There’s nothing more Australian than listening to Aussie rock bands on a hot summer’s day. Well today in Wollongong it’s the last Sunday in January and we are at By The C festival for a day full of quintessential Aussie rock. With the mercury tipped to hit 40 today is shaping up to be a hot one.
Hundreds of festival goers are lined up outside, making their way in, camping chair in hand looking to secure the best spot for the day ahead. Thirsty Merc is the first band on stage wasting no time, starting the day off in rocking fashion. With their highly appropriate hit “in the summertime” creating the first full crowd sing along for the day.
Novastrians The Screaming Jets burst onto the stage with a flying air kick from frontman Dave Gleeson. Signalling that the day was about to get kicked up a notch. Dave’s stage banter was hilarious throughout and lead guitarist Jimi Hocking had some impressive solo moments. Their song “better” had the largest crowd response, whether you were down the very front standing or relaxing in your chair, everyone was yelling the lyrics.
Next up braving the heat was pub rock royalty Baby Animals. Suze DeMarchi strutted her stuff on stage wearing a jumpsuit, giving a performance that cemented her place as one of Australia’s leading rock vocalists. Playing hits like “rush you”, “early warning” and “one word” it was easy to see why this band has had career longevity.
The newly reformed Noiseworks walked out on stage to huge cheers, as a large crowd had amassed in the front standing area. With the band recently celebrating the release of their new album Evolution, which is their first new album in over thirty years. Jon Stevens’ powerhouse vocals sounded better than ever. Jacks Jones from Southern Sons fame was brilliant on guitar, taking the spot of guitarist Stuart Fraser who passed away in 2019. The band played much loved songs including “touch”, “miles and miles” and “take me back”. If the day wasn’t hot enough already, “hot chilli woman” took the heat up a level. Finishing the set with a memorable cover of “rock and roll” by Led Zeppelin.
As the sun began to go down the rowdy mosh pit ready crowd began to form at the front of the stage. Rockabilly Melbourne punks The Living End were firing on all cylinders starting off with “second solution”. What followed was a high energy set including hits like “roll on”, “all torn down” and the anthem “prisoner of society”. Chris Cheney’s guitar playing was captivating, giving us a cover of “Waltzing Matilda” and even using a VB bottle to help shred solos. Scott Owen gave us a master class in double bass like only he could while drummer Andy Strachan was faster than a locomotive. Their set closed out with “white noise”, with many wishing they could have played longer.
The time had come for the headliner to take the stage. Original headliner Jimmy Barnes was unable to do the tour so Hoodoo Gurus graciously stepped in to replace. The Aria hall of fame inductees Hoodoo Gurus delivered a huge twenty two song night time set. Featuring songs from their new album Chariot of the gods as well as fan favourites like “the right time”, “come anytime” and “I want you back”. Their encore songs for the night were the timeless “what’s my scene” and “like wow-wipeout”. For a band that has been together for over fourty years they still sounded great.
By The C Wollongong was an extremely hot day both in temperature and in the hot talent on stage. Australia has some of the best rock bands in the world and today we were able to witness six of them in a seaside setting.
(photos by Christian Ross)
