Sum 41, Billy Talent @ The Palace Theatre, Melbourne (28/02/2013)
It was the night before Melbourne Soundwave and punk-punters were more excited than ever. Forming huge lines around The Palace Theatre, it soon became clear this crowd was ready for a night of crowd surfing and death circles.
If ever you’re unsure of where a sidewave gig might be, just follow the sea of black t-shirts. It’s almost guaranteed you will end up at a Sum-41/Billy Talent gig that has everyone running into each other like maniacs.
The atmosphere before the show was more than interesting. Imagine an oversized Cherry Bar spinning all kinds of egotistical tunes. I’m talking Metallica, AC/DC’s TNT, even the Beastie Boys made an appearance with (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party). I was feeling pretty tough at this point.
After numerous attempts to summon the first band of the night, Sum-41’s lead singer Deryck Whibley skipped on stage, dressed in the quintessential red shirt/black vest punk attire. Girls were fanning themselves and screaming so loud my ears almost burst. This was definitely one of the few gigs where I had witnessed mass female approval over the usual male outbursts.
The night kicked off with 2003’s The Hell Song. To put it bluntly, the crowd lost their shit. The floor was literally a sea of moving bodies with the occasional crowd surfer. We were awake, that was for damn sure.
We’re All To Blame proved to be a real favourite amongst fans, most sang the lyrics in unison and took pity upon their teenage selves. It was impossible not to smash your head around at some point. The excitement was beyond contagious.
Whibley’s constant interaction with the crowd was certainly appreciated, at one point four punk-heads were invited to dance on stage while the band smashed popular tunes Over My Head, In Too Deep and Still Waiting. Drummer Steve Jocz was certainly feeling the heat, reaching for his sweat towel on more than once occasion.
Towards the end of their set, the band launched into the well-known Bulls On Parade by Rage Against The Machine. Jocz took the spotlight on this one, smashing his drum kit and screaming those lyrics we all know so well. Come with it now!
After their overly energetic set, Sum-41 expired backstage and fans retreated to beverage their bodies. 45 minutes later and it was time for another round of sweaty, topless boys running into each other repeatedly. Billy Talent made their way on stage with an energy that managed to top the athletic support band. I didn’t think it was possible!
The Canadian quartet had the crowd all riled up with their first tune of the night Lonely Road To Absolution, followed by 2006 tune Devil In A Midnight Mass. The spotlight shifted between lead singer Benjamin Kowalewicz and lead guitarist Ian D’Sa as fit with the rhythm of each song. Something so simple really added that extra dash of intensity that accompanies Billy Talent’s signature style so well.
This Suffering from 2006 album II made its way to the ears of appreciative fans; those who weren’t running into each other had their fists raised and their heads in motion. After touring Australia only seven months ago, the band expressed their appreciation towards the land down under and the support they have received here.
“Australia you are such a gracious country. Thanks for giving a shit about our fucking band, and thank you for still believing in the power of rock and roll music.”
It really felt as though the feeling was mutual, not a person could be seen sitting down having an average time. The crowd cheered after Kowalewicz’ appreciation speech and at one point, formed a death circle throughout the popular Try Honesty.
All in all tonight was the perfect kick starter for any metal-punk-pop fan eagerly awaiting Soundwave 2013. Our heads were filled with heavy guitar riffs, thunderous drum beats and high pitched vocals that rocked our shirts off. Well, for the majority of boys anyway. There is no doubt Melbourne fans will rock their faces off at Soundwave 2013.
Kim Tedge
Follow me on Twitter - @Kimmers90
If ever you’re unsure of where a sidewave gig might be, just follow the sea of black t-shirts. It’s almost guaranteed you will end up at a Sum-41/Billy Talent gig that has everyone running into each other like maniacs.
The atmosphere before the show was more than interesting. Imagine an oversized Cherry Bar spinning all kinds of egotistical tunes. I’m talking Metallica, AC/DC’s TNT, even the Beastie Boys made an appearance with (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party). I was feeling pretty tough at this point.
After numerous attempts to summon the first band of the night, Sum-41’s lead singer Deryck Whibley skipped on stage, dressed in the quintessential red shirt/black vest punk attire. Girls were fanning themselves and screaming so loud my ears almost burst. This was definitely one of the few gigs where I had witnessed mass female approval over the usual male outbursts.
The night kicked off with 2003’s The Hell Song. To put it bluntly, the crowd lost their shit. The floor was literally a sea of moving bodies with the occasional crowd surfer. We were awake, that was for damn sure.
We’re All To Blame proved to be a real favourite amongst fans, most sang the lyrics in unison and took pity upon their teenage selves. It was impossible not to smash your head around at some point. The excitement was beyond contagious.
Whibley’s constant interaction with the crowd was certainly appreciated, at one point four punk-heads were invited to dance on stage while the band smashed popular tunes Over My Head, In Too Deep and Still Waiting. Drummer Steve Jocz was certainly feeling the heat, reaching for his sweat towel on more than once occasion.
Towards the end of their set, the band launched into the well-known Bulls On Parade by Rage Against The Machine. Jocz took the spotlight on this one, smashing his drum kit and screaming those lyrics we all know so well. Come with it now!
After their overly energetic set, Sum-41 expired backstage and fans retreated to beverage their bodies. 45 minutes later and it was time for another round of sweaty, topless boys running into each other repeatedly. Billy Talent made their way on stage with an energy that managed to top the athletic support band. I didn’t think it was possible!
The Canadian quartet had the crowd all riled up with their first tune of the night Lonely Road To Absolution, followed by 2006 tune Devil In A Midnight Mass. The spotlight shifted between lead singer Benjamin Kowalewicz and lead guitarist Ian D’Sa as fit with the rhythm of each song. Something so simple really added that extra dash of intensity that accompanies Billy Talent’s signature style so well.
This Suffering from 2006 album II made its way to the ears of appreciative fans; those who weren’t running into each other had their fists raised and their heads in motion. After touring Australia only seven months ago, the band expressed their appreciation towards the land down under and the support they have received here.
“Australia you are such a gracious country. Thanks for giving a shit about our fucking band, and thank you for still believing in the power of rock and roll music.”
It really felt as though the feeling was mutual, not a person could be seen sitting down having an average time. The crowd cheered after Kowalewicz’ appreciation speech and at one point, formed a death circle throughout the popular Try Honesty.
All in all tonight was the perfect kick starter for any metal-punk-pop fan eagerly awaiting Soundwave 2013. Our heads were filled with heavy guitar riffs, thunderous drum beats and high pitched vocals that rocked our shirts off. Well, for the majority of boys anyway. There is no doubt Melbourne fans will rock their faces off at Soundwave 2013.
Kim Tedge
Follow me on Twitter - @Kimmers90