In stark contrast to 2007, the weather played a different role at the Good Vibrations Festival, at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne. Instead of running under umbrellas for shade, masses of dolled up women dragged their friends and their belongings to the drink tents to escape the light showers that marred much of the proceedings intermittently.

However the weather could not dull the tunes coming from the 5 stages around the expansive Sidney Myer Music Bowl. As always, the main (Good Vibrations) stage celebrated some of the more ‘headline’ acts such as Calvin Harris, Cypress Hill and Kanye West, whilst also allowing the likes of Thievery Corporation, Agent 86 and Steve Lind the chance to warm the crowd.

From the top of the hill looking down towards the stage, the mass of bodies cheering, dancing and drinking with friends was a great sight

Not matter what the vantage point, the view was awesome. Some of the more intense fans flocked to the seating rows in front of the stage to enjoy the atmosphere, whilst others braved the damp grass and parked a posse on the hill. From the top of the hill looking down towards the stage, the mass of bodies cheering, dancing and drinking with friends was a great sight. I must also note that whilst some events have the card system for drinks, being able to join one of the many direct lines at the drinks stand was a great deal easier and more accommodating to large crowds.

Even with such large names colouring the main stage, the other surrounding stages still managed to pull decent sized crowds. I managed to spend a bit of time at the Roots and Chinese Laundry stages, enjoying the talent on offer there. Of particular note was the male DJ/female vocal combination of local DJ Perplex and A-love and Katalyst on the Roots stage.

It may have been a sound technicality, however from the vantage point at the top of the hill overlooking the crowd and onto the stage where Kanye West performed; the music seemed to drown out his vocals, leaving a slightly bitter taste in one’s mouth. I could hear all around me, people remarking at how lacklustre the performance was, despite an awesome lighting display throughout. Perhaps in comparison to Snoop Dogg at last year’s Festival, who engaged the audience and held our attention, Kanye just didn’t stack up.

Despite that disappointing end note, it was not enough to erase the overall imprint the previous proceedings had left in our minds and hearts. And despite the rain’s best efforts, it could not dampen the crowds spirits.

Good Vibrations has always been a great festival to hang out with friends and celebrate life and music, and regardless of a few minor omissions, Good Vibrations 2008 was no exception.

Tags: Good Vibrations Festival