We Gong Crawled, and Here’s How it Went.
Words and Images by Emma Burne
This past Saturday, hundreds of punters flocked and filled the main streets of Wollongong - more than enough to confuse the local laggers who weren’t up with the latest and greatest which was the annual Gong Crawl - where 9 venues were filled with an assortment of live music events. I, of course, was there. Fresh off the wind of a friend’s housewarming, the whistle was wet; the wind was cool and the sun was beginning to set. After catching some DJ action at Humber, we were lucky enough to bear witness to L.O.W’s first ever Dicey’s show. It was rock we wanted, and it was rock that we got. There was no time to waste as we pounded the pavement in our newly beer-stained shirts towards 130 studios to see Business Doing Pleasure - they never disappoint.
L.O.W at Dicey Riley's.
Business Doing Pleasure played at 130 Art Studios.
Next on my roster was Society City. Sevilles and seven dollar beers might be the next big thing - well it should be anyway. After months of hearing good things about Sevilles, I was not let down. Be sure to jump at the next opportunity to see them! By this point, the beers were beering, the crowds were crowding and Battlesnake was… well, Battlesnaking. At Lalala’s. Truly a breathtaking spectacle.
Sevilles played at Society City.
Battlesnake at Lalala's.
Of course, Dust made their way to the stage and the whole room was having a blast - especially Adam on the Saxophone. HOON and Private Function tore up the Dicey's stage while I was elsewhere, and the always sexy Discb!tch rounded up the evening.
Dust played at Lalala's.
SpeedDrive (and all involved) really know how to throw an event,and curate a lineup. Each venue and its lineup made perfect sense - everything fit together like the most special jigsaw puzzle. Aside from some speakers blowing and Side Door Theatre’s headliner Besties being unable to play, and some hectic (yet unavoidable) lines, it really couldn’t have gone any better.
I don’t know about you, but it feels like that was the first night like that in ages where the streets are packed, and the community feel was tangible. The journey between venue to venue is just as fun as the music happenings going on inside of them, and nobody stays in the same spot for too long. It was the best day, and it’s great to see people of all ages taking to the streets in the name of live music. I only wish I could’ve split myself into nine parts to watch all the acts. And the bruises were free! If you don’t plan on going to next year’s Gong Crawl - you’re really missing out. I can’t wait to see those cute little worms again next year!