thursday morning started with yoga for the early risers but the first main event of the day was the Guinness World Record attempt of the Largest Human Image of a Country. A map of Australia was formed by 9161 revellers dressed in blue, raising an incredible $146,576 for Beyond Blue. Crackup Sisters kept the energy alive whilst Amy Ryan performed an emotional rendition of “I Am Australian”. Many people have been affected by mental health issues, particularly in the bush, so Beyond Blue play an important role in saving lives.
After a smoking ceremony and a choir and dance performance by a large contingent of kids, it was time for music. Mick Thomas showed why he has such a following, playing recent tunes as well as music from Weddings, Parties, Anything. “Father’s Day” was a beautiful tribute whilst “A Tale They Won’t Believe” was searingly powerful.
Following on, Caitlyn Shadbolt was like a breath of fresh air. She rose to fame from The X Factor several years ago, and has become more seasoned and polished. Her beaming smile was an emotional high for the day. By chance, emcee Mike Goldman found a young audience member who wanted Shannon Noll to shout out a happy birthday to his auntie. He was asked up on stage and did an entertaining intro. A natural entertainer, just like Shannon Noll, himself. With a beaming smile and oozing confidence, he swaggered through some twenty years of back catalogue of songs. The high point was of course the song that launched his career, “What About Me?” with the full crowd singing along.
Next up, singer Ross Wilson has been performing since the 1970’s in acts such as Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock. Classics such as “Daddy’s Back” and “Come Back Again” still sound fresh and exciting as ever. The set closed with the true Aussie classic song, “Eagle Rock” – a song that will always have a place in Australian music culture. He clearly loves performing for an audience and the audience loves him in return.
Thirsty Merc are another Australian act that have endured some twenty years. Singer Rai Thistlethwayte is a familiar face on stage and powered though a string of hits including “In the Summertime”, “Someday” and “20 Good Reasons.” It’s satisfying listening to a seasoned band and realising how many great songs that they’ve produced.
As well as music and events, local helicopter muster crew, Far West Helio are doing joy rides around the campgrounds. It’s quite a different view from above. Spotting the black spot, which is the concert area inside the semi-circle of campgrounds puts the scale of the event into perspective. The pilots love their jobs and are reliable and confident.
Kasey Chambers is another artist that has consistently put out music since performing with her family group Dead Ringer Band in the 90’s. She still has her father Bill Chambers on guitar and brother Nash on vocals as well as Jeff McCormack on bass guitar, with Brandon Dodd and Sam Teskey on guitar. Opening with “Ain’t No Little Girl” and “Backbone (The Desert Child)” she starts off with a powerful message of strength and courage. She tells the story of how after performing at Mundi Mundi a few years ago, she was impressed with the travelling van life and decided to make that her life. Her breakout hit, “Not Pretty Enough” was touching considering Big Blue Day. She also does a killer cover of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”
Headlining band, The Angels took to the stage just after sunset. Brothers Rick and John Brewster are the heart and soul of the band since the inception in the 70’s. After singer Doc Neeson passed away over ten years ago, Dave Gleeson has been the lead singer. He has now returned to the Screaming Jets and Nick Norton has stepped up to the task. In a classic black suit and tie, he channels the energy and style of Doc Neeson, not by mimicry but by influence. He imparts his own sense of foreboding into “After the Rain” and “No Secrets”. By the time that “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face” was played, the crowd had been well and truly won over.
There was a sense of freshness and energy that has long been the hallmark of The Angels. Playful yet serious, familiar songs played well with an expressive light show and a tight held camaraderie between the mostly family members. A fitting way to close of the official first night of the festival. Weary punters snaked back to their desert camps to settle in for an early night, ready for two more days of fun.
Check out a gallery of images from Thursday
All photos by John Goodridge for The AU Review
The Mundi Mundi Bash is a unique outback music festival set on the stunning Mundi Mundi Plains near Broken Hill. Featuring iconic Australian artists, camping under vast desert skies, and a fun-filled atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable celebration of music and the Aussie outback spirit.
