Now the Big Day Out has returned to the Mecca of my concert experiences and going by the gong that fans have given it, the BDO is set to be a success at the Springs for a few full moons to come.
Right now we are in the middle of concert season and back in the day at this time the Mount Soundshell was the place to party. The annual Sunset Concerts put on by a couple of local Doobie Brothers was a night to remember. Not only for the amazing acts such as Hello Sailor, Blerta, DD Smash, Pink Flamingos, Father Thyme, Butler, Ali Mathews band and many others, but the atmosphere with its 'add-ons' looking out to the ocean were mesmerising.
The legacy of Ali Mathews lives on today with the recent New Year's concert at the Mount Main Beach where the Daughters of Ali gave a standout performance, as did the Generators who we danced the night away with - or should I say shuffled in the New Year!
While sitting (and shuffling) in front of the stage, I couldn't help see the irony of looking to the left where once stood the Green House, our headquarters of hedonism for many Mounties of that era and the flat we lived in and left from to attend the Led Zep concert so many full moons ago.
In between the good, the bad and the religious experiences that the rose tinted concerts took me on, there were a few far out ones that even the unclouded brain cells of my memory can recall.
The first Nambassa Festival was one such concert where clothes were worn only to add colour to your 'aura' and the name Coromandel had guru like status if you happen to come from one of its many whole earth communes.
Soon after came Sweetwaters that soon turned sour when the promoters sampled too much of their own merchandise and the peace, love and hippiness of the golden era we were so fortunate to grow up in, packed up their house trucks and disappeared back into the wilderness of Coromandel.
For me, this New Year's concert at the Mount Main Beach was as good as any I have attended, and all for free.
Many of my mates who wanted the vibe and a bit of Bob seemed a little let down with Bay Park on New Year's and the sound system at G2 was disappointing but saved by the countdown that some say was 'G'elicous.
Soon the Parachute Festival will happen over the Kaimais. Not having ever attended one, as the cross I carry would be far too heavy to take with me, all reports say this festival is now becoming the benchmark for all others to follow, with the well-balanced mix of music they are feeding to their flock.
But back to our own backyard and the gigs we have on the musical menu. Wharepai Domain on Valentine's Day with Stan Walker and Breaks Co-op will be a marvellous night for a romantic Moondance, as will Brilleaux out at Papamoa Beach on Waitangi Day and Other Roads at the Te Puna Hall tonight.
For this ageing hippy, outdoor concerts are a bit like a Christmas cracker or indeed life itself. You never know what you're going to get, but most times you will get what you need.
broblack@xtra.co.nz
