Day one of Splendour 2019 is wrapped up, and every soul in North Byron Parklands is flying high. Despite the hangovers.
The Friday night saw a ton of local favourites hit the big stages, from the rabid punk goodness of A. Swayze & The Ghosts to a blissful performances from day one headliners Tame Impala. Here’s what else went down.
Day one of Splendour 2019 was a tour-de-force of home grown talent. Here’s what went down.
Amphitheatre opener Tones And I (previously a Needle In The Hay finalist for her track Johnny Run Away) drew an absolutely massive crowd for her midday time slot, possibly the biggest we’ve ever seen for an act on that early. Splendour was just further proof that she’s ready to absolutely blow up.
Lastlings and A. Swayze & The Ghosts both entranced audiences in their own way, Lastlings with their cinematic electronica and The Ghosts with sheer bravado. Make sure you head along to our Issue 12 Launch on August 16th in Sydney if you want to see the latter in all their glory.
As the afternoon went on we were treating to sets from Aussies Hayden James, Odette, Thelma Plum, Winston Surfshirt, and Rebel Yell, a menagerie of genres and sounds unified by the quality of their performances.
UK rapper Dave was a highlight – following a viral video of him inviting a fan onstage at Glastonbury he wasted no time doing the same, bringing a grinning punter up top to join him for a verse.
As the night began to close, Santigold hit the amphitheatre while Broods set the Mix Up tent on fire. Foals followed up on the outdoor stage, warming the crowd up for what was to be a massive headline set.
Having played the world’s biggest stages, it was clear from the opening moments of Tame Impala’s slot that this band had elevated themselves completely. The sound design, visuals, and the performance from King Kev were all on another level.
Their set included modified live versions of Elephant, Apocalypse Dreams and Let It Happen, which they opened with. Why Won’t They Talk To Me, The Less I Know The Better, and Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind also all went off. Every track did, really.
As he wrapped up what had been a blissful hour and 15 minutes, Kevin Parker addressed the crowd full of love; “We’ll see you again very soon, I promise”.
