Breakout 07

It has been two weeks since Breakout07 so I might leave out a few details in this post, oh well Breakout07 was a little festival type thing for 12 to 17 year old kids, who liked to send text messages to the number provided saying how they wanted to have sex with each other, make out with cute boy in blue shirt and other such horrid things 12 to 17 year old shouldn’t be saying!

When we got there a local 15 year old band was on stage as they had one a competition to open the show, at first their sound was great until I heard them singing Nirvana and the lead boy had not learned all of the lyrics. It was a bit of a train wreck if I ever did hear one, but I do give them props for having the balls to get up on stage in front of all the other kids and sing some songs you don’t really know.. reminds me of Australian Idol, but let’s not go there.

My first band of the night to shoot was Horsell Common, I’m sorry but I’ve never heard of this band I think I’m too old or just too tired to care? They did however play a good set that was poorly lit in a lot of parts of the stage so I really only shot the lead singer, he has some good facial expressions.

I watched the rest of their set back in the VIP adults area, free beers, chocolate, chips, finger food and plasma TV. Although we got stuck at a table full of stupid drunk groupies who were over 30 sucking up all the wine that was put out.

Next was one hit wonders Youth Group, you may know them from the painful lets go kill ourselves version of Forever Young. This guy didn’t really want to be there and he said a few nasty things that flew over everyones head, the kids kept hitting these rather large beach balls on to the stage and his reply was “I don’t know what is wrong with you Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne managed to keep these off the stage” Swiftly after that a Duty Manager appeared in the media pit and got the balls taken away. I did enjoy the performance but grew tired of it 4 songs in as I just knew he would rather be at home with his feet up watching bad Sunday TV nursing a wine.

Next up was Gyroscope, I’ve seen these guys once before at another all ages event in Brisbane called Thank God It’s Over and they were much better at that. I do enjoy watching them play and perform because they like to jump and kinda move around stage with each other, but this night they seemed a bit tired but played on to the screaming crowd who lapped it all up.

Little Birdy came to save the day! I love this band, Katie Steele has such a unique voice and flamboyant on stage personality. Every time I see this band I am never disappointed they are tight, energetic and get the crowd involved. They played a small selection of songs from all albums and the kids knew a lot of the words and sung along. I shouldn’t really write about these guys too much as they are my favourite band, but if you haven’t listened to them before I suggest checking out their Myspace page or download some songs they are well worth the time of day.

Next up was a band I’ve seen at a few festivals in the past year, The Butterfly Effect. These guys always seem to put on a great show every time and this one was no different, great lighting and stage presence made for a fun shoot. I am still yet to hear them sing Beautiful Mine live but I’m not holding my breath, apparently they have only ever sang it a hand full of times. The gutarist still doesn’t have any another shirts he is always wearing the “Team Pudding” one, never ever seen him in a different one.

Last but not least was drug fucked band Grinspoon. Well Phil did seem drug fucked, he strutted out onto stage and pretty much ate the microphone on several occasions and stumbled around like he was about to pass out. I didn’t enjoy shooting this band and left after my three song quota, sorry if you like these guys but shit sober up before a crowd of 12 to 17 year old kids.

When we left the Brisbane Convention Centre foyer was full of Mums and Dads reading books and holding younger children who were sleeping waiting for brother or sister to come running out. I also strangly felt the need to buy an Optupre-paid mobile phone to keep my crew together….

Next: Kate Miller-Heidke, Paul Kelly, Good Charlotte and Justin Timberlake

~ by kyezah on October 9, 2007.