Rocking for Rights @ SCG,Sydney (22/04/07)

Thu 26th Apr, 2007 in Gig Reviews

When Rock and Politics are brought together for a cause, the results can often be a disastrous series of cringe-worthy moments akin to Bono cuddling an African Baby whilst Sporty Spice high-kicks and air punches for the starving millions. Such scenarios considered – Rocking for Rights was damn successful in avoiding the cringe factor. With the only exception of the day being the inclusion of the two worst MC’s to ever preside over an event (one suspiciously resembling an ex-Big Brother contestant) and whose comedy prowess was highlighted by such – œgems’ as Danii Minogue having fake breast cancer. Nuff said.

The lineup today included the finest from Australia’s Rock Royalty, all of whom had thrown themselves behind a cause for which close to 40,000 marched from Hyde Park to the monstrous SCG. This movement of the masses was all in the name of letting our government know that despite their attempts to rush through the biggest work place relations – œreforms’ this country has seen in over two decades and their efforts to avoid public debate at all costs – that this just aint good enough.

Each artist had volunteered their time at the SCG to help get a message across to our PM and I couldn’t think of a more volatile lineup to do just that than today’s, which included Dallas Crane, The Screaming Jets, You Am I and the almighty Beasts of Bourbon. As thousands of burly union men, their families and the occasional yuppie-looking-for-a-cause poured into the SCG, the Crane got things started in all their Dirty Hearted working class hero glory. As they ripped through their two-song set, I thought it was best to find out what had brought these bands ( most of which are fresh back from SXSW ) to devote there time.

Despite suffering from a hang-over from hell and an “eye-headache”, which I suggest may in fact be a tumor, a bemused Dave Larkin gives me a couple of minutes of his time post set to tell me why he is here, “Well we were invited to , its for a great cause and its at the SCG …it’s win win really”. Well that’s a good enough reason if I ever heard. He also reveals that given that the music industry is all about “Gentlemen’s agreements” rather than unions he thought this was the best way they could do their bit for the cause. I push him for a – œFuck Howard’ quote, although being the gentleman he is, he simply takes a swig of VB and leaves me with “Its all been said before…” and a hint that he’ll be voting Left at the next election.

As The Screaming Jets belt out a couple of numbers that see smiles crack the faces of the over- thirty punters, I bail up You Am I who are set to be today’s headliners to see if I can get a “Fuck Howard” quote out them. Sadly I don’t, but I do get a ten minute insight into how passionate Tim Rogers and Rusty feel about this cause.

When asked why he is playing today Rogers in a-typical self-deprecating mode admits that it’s because he is ”...a thickhead” who has “bad reading habits…”and wants to ”...get information about what the repercussions of this legislation will be”. Pushed by Rogers to elaborate Rusty, breaking that silent drummer stereo-type reveals his fervor for this topic; “I don’t want to get all Orwellian…but there is a certain level of double speak that goes on with this legislation they’re like – œwork choices’ but it just seems like a lack of choices.”

This sentence is enough to get the lads fired up. I sit engaged in a debate about The Howard governments introduction of the “Work Choices” legislation and what this means for our country. Rogers and Rusty muse that although they are here today to try and get some attention brought to the issue that it’s hard to imagine any government turning back the clock on the reforms once they have occurred.

If this is the case – what do they think they will achieve in being here today?

Rusty believes they are pushing people to be less conscious about speaking up, despite the Medias often negative coverage of those that do; “There’s a real culture of sit down and shut up in this country at the moment, dissent is not liked, the media tends to look at it in this cynical and patronising way. But there’s actually a lot of people who are out there today…its not just about seeing bands”

I have to wrap the interview up as I feel this discussion may take up much of the day otherwise. Despite the Howard government minimizing debate on this topic – there certainly seems to be a hell of a lot to discuss.

As I’m leaving the room amidst talk of SXSW , The Black Lips and Brazilian psychedelic music Rogers makes a joke that he’ll have a muffle on himself today and sarcastically laments that’s its a shame the drummer doesn’t have a microphone. Although this a long running joke for the band, today – it’s damn true.

Enough words have been spoken so I made my way out to watch the kids Rock for Rights. And boys do they. Each band gets up and belts out, reflecting the freedom that comes with playing such a gig. Something for Kate do an oh-so-somber cover of Tom Petty’s ” I wont Back Down”, whilst Dave Faulkner struts his stuff in candy striped pants heading up the Hoodoo Gurus and confusing the two beer swilling union men next to me – should that man really be making them this happy?

The sexiest moment of the day was reserved for Magic Dirt’s set, which saw this countries toughest leading man – Tex Perkins, get up with this countries toughest leading lady – Adalita. My God! If I could bottle that moment – I’m sure Id make a mint marketing it as an aphrodisiac. I’m still recovering.

And from this came – The Beasts. I just wanted to stand our PM front of stage for this moment with Mr. Perkins. It’s like these guys have been caged throughout their hiatus – and now Tex is back to tell everyone about it. He stalks the stage like an animal. I swear my pupils dilate . If John Howard hadn’t got the message thus far – Tex would of guarenteed he had by the time he was done.

Then the day ended the only way it could – You Am I style. After one roaring song – the microphone well away from Rusty – they brought out a guest lead singer. All cherubbed-faced and dark haired, ice-free Phil Jamieson marched on stage fresh out of rehab. And by golly – did he put his critics to shame. Phil ripped into Berlin Chair and even had Rogers smiling at his on stage antics. Damn good that he’s back.

Finally the day was brought to a close the only way a slightly boozy crowd of union heavies would find fitting…with Phil and You Am I belting out some Rose Tattoo. I could hear out-of tune blokes still singing as I wandered away from the day … “You’ve got to realize that you’re the real people – we cant be beaten. We can rule the streets – we cant be beaten…Its just up to you and me…” Time will tell.