GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL // CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS SYDNEY // 7TH DECEMBER 2024 // LIVE PHOTO GALLERY + REVIEW
The heavens sure did open up and let it pour down in Sydney on the 7th of December, but that didn’t deter festival goers as they all lined up waiting for the gates to open at Centennial Park. Excitement filled the air as everyone started to head into the grounds singing out lyrics to Korn’s “Ya’ll Wanna Single” and a sea of rain ponchos started to fill up park as they either set out to grab some merch, flocked to the bar, or run for cover as the rain started to come down even heavier than before. Despite the rain and the humidity, it seemed to have little effect on the crowd as shirts came off in the mosh pits, mud fights were happening at the back, and people were just happy to be there witnessing some great live music and fun.
From the fantastic stacked line-up, an array of food, frozen cocktails, tattoos and a tent with live metal karaoke - Good Things Festival had plenty of Good Things happening and turned out to be an unforgettable day filled with lots of fun.
Kicking off the day was none other than Sydney’s own AVIVA - the cutest, most badass artist who’s techno-pop music took the crowd by storm (pun intended). With the downpour of rain came a downpour of energy from this incredible vocalist that made for a really good time and had the vibes starting off on a high. The techno sounds mixed with the fierce vocals were the perfect start for the ever growing crowd piling into the festival.
Bowling for Soup proved just how iconic they are as the kicked off their live set on the main stage, playing through much loved punk rock anthems like “High School Never Ends”, “Punk Rock 101”, and finishing off with the classic “1985” - bringing that old school 2000’s punk rock vibe and creating a great atmosphere with their unmatched, fun stage presence and sing-a long lyrics.
Over on stage five, post hardcore band Inertia played through a super strong set with powerhouse tracks that sent us into oblivion. The Sydney band easily showcased just why they are leading the way in the Australian heavy scene. Powerful vocals and hefty rhythm under chunky guitars were blasted out that caused the crowd to erupt into wild mayhem jumping around in the rain.
Taking over stage five was Alex Lahey, and although Destroy Boys were meant to perform with the artist, she brought her solid band with her that drove the rythym and perfectly completed the sound which left no room for disappointment.
The Living End were back over on the main stage and are Aussie rock at it’s finest as they launched their set with “Second Solution" and finished it off with one of the best tracks to ever come out of Australian music “Prisoner of Society” which caused an almighty sing-along from the almighty sea of people.
The trio know how to work a crowd and put on one hell of a performance - they are such an entertaining bunch that we are so very lucky to have in Aus.
All the way from the UK and also playing all the way over the other side of the park Frank Turner took to the stage bringing the UK weather with him. As the rain started to fall a bit softer it was very fitting with his honest folk/punk esqe tunes that he and his band performed. Playing a stellar setlist of around 12 songs that included ‘Girl From The Record Shop”, “Polaroid Picture”, and my personal favourite “Get Better”. It was a great time for fans to sing in the rain.
Northlane turned up the energy to full gear over on stage two with their mighty progressive metal sound that had fans crowd surfing and flying over the barricade with a look of pure happiness on their faces. Heads were banging and beers were thrown into the air while lead singer Marcus Bridge screamed the lyrics into the mic with his vigorous vocals that packed a punch and left you wanting more when the band finished up.
Fans old and new gathered around stages three and four as the legends from Dragon appeared with smiles on their faces before starting off with classic “Speak No Evil”. Hands in the air from the crowd as the band played through a handful of their most loved songs ending the set with fan favourite “Rain” which was pretty ironic right as the sun started to shine.
Rain ponchos were stripped and thrown as the sun came out and truly cooked everyone alive while heavy giants Mastodon jumped on the main stage. These legends truly put on a hefty performance with potent vocals, loud bass, and fierce guitar that the fans absolutely ate up. As their set was coming to an end it was so fucking good to be able to hear “Blood and Thunder” live and from the looks of it, the crowd felt the same - circle pits, crowdsurfing and head banging was just the tip of the iceberg of what went down in the pit for Mastodon.
