Yet, there’s been a revival. In 2017, Download arrived to the glee of a strong music contingent and now there’s a new player in town – Good Things Festival, welcoming heavy talents old and new, from at home and abroad.
What is it?
Good Things Festival marks a new era for alternative music fans bringing together some of the most acclaimed rock, punk and metal bands of generation now and generations past. Touring the east coast, the festival will hit Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and its scope and selection of international and Australian musical talents is not to be passed up. With a slogan “Something has entered the atmosphere. Something positive; Something…Good. Something…Different”, there is no denying that they’ve got something exceptional in store.
Lineup
The Good Things lineup is nothing short of impeccable across its four stages. In fact, it’s almost too good to be true. American rock band and alternative rock favourites The Offspring will grace the stage, performing their acclaimed third album Smash in its entirety for the very first time on Australian shores. Expect to see kick-ass band Stone Sour, Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys and Welsh metal kingpins Bullet for My Valentine. On the local front, be sure not to miss Sydney’s metalcore band Northlane and emerging Melbourne five-piece Stuck Out.
When is it and where am I going?
Melburnians can mark Friday December 7 in their calendars as a day to take off as the festivities take over Flemington Racecourse. Take a short train ride from the CBD to Flemington Racecourse Station and from 11.30am have all the best punk, rock and metal music take over your senses. Make sure to leave lots of time so you can get through the gates. Looking at the set times, you’ll want to make sure you’re their nice and early for Ecca Vandal at 12.15pm, Northlane at 1.45pm and Make Them Suffer at 2.45pm.
What to bring
With Melbourne weather being decidedly unpredictable, what to bring to a day festival can be tricky business. Sunscreen is a vital essential even if the weather man says it’ll be cloudy. While it may not look particularly cool, a rain poncho can be a life saver if the heavens decide to relieve themselves. Might be worth bringing a jumper also as Melbourne nights can turn in a heartbeat. Bring an empty water bottle to fill up inside and some packed snacks if you wish. Then it’s just your ID, ticket and dancing shoes. Time to party.
What’s the food sitch?
There will be food in abundance for punters to choose from. Food trucks will create a village to wander through and ponder over the always difficult decision. Head to the festival’s bar for a drink and gather around tables and chairs or laze on the grass. Keep a look out for water re-fill stations as well because you’ll have to stay hydrated.
Beat’s Top Picks
Early gem: Ecca Vandal – 12.15pm on Stage 4
Middle maestro: Bullet for My Valentine – 4.45pm on Stage 1
Diamond in the rough: BABYMETAL – 3.15pm on Stage 1
Not-to-be-missed: The Offspring – 8.45pm on Stage 1
