Soundwave Melbourne 2012

Once again, Melbourne Showgrounds were overrun with rock fans as Soundwave 2012 rolled around.

Our first stop of the day was Stage 3 to see six energetic Americans known as Zebrahead. Usually the stage area for the first band resembles a ghost town, but Zebrahead had a huge number of fans who had got there early to see them, and their high octane set did not fail to disappoint. The band put on a great performance, Matty and Ali performed their dual vocal duties perfectly. A great start to the day.

A quick dash over to the main stage area, and it was time for one of our favourite bands, Steel Panther. Still buzzing off of their performance at The Palace I couldn’t wait to get another taste of what the fab four have to offer. Once again, the band were pitch perfect, Michael Starr’s vocals were strong and intense. Bassist Lexxi Foxxx waved around flags reading “Please had sex with us” and it seemed there were a few girls in the crowd who were happy to oblige, and quickly flashed their boobs. They closed their set with ‘Death To All But Metal’, leaving the crowd wanting more.

As the majority of Steel Panther’s fans made a dash to the bar, Lost Prophets came out onto the adjacent stage. The Welsh band wasted no time in launching into some classic tracks and got the crowd singing along with their big choruses. Frontman Ian Watkins didn’t come across as natural on stage as Matty, Ali and Michael had earlier in the day, it was all a bit too try hard for my liking, and it numerous times it felt like the crowd had disengaged.

Sharing the same stage as Steel Panther for the second time in days were Alter Bridge, who had attracted quite the crowd. Myles Kennedy’s smooth vocals were a joy to listen to, and again, the band showcased what talented musicians they are. Last time Kennedy was on the Soundwave stage it was with Slash, and there is no doubt in my mind a number of people in the crowd were Slash fans wanting to see what Kennedy does away from Slash and I don’t think they were disappointed.

The next band we caught was Turisas, who were worlds away from the other bands we had seen so far. I have to admit, I love the blood covered, fur wearing metals heads and it seemed like the crowd did to. The standout track of their set was ‘Battle Metal’, can’t wait to have those crazy Vikings back on Australian shores, they put on a great show.

It was then back to the main stage for Bush, where it seemed as though I had gone through a time warp and was suddenly one of the youngest in the crowd. Gavin Rossdale had a natural cool about him, and seemed to capture everyone’s attention. ‘Glycerine’ was undoubtedly the highlight of their set, and by the time Bush performed that track some unlikely spectators had gathered on the side of the stage including Michael Starr and Serj Tankian.

Bad Religion stormed the stage and reminded every what punk used to be, the crowd were lapping up every second of their set; which was sadly cut short due to a problem with the stage roof.

Main stage headliners System Of A Down did not fail to disappoint, they had pulled in a massive crowd and the atmosphere was amazing. Their 90 minute set whizzed by, and while the crowd seemed concerned about Serj Tankian’s white collared shirt and jeans, as soon as he opened his mouth they were eating out of the palm of his hands. ‘Chop Suey’ was the big crowd favourite, everyone seemed to be singing along. The vision of big, hairy, burly men singing ‘Why have you forsaken me?’ will stay with me for a very long time.

I was exhausted by the end of the day and now all that’s left to say is; “Roll on Soundwave 2013!”