KEY POINTS:
It's the biggest music event of the year and we've got it well and truly covered. A Herald contingent of five writers, two photographers and you, the public, will be sharing their thoughts throughout the day right here.
* Review the Big Day Out for us! On the day, send your pxts and reviews to 021 YRNEWS (021 976 397) or bdopix@nzherald.co.nz and we will run a selection of them online.
TimeOut editor Russell Baillie will be leading the Herald's coverage, alongside entertainment writers Scott Kara and Rebecca Barry, while online entertainment editor Megan Gibb and reporter Joanna Hunkin will fill you in on all the goss with their up-to-the-minute blog.
With 12 hours of music mayhem ahead of us, we've made a list of our picks before the day kicks off. Will they live up to expectations? Check back throughout the day to find out.
Russell Baillie: The Killers - loved the album and it's so good to hear a big American band at a Big Day Out playing songs in a major key for a change. And they will be the last decent tunes you'll hear before we get to the prog-rock head-to-head of Muse and Tool; David Kilgour & the Heavy Eights - a preview copy of his fine new album suggests Kilgour's songwriting is on the upswing and his guitar playing remains magical. Perfect for a sunny afternoon; and Shapeshifter - the biggest New Zealand band at this year's show aren't a bunch of guitar guys but the Boiler Room-headlining drum'n'bass unit who have become our greatest dance exponents.
Scott Kara: Tool - because they rule; My Chemical Romance - out of interest; Shapeshifter - to get sweaty. But really, just go hard and see as many as you can.
Rebecca Barry: For something a bit different: Hot Chip - because they're laaaaidback; Lupe Fiasco - the next Kanye?; and The Veils - to put you in a dark mood for Tool.
Megan Gibb: My Chemical Romance - just becasue that last single of theirs (Welcome to the Black Parade) is so damn catchy; Lupe Fiasco - Nice to see a quality rap act in the lineup; The Killers - I liked their first album. Honestly not a lot else grabs me, but we shall see where the day takes me.
Joanna Hunkin: Lily Allen - who can resist the charms of a fast-talking, smart arse; The Veils - one of New Zealand's hottest music exports; and The Killers - well, they're just good, aren't they?
