In the second part of my look back at 2009, here's the best gigs I saw all year.
The Melvins – Ding Dong Lounge
What a way to start the year!!!! It was a big call back in January to say that I’d just been to the gig of the year, but even then I could tell nothing was going to top this. The Melvins celebrating 25+ years of being a band, performing their classic album Houdini in its entirety, to a PACKED OUT Ding Dong Lounge. With Trevor Dunn on bass. And support from Umluat, with a guest appearance by Mike Patton.
I went to many shows with huge stage productions this year, but the power of three of rock’s best playing such a classic album just couldn’t be beaten. Then to top it all off they played Honey Bucket (the heaviest song ever written) AGAIN for the encore. Nothing could beat this.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – The Palace
This was my first time seeing Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and I’m so glad I made it along. Not only was Dig!!! Lazurus Dig!!! the most rock n roll album they’ve done recently, this tour also proved to be Mick Harvey’s last with the band. A shame to see him go given the awesome performance from the whole band on this night. New and old hits played with a dirty rock sound. What more could you want?
Propagandhi – The Corner
Propagandhi brought a mix of teenage skater punk nostalgia and the progressive hardcore of newer releases to the Corner stage. All delivered with the passion that can only come from people who truly believe in what they’re singing. Rock For Sustainable Capitalism was a true highlight about the power of music to change the world, not be a commodity.
Nine Inch Nails – Festival Hall
Nine Inch Nails kicked off the first leg of their Wave Goodbye tour down under. I’ve already written a long post about how sad I was to see them go, but I was very happy to get to see Trent’s live manifestation two final times. Stripped back and raw, these performances proved the power of Nine Inch Nails hadn’t gone anywhere.
Golden Plains
After the mudbath that was 2008's Meredith, the Supernatural Amphitheatre redeemed itself with perfect weather for the 3rd Golden Plains. Voted best festival in the country for a reason this proved to be the best weekend of the year. Highlights included Brant Bjork & The Bros, Black Mountain, Mogwai, The Drones and Gary Numan (even if he did seem to be doing his best NIN impersonation).
Ouch My Face / Assassination Collective – The Tote
Two of my favourite local bands team up for an awesome night. One of whom I’ve loved for ages (Ass Co.) and one who I’d never seen before, but won me over instantly (OMF). Ouch My Face’s cover of The Beautiful People was as hilarious as it was awesome.
The Flaming Lips – Festival Hall
At the other end of the spectrum from The Melvins was The Flaming Lips, one of the biggest stage shows I’ve ever seen. I already reviewed this so I won’t go on about it too much. But to summarise, this is one of the best parties you could ever go to.
Nick Oliveri – Northcote Social Club
Nick Oliveri showed exactly why Queens of the Stone Age haven’t been able to kick ass since he left. Armed with only an acoustic guitar this man rocked out harder than most people could with a full band behind them. There were Kyuss, QotSA, Dwarves, Ramones and Turbo Negro songs, originals and more. Highlights included You Think I Ain’t Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire and Outlaw Scumfuc, both of which saw Nick scream bloody murder.
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