We’re back in Sydney, fresh off the back of a terrific Splendour 2019. The massive festival’s final day was full of some incredible performances, plus more than a few special surprises.
Here’s what you missed if you weren’t at North Byron Parklands yesterday.
Missed the madness up at North Byron Parklands? Here’s what went down on the final night of Splendour 2019.
Despite a very, very large Saturday night for most, huge crowds turned up for opening sets from both Spacey Jane and Pist Idiots. A congregation of Pist Idiots fans in matching yellow band tees found each other in the pit, joining arm-in-arm for a massive sing-a-long and some healthy moshing.
Auckland indie band The Beths were incredible, as we’ve pretty much come to expect. In fact the whole day was a tour-de-force of rock music class, from the iconic anthems of Last Dinosaurs to the grunge-y goodness of Charly Bliss.
As we hit golden hour, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ set the GW McLennan tent on fire, melting every face under the canvas. While they were at it The Rubens were getting started on a filled-out main stage performance, working through their three studio albums while a starry-eyed crowd watched on.
When their set was drawing to a close, an ecstatic G Flip joined onstage for a tandem drum solo with The Rubens’ Scott Baldwin, followed by a duet performance of Never Ever.
And the quality did not drop from there. Local Natives and Matt Corby both laid down entrancing sets on their respective stages as the sun went down, and then it was time for James Blake to hit the amphitheatre.
Having played the same venue three years ago, Blake was no stranger to Splendour’s biggest stage. His set was meticulous and totally spellbinding; incredibly considered, wildly weird, and packed end to end spine-tingling vocals.
SZA then took to the main stage, mainly playing hits from her chart-busting album Ctrl, as well as an unexpected yet very welcome cover of Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag.
In lieu of Chance The Rapper’s drop-out, Hilltop Hoods followed up. It was a tough spot to fill but they filled it, working the crowd into a 20,000 person frenzy of noise and joy. Say what you will about the last minute addition, but these fellas always put on a party.
