To celebrate its 40th birthday Australia’s home of music, Triple J, threw one hell of a hootenanny on Friday 16th January at Sydney’s famous Domain which saw a jaw-dropping lineup of homegrown musicians perform both their own music and songs that J’s audiences have adored.
Sparking a FOMO that’ll drive you insane, the Beat The Drum birthday party featured a long-list of esteemed guests, including The Presets, Adalita, Bernard Fanning, Gotye, Tkay Maidza, The Cat Empire, Vance Joy, The Preatures and Courtney Barnett (just to name a very short few), who each gave it their all to a sea of live music fans, that’s to mention the likes of special guests appearing on stage or the pull at nostalgia’s heartstrings with older hosts emceeing throughout the evening – Beat The Drum was definitely one for the books.
Of course, not everyone lucky enough to attend the once in a life time party, so we decided to piece together all the memorable moments so that we could relive the magic.
Daniel Johns’ Rendition of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ Left Fans Divided
Unquestionably the most spoken about performance of Beat The Drum came at the hands and vocal chords of Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns, who reimagined Nirvana’s cataclysmic ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ into a stripped back piano-driven tune. Alongside a soothing harp, Johns soared through his higher registry, the crowd appearing more than a little confused as to how and when to chorus in with the singer. Towards the end of the video Johns appears to have won the majority of the audience, covering such a song is never an easy task – hats off to him for bringing ‘Teen Spirit’ a different soul.
Aussie Hiphop Killed It
Like it or lump it, Aussie hiphop is here to stay, and it appeared to charm the hell of the Domain Friday night. This is probably due to the fact that Australian hiphop mainstays Hilltop Hoods were performing their 2014 smash beat ‘Cosby Sweater’ which they’ve referred to as “the most unfortunately named song of 2014” and were joined by an all-star cast of homegrown rappers including Illy, Horrorshow, Drapht, Seth Sentry, Thundamentals and the up-and-coming star, Tkay Maidza, who absolutely stole the show.
Nobody Electrifies A Crowd Like Peter Garrett
There are few in the rich tapestry of Australian music that are as adored as Midnight Oil’s leading man, Peter Garrett. Hitting the stage to give a heartfelt tribute to Triple J, Garrett’s passion was absorbed by all as the crowd’s screams shook Sydney. The stirring speech accompanied by the earsplitting cheers will send down any listeners spine.
Gotye Proved Why He’s Still One Of Our Best
Long before Wouter Andre “Wally” De Backer basically took over the world with infectious drunken screamer ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ the multifaceted artist was producing some of the most interesting music in Australia’s alternative scene, the champion tune unequivocally ‘Hearts A Mess’. Jumping on stage to perform just two tracks, Gotye reminded Triple J fans of his older catalogue, and just why he is one of Australia’s most important and innovative talents.
You Am I Lead The Ultimate Aussie Collaboration
If we’re talking about Australian music favourites alt rock legends You Am I are at the very front of any conversation. The Tim Rogers lead outfit coaxed every last punter off their feet and into a frenzy as they tore through the set, pairing perfectly with their special guests. From the energetic ‘Say I’m Good’ performance with Joelistics to Courtney Barnett lending a hand for ‘Mr. Milk’, punters definitely got the show they paid for. However, the greatest moment of You Am I’s set was when Adalita stepped on-stage, skulled a bottle of vino and absolutely smashed ‘Jewels And Bullets’.
The Event Was Epic
Obviously it’d be impossible to attend such a party and not have the best time, and our shooter Paul Thompson was present and caught some beautiful moments shared by the crowd as they celebrated Triple J’s 40th birthday. Click here to check out the full gallery of fun times.
