Rockin' For Rights

A friendly, family-oriented and much behaved crowd filed into the Sydney Cricket Ground post-a-protest to listen to acts that had been gathered together to stand up for political injustices that disadvantage the average worker. Men, women and children of all ages attended Rockin’ For Rights and the only downfall was the weather; an overcast afternoon that occasionally spat down rain.

<strong>Urban Guerillas</strong> were one of the first to play one of the shortest sets. On average most acts endured a mini-set that involved two songs, but Urban Guerillas halved that and only played one. With such political events it can be expected that political themes are more evident, and Urban Guerillas stood by their opinions and disapproval of Howard in lyrics such as “Down with John Howard”.

Fans began running swiftly to be in closer proximity of the stage where <strong>The Screaming Jets</strong> were playing. Most of the running fans were middle aged men who had caused little boys and girls to run back to their mothers. Their two songs were fine, but the highlight of their set was their fast-paced instrumental interlude that held it together.

<strong>Dallas Crane</strong> conjured up more of a crowd than any of the previous performers, and it was one that had more variety – young guns were also running up to the stage. ‘Dirty Hearts’ was the first number and the second received a unified chant in the form of monotonous claps.

<strong>The Whitlams</strong> played a set that was appreciated by most – but their piano infused tunes just don’t do it for me.

<strong>Magic Dirt</strong> and <strong>Beasts of Bourbon</strong> spit out 2 numbers each that were filled with mediocrity. Both acts seemed like strange choices for such a family friendly event.

<strong>The Herd</strong> were the only band that didn’t conform to the previously super-punctual schedule. Their groove is highly unique, their rap is slightly appealing and their quirkily created tunes were a great break from the former which was all guitars and piano. ‘Predictable’ was the second of their set, and it was most engrossing.

The rain began sprinkling down and served as the prefect back-drop for the beautiful and highly melodic sounds of <strong>Youth Group</strong>. ‘Forever Young’ was surprisingly placed first and the sea of people swayed to the tune they know so well. ‘Shadowland’ was next and while it was unrecognised by most, it was extremely tight and played with an air of beauty as it often is. Youth Group were one of the few acts who hadn’t come to just play two songs, but had come to play two songs as if it was their own full-length set.

<strong>Hoodoo Gurus</strong> wore sharp attire – candy striped pants and a 70’s inspired outfit led the group. Their two tunes received unified chants and more peopled attempted to get a glimpse of the fashion-savvy group.

<strong>You Am I</strong> had come to steal the show, and how they succeeded. ‘Get up’ was extremely strong – and the entire band played with sincerity and much effort. Phil Jamieson came to the stage – a rare appearance since his admission to rehab – looking every bit the epitome of health and with a constant boyish smile on his dial. The penultimate ‘Berlin Chair’ began with Jamieson on vocals and Tim Rogers accompanying on guitar. Jamieson served the song justice and combining the singer with the band created an eminent anthem.

Jamieson and You Am I were a hard act to follow, but a finale of Rose Tattoo’s ‘We Won’t Be Beaten’ - involving members of You Am I and Hoodoo Gurus - was able to cause the final unification of the day.

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