I woke up today excited to start day two! Today was the day of nostalgia: Third Eye Blind, Incubus, Andrew McMahon – the artists of my childhood. Not to mention the band I was most excited to see this weekend, Misterwives.
Ah, Misterwives. I have loved their music for years, but had never had the chance to see them live. That changed today! Their performance was, as I expected, off the charts incredible. Mandy Lee impressed every listening ear with her flawless vocals, even when jumping around like an adorable Zumba instructor. Watching their set, all was right in the world, especially when they covered “Dreams” by The Cranberries. It was musical karma for the terrible Cranberries cover attempted by Chainsmokers the night before. I never wanted their set to end, but unfortunately, it did. Next up was the throwback I had been waiting for, Third Eye Blind.
The nostalgia was there with Third Eye Blind, suddenly it was 1997 again. They did not disappoint in playing the classics: Jumper, Semi-Charmed Life, and all of the other ’90s anthems we know and love. Stephan Jenkins was rallying to put on a good show for us. He told us that he was diagnosed with walking pneumonia and bronchitis this morning, but after a shot of steroids to the neck, he felt well enough to put on a terrifically ’90s show. He did not want to let us down, especially since they are not even on tour right now, they agreed to play Bunbury as a one-off. Thank you Third Eye Blind for picking us, and for rallying.
There’s always that artist that surprises you at a festival. Tonight, that was Griz. Admittedly, I had not heard much of his music. I knew he was a producer, but that’s about it. And those artists can be hit or miss as live performers. But in addition to his turntables, he also had an electric guitarist on stage playing over the tracks, and even pulled out a saxophone himself. EDM meets funk. I can get down with that.
Soon it was time for Andrew McMahon, who made me question why more bands don’t use inflatable dancing tube men in their sets. His stage setup was almost as fun as his set. One of the coolest moments was when Andrew McMahon took a moment to talk about RooChute, an organization that highlights the importance on mental health, getting awareness out there with a giant rainbow parachute. As he sent the parachute into the crowd, he spoke about how ten years ago he didn’t think he would still be alive today, let alone playing a festival to tens of thousands of people with a beautiful daughter waiting at home. It was a perfect collaboration, and an inspiring message. Then he played “Dark Blue”, and all the sudden, I was 15 again.
Foster the People was next up on the bill. The field was a flood of people, shoulder to shoulder, and I have never been happier to be on the other side of the fence in VIP. Mark Foster was clearly a student of ’70s rock’n’roll. He strut up and down that stage and grinded on the speakers like a modern Mick Jagger or Freddie Mercury. He solidified his rock’n’roll status when they covered The Ramone’s “Blitzkreig Bop”.
The night ended with Incubus. I had one wish for their set, which was to hear Megalomania performed live. My wish came true, and it was even better live than jamming out to it in my car as a teenager. Once they finished all their own hits, they moved on to some other hits, covering Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” – a cheeky tribute to their own song “Wish You Were Here” – and INXS’ “Need You Tonight”. There was something oddly perfect about them covering INXS. Brandon Boyd had fun with the set, passing the mic around the audience for good jokes. Some were good, some were not so good, some Brandon Boyd said he was going to steal. The set ended in 1999 with “Drive”. I told you, today was the day of nostalgia.
We all left the festival satisfied with a nearly perfect festival day. Can’t wait for day three!
Did you like this post? Check out these related posts!
Wow sounds amazing! Would love to get to Bunbury sometime. I’ve seen Incubus love in South Africa and they were epic! Sounds like I need to add Bunbury to my bucket list
I’d not actually heard of Bunbury until this post! But I love festivals and Incubas are awesome. Great post love x
Wow this sounds great – I’d never heard of this festival before, but it looks brilliant!
I’ve never been to a music festival. It looks a bit too chaotic for my taste. But it sounds like you’re having a great time!
Watching artists of your younger years is such a cool experience! It sounds like you had a lot of fun!
It seems you had fun at Bunbury music festivals. I normally not visit music festivals due to crowds but this looks like a good experience.
Wow this sounds like a great show. I love music but unfortunetly hvnt been to many shows. Hope to visit one soon !
Bunbury sounds like an amazing festival! It looks like you had a great time there. Music festivals during the summer are always a cool activity! 🙂
What a fun and nostalgic festival. It’s always great seeing childhood bands in such a festive environment. I have not heard of Bunbury, but it sounds like a festival I should add to my list.
I haven’t been to any music festival yet. I don’t think so ill be able to enjoy it as much as you did. But i wish to attend Ghazal concert some day 🙂