SWEETWATERS'82

Rip It Up, Issue 52, 1 November 1981, Page 2

SWEETWATERS'B2

Duncan Campbell

Planning is well in hand for Sweetwaters 1982, and organiser Daniel: Keighley has no doubts it'll be a huge success. Two reasons here, one being the international reputation gained by the last two festivals. "In the past it's been a matter of me going to England, ferreting around for somebody who's good enough to bring over, and is willing to come. Now they're coming to us." The second reason is that Sweetwaters now has its own' permanent site. "We were forced to move away from Ngaruawahia because the land was sold. We've purchased a site at Opitia, not far from Pukekawa, and at the edge of the Waikato River. "We selected it because it had a separate exit and entrance, which is something we've never had in the past. This made it very difficult for the traffic generally on the old site. We also selected this site because the great majority of it is flat. Wherever you are, you can always see the main stage area, which means you'll never get lost." The actual area of the site is smaller, but because it's less hilly, there's just as much space. There are three amphitheatres on this site. The main one is estimated as having twice the capacity of Western Springs. The second . one is about the same size as last year's Aerial Railway, while the third, smallest area will bring a new live attraction to the festival. "This new, third area will have , its own PA system in an area

totally removed from the other two, so it's quiet, and we'll have a folk festival running at the same time." Facilities are much the same, only improved, by virtue of having the permanent site. It's hoped about half the toilets will be permanent ones, as , well as at least one permanent shower block. More permanent facilities will be added in subsequent years. ’ The Waikato River is within easy walking distance for a dip. Safety ramps have been built, but people should remember that the Waikato is a swift-flowing river. The swimming area is close to the river mouth, and the safe areas will ' be marked and patrolled. There are between 150 and 170 acres of camping available, but more land will be leased closer to the dates if thought necessary. Crowd capacity is being limited to 35,000 for the sake of comfort. The site is only 45 minutes drive from Auckland. "The limitation is a necessity. To go beyond that it's almost impossible to provide reasonable facilities for everybody, so there'll be 35,000 tickets printed, and that'll be that." The usual sideshow attractions will be running, with an expanded children's area, and a greater contribution from alternative lifestyles, since Nambassa won't be running next year. And the big question: What will be seeing musically? "The first international act confirmed is Meatloaf, who will be an interesting act, I think, touring with an entourage of 37.

It's almost a rock opera on stage. We've been working on that for something like a year now. "From Australia, we'll have Cold Chisel and the Angels, each headlining a night, plus Mental As Anything, plus four other Australian acts I haven't yet been able to confirm." Why all the Aussie acts? "Well, it's happening both ways. There seems to be an interchange going on. New Zealand bands with a lot less experience than in the past are going to Australia, and getting taken in there, while a lot of the Australian bands are coming here. So it's not just a one-way thing, and it's a pleasing one in many ways." Most of the expatriate bands will be coming back from Oz for the festival, including NZ Pop (ex Pop Mechanix) and the Pink Flamingos. And most of the known local bands will also be there, of course. The sound system on the main stage is a local one, belonging to Oceania Audio. It has 135,000 watts of power, and those who caught Split Enz on their last tour can testify just how good it is. Sweetwaters 1982 will be held on the 29th, 30th and 31st of January, and the Ist of February, with live music every night. At least one other act will be coming from the northern hemisphere, but details have yet to be confirmed. Tickets will be $28.90, and that price gets you in, and gives you a parking or camping space. See you there.