Proof that Nothing Dampens the Spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Written by: Suze Blacketer - Recurrent Verse | Wednesday 23rd November 2022

Greeted by lips that would make Mick Jagger jealous we made our way into what is hopefully the first of many HARVEST ROCK festivals here in Adelaide.

Day One

With a stellar Day One line-up we were treated to acts such as Australian legends YOU AM I and GOANNA, TONES AND I, MEG MAC, THE LUMINEERS, ALLEN STONE, THE BLACK CROWES, GROOVE ARMADA and JACK WHITE.

What started as a steamy 24-degree day turned quickly as the predicted rain finally arrived. Punters were not going to let a bit of water dampen their enthusiasm, coming prepared with ponchos or just embracing the fact that we were going to get wet!

The soulful tones of American ALLEN STONE and his band kicked off our day. If you missed their set, you did yourself a disservice. Stone held the audience captive with his mesmerizing tones and his on-stage swagger. Although all eyes were on Stone as he prowled the stage, his band are incredibly talented musicians, and one couldn’t help but watch in awe as the sounds of their instruments wrapped around Stone’s vocals.  

It was coming to the pointy end of the day where we had to start making the hard decisions about who to watch. Cheers to the Harvest crew for making the walk between stages fairly painless!

YOU AM I were up next delivering a fun performance of their back catalogue which had the crowd up and rocking. A quick sing-along to some tunes and it was time to dash to the Harvest Stage.  

MEG MAC, who brought along her sister to sing with her, gave us a feel-good set. Now I’m not saying that Meg has a direct line to the weather gods but as the opening notes of ‘Something In The Water’ played the skies opened up. Punters took it on the chin and a sea of plastic covered bodies grooved through the rest of the set. It wasn’t the only time over the weekend where we had moments an artist would mention rain and the sky would open up!!

A highlight for many of us older rockers was 80’s folk-rock group GOANNA. “This is highly improbable, we shouldn’t be here, but we are”, frontman Shane Howard told the crowd. Playing songs such as ‘Razors Edge’, ‘Stand Your Ground’ and an amazing rendition of ‘Solid Rock’ it was a privilege to witness what was probably the last time this band will ever play together.

TONES AND I performed her hit songs surrounded by her ‘Welcome To The Madhouse’ set and accompanied by her amazing choir. Parents grooving and singing with their children was something that really set this day apart from other festivals.

THE LUMINEERS set was definitely one of the highlights of my day. Their rousing rendition of ‘Ho Hey’, and the soulful ‘Ophelia’ being favourites for me. Not only are the band talented musicians, but the camaraderie on stage is delightful to witness.

THE BLACK CROWES came to ‘Shake Their Money Maker’ for us. Frontman Chris Robinson has absolutely still got it, giving us over an hour of some of the classics and finishing with one of their biggest hits ‘Remedy’

JACK WHITE came and conquered Harvest Rock Festival. A relentless set, scattered with his solo works and a sprinkling of THE WHITE STRIPES hits he played to an adoring packed house. Finishing with SEVEN NATION ARMY was the perfect ending to a fabulous day of music.

Day 2

Mother nature missed the memo that we need sunshine. Colourful characters and clothing, hidden by plastic ponchos, gumboots and umbrellas, made their way through the big red lips for day 2 of Harvest Rock Festival. Big thanks to all the festival staff that made entering on both days seamlessly easy.

A late start and we caught what would have to be one of the best performances of the Festival. GENESIS OWUSU captured the crowd’s attention from the moment he stepped on stage. His high energy set was complimented by masked dancers who glided and gyrated across the stage. If you get the chance make sure you get to see him at lease once.

Australia’s rockabilly kings THE LIVING END were up next. Years on and their high energy has not abated. Dancing became mandatory and the crowd’s voices went up a notch. Never failing to put on a damn fine show it was hard to tear ourselves away.

ANGUS & JULIA STONE. I had waited 20 years for this moment, and I was not disappointed. I’m not ashamed to say that this set brought tears to my eyes. There is something magical about this brother and sister and the music that they make together.  My day could have ended there but THE TESKEY BROTHERS were calling my name.

Blues outfit, THE TESKEY BROTHERS played to a packed house of eager punters who watched spellbound while the brothers showed us why they are up there with the best in the country. The “dancefloor” had become a “mud floor” and as people kicked up their feet the deluge of rain continued. A beautiful version of ‘Jealous Guy’ was a highlight from the band.

A quick dash over to check out THE AVALANCHES saw probably one of the biggest crowds so far today. A sea of people packed in tight still managing to get their groove on to the beats coming from the speakers.

It was time to grab a bite to eat. There was a wide and varied selection of foods on offer over the course of the weekend. Wait times were minimal for food and at the bars that were scattered around the venue. Harvest Rock need to be congratulated on having such well set out areas. Everything was well sign-posted and there was minimal distance to walk between everything.

Sadly, the weather decided that it was time to head home earlier than expected. Drenched to the bone and unable to feel fingers and toes we meandered slowly back through those amazing lips for one last time.

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