BIG DAY OUT 2013
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Review
It was the hottest day in Sydney's recorded history, raising the mercury to 45.8 degrees.
But the oppressive temperature did little to melt the spirits of the Sydney Big Day Out's crowd on Friday.
Rock fans were treated to wild and loud sets from JEFF The Brotherhood, festival favourites Grinspoon and also Against Me!.
It was the latter's first visit to Australia since singer Thomas Gabel started her gender transition into Laura Jane Grace.
The incredible Gary Clark Jr mesmerised his audience with his raw, soulful guitar work - he's the real deal.
It was apparent why the 28-year-old is being compared to Jimi Hendrix.
Ironically, the Boiler Room was cooler than the main arena this year and fans packed in to see Crystal Castles, Kaskade and a live show from The Bloody Beetroots.
Band of Horses and Vampire Weekend held their own in the Big Day Out's main arena, both playing their greatest hits despite having new and upcoming records to promote.
Childish Gambino, aka comedic writer and actor Donald Glover, proved his phenomenal rapping ability, playing to a large crowd at
A blonde Karen O, in her trademark rock chic fashions, led the Yeah Yeah Yeahs through a raw and smouldering set, playing songs like Gold Lion, Zero, Cheated Hearts and Maps.
During the New York City trio's set, the sun descended and a cold change announced itself by way of a light shower.
A cool breeze swept across the arena at Sydney Showgrounds and was greeted by an almighty cheer.
The Killers confirmed their prowess as a stadium act.
Opening with anthem Mr. Brightside, the Las Vegas quartet had everyone in earshot jumping to their feet and dancing.
They played all their big hits - Somebody Told Me, Smile Like You Mean It, Human, Spaceman, Jenny Was A Friend of Mine and Runaways - and even broke into a rendition of Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over.
The Killers departed with When You Were Young.
Then it was time for the main event - funk-rock favourites the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Before their arrival on stage, the giant video screens displayed a slideshow of images encouraging the audience to support eco-pirates Sea Shepherd, including graphic photos of whales being killed by Japanese fishers.
But then the Peppers appeared, with drummer Chad Smith jumping behind his kit and kicking their set into gear.
A purple-haired Flea bounded on stage with bass in hand, soon joined by the Peppers' new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer - who has replaced his friend and collaborator John Frusciante in the line-up - and singer Anthony Kiedis.
The group kept fans happy with a smorgasbord of their classic songs, old and new.
Their set list included Soul To Squeeze, By The Way, Can't Stop, Californication, Snow (Hey Oh), Scar Tissue, Around The World and The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggic.
A particularly spine-tingling moment was when they played anthem Under The Bridge.
As always, Flea was a jack-in-the-box and wonderfully eccentric presence.
Between songs the bassist, real name Michael Balzary, did everything from encourage people to not be mean to each other - because being mean "is for cowards" - to reciting the William Blake poem The Tyger and doing a hand-stand walk across the stage.
Klinghoffer demonstrated his furious and dynamic guitar ability.
Most impressive was the Peppers' youthful exhuberance - they clearly still love playing together and highlighted their jam-band ethos by frequently improvising instrumental grooves between songs.
Although the band's fans had braved record temperatures to see them play, you could be certain that everyone would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
More of KEVIN BULL's live Big Day Out 2013 images here: http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1248442/big-day-out-2013-hottest-day-ever/?cs=386