It is seriously such a joy and a pleasure to watch Killing Heidi live. Siblings Jesse and Ella have energy that is just unmatched when it comes to performing, feeding off each other and the crowd is just so fun to watch and be apart of. Playing through their classic album “Reflector” we got to hear “Mascara”, “Superman/Supergirl”, “Live Without It”, and of course “Weir”. Ella Hooper always slaying with her stage outfits, sported green leopard print with a Killing Heidi shirt that she designed herself - perfection! That woman can do no wrong. Jesse wore all white with not a spot of mud on him which made me so envious! Their set truly was a huge vibe and I will never miss a chance to see them do their thing on stage.
I don’t want to be biased because L7 are my all time favourite band but they were and always will be the best at what they do. With their distinctive powerhouse punk rock sound, the band gave their all not letting the horrid sticky humidity get to them playing through new and old tracks that provided a good time for everyone. Bassist Jennifer Finch head banging with every chance and Donita Sparks being cheeky with fans - it’s always a fun time with L7.
From electric stage presence and pristine guitar solos, Aussie rockers Jet have still got it. Mixed with a lot of dancing and screams from the mosh of sweaty bodies, this was a performance that you would be sad you missed. Absolutely killing it on stage 2, these guys were showing everyone just how good they really are.
I had never heard of The Gaslight Anthem before but you can consider me an instant fan after their live performance blew me away. There is just something about these guys that is so fun to watch and I loved every moment of it - I mean how can you not love a band with a song called “Mudholland Drive”?!
Playing a set of 11 songs, The Gaslight Anthem shared smiles between each other and fans while diving into their choice of their catchiest tunes that was thoroughly enjoyed by fans.
People were buzzing with excitement waiting for the Violent Femmes to take over the main stage and when they did they were met with an explosion of screams and cheers left, right and centre. They wasted no time and started their set with “Blister In The Sun” which of course it felt like every person there knew the lyrics and was echoing it back to the band. After a while they introduced sax and box drummer player that really elevated the sound and took it to the next level.
Catching Electric Callboys set was like being in a fever dream that I never wanted to wake from. Their catchy electronic metal sound was both mind blowing and mind fucking. Pyro canons, confetti, lots of dancing, and an INSANE amount of energy is how you would describe the 45 minutes that was witnessed. Each member played their part in bringing the vibe and giving all they got out to the crowd which was fed on and thrown back at them. Such a fun, fun time that will never leave my mind.
Billy Corgan got together with The Delta Riggs and brought a special, somewhat intimate feel to the night with the softer sounds of the instruments mixed with Billy’s very distinctive vocals. It felt wholesome seeing the singer smile out to the crowd multiple times during the performance. The low light and sweet sounds brought a calm atmosphere before the storm erupted which would be the last band of the night and headlining band KORN.
The crowd was already geared up and ready to go even before KORN stepped foot on stage and that’s when you know shit is about to get real. Intro music started to play through the speakers which sent a wave of screams from the entire park as everyone was their to witness the chaos. The moment the band stepped out they smashed into the hefty rift of “Here to Stay” which made the ground start to shake with the amount of bass rippling out and movement from the crowd cascading in. The atmosphere was unbeatable as everyone was riding on a high. Fourteen absolute bangers were played as well as an encore which had fans absolutely frothing from the start.
“Blind”, “A.D.I.D.A.S”, “Ya’ll Want A Single” were just some of the tracks that melted off the setlist and fans got to enjoy.
It really was a great fucking time to say the least.
Good Things without a doubt went completely off it’s hinges this year in Sydney. It was filled to the brim with incredible acts, stellar entrainment, good food, shuffle pants, and flowing drinks. Despite the unpredictable weather and being coated in mud, the massive crowd made the most of it and had a hell of a time.
If you missed out on the fun, there’s always next year!
