Falls Festival Preview
By Chris Mitchell.
2010 is drawing to a close, but for thousands of excited punters, that means one of the best weeks of the year is almost here.
Beginning with some day called ‘Christmas’, featuring some pathetic Aussie cricket, and punctuated by another great Australian holiday, Jocks Day, there is only one way to bring in 2011.
From modest beginnings, the Falls Festival has grown into one of the showcase events on Australia’s festival calendar. With its picturesque location, huge natural amphitheatre and all the best bits of the laid back surf coast vibe, Falls is truly one of those festivals where the line up isn’t necessarily that important.
Having said that, Falls has played host to some huge acts over the years, including Blondie, silverchair, Kings Of Leon, The Dandy Warhols, Jack Johnson, Modest Mouse, Pennywise and many more.
This year’s line up is once again stellar. The legendary Joan Jett, equally legendary Public Enemy, potentially legendary Interpol, and straight up legend Paul Kelly will be putting on a show to remember in both Lorne and Marion Bay.
Other internationals gracing the Falls stages include Klaxons, The National, Cold War Kids, Sleigh Bells, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, and one band on LoudNLocals personal ‘Bands to See Before We Die’ list, The Rapture. Epic dance moves will also be assured when The Cuban Brothers bring their personal style of party to Australia. BYO headband, short shorts and long socks.
Of course, Falls is nothing if not supportive of Aussie music, and the local contingent is as strong as ever in 2010. Boy-wonder Jonathan Boulet, ARIA award winner, and festival lover, Dan Sultan, the omnipresent Angus and Julia Stone, equally everywhere Washington, plus JJJ Unearthed faves such as Tim and Jean, Boy and Bear, and The Jezabels.
And Paul Kelly is playing.
There are some bands back that have become somewhat synonymous with Falls, bands such as The Beautiful Girls, who have provided some magic festival moments in the past. However, if they don’t play Periscopes, tears will be shed in the LoudNLocal headquarters, more tears than when the bobsled crashed in Cool Runnings and Jamaica lost, but we all learnt a valuable lesson about sportsmanship and friendship.
Also, Paul Kelly is playing.
Back again are Falls faves the APRA People’s Stage, where LNL may book themselves in for a rousing rendition of the Bus Stop, The Arts Village (perhaps a good place to avoid if you have over indulged), The PeopleMista, once the scene of mass panic and hysteria after rumours surfaced of some interested midnight shenanigans the previous evening, and of course all the splendid festival toilet trucks and food vans (some placed a little too close together for our liking).
Also back again this year is Falls Fave, Paul Kelly.
If you’ve been before you know what to expect, if you haven’t been, we have two suggestions for you. Sunscreen and baby wipes. No one likes a stinking tomato.
Not long to go. LNL will see you there. We will be the ones slightly to the left of stage, dancing erotically and crying when Paul Kelly plays Deeper Water. We can’t wait.
