A change is in the wind

Press, 9 February 1984, Page 18

A change is in the wind

By

NEVIN TOPP

In spite of some comments to the contrary, I believe that the next Sweetwaters South music festival will not retain the same format — if it goes ahead at all (the promoter has only indicated that the format will be different).

What is more likely is instead of four overseas acts, there will be one or two big headliners, and perhaps some Australian and New Zealand bands.

I was disappointed with the crowd size on Monday and I would think that the organisers would be too. But given the high unemployment rate, with tickets costing $28.50, and the university year yet to start, these may have been factors against a higher attendance.

In the festival’s favour was an excellent line-up of bands, a reasonably fine day, and pre-opening sales of 11,500, so it was certainly surprising to hear a figure of 15,000 being bandied around. The Split Enz show at the same venue had pre-

sales of about 2500, but a warm evening swelled the crowd to about 7000. Although the organisers tried to promote Sweetwaters South as a family the high price of the tickets may have mitigated against it being just that. So if there is a festival next year, the organisers may have to look hard at what they can do to boost attendance. Christchurch has always looked north in anguish to watch top overseas acts pass through the North Island without crossing Cook Strait. The festival organisers said this was one of the reasons for bringing the show to Christchurch, to see if the support was equal to the criticism of the lack of tours.

There may be worse to follow, if Kenny Rogers can pull more at the same venue on March 6, than the four overseas bands and two local ones on Waitangi Day. In spite of the endurance aspect of the festival, all the bands were enjoyable, although the short set by the

Pretenders was disappointing. It was a pity that the earlier bands were not able to use a backdrop like that for Talking Heads, because a lot of sound and vision was lost — almost a case of not being able to see the members for the trees. Certainly, Talking Heads had the advantage — night, lighting, and visual excitement — but it can’t diminish the efforts of Simple Minds and Jo Boxers, both of whom were interesting to watch and hear. The organisers and the audience learned a lot from the 12-hour event. The organisers might have to look at ways of speeding up entry to the park, and also allowing people out of the park to go to cars and shops to get things. It was refreshing to be able to leave the arena for a short while. My best memory of the festival is a person turning to me and asking: “What band is this?” as Simple Minds played superbly. Surely a case of boredom or just wanting to be in the right place.