The Living End & Bodyjar & Eskimo Joe
Mackay Music Bowl, 12th September 1999
by J Freak

Sunday night, usually quiet in our little corner of the world.  But not on September 12th.

A committed group of six of us made the trip from our home town of Moranbah (about 200 km west of Mackay) in a beat up old Valiant to attend the Living End concert at the Mackay Music Bowl.  Approximately 2000 other punters joined us by paying for tickets and supported the bands.  During the night I saw about 30 people jump the fence at the back and get to see The Living End for free.  I like their attitude but don't support their actions.

The night started with a set from Eskimo Joe.  As is unfortunately the case in our "Country Music" area, many concert goers sat down for this band until they played......you guessed it, the Sweater Song.  Ah, gotta love those fans of the latest and greatest music charts.  At this stage I was enjoying a few brews along with my mates in the secluded area for us older, more responsible concert goers!

Bodyjar took the stage and were immediately more recognisable to these country kids than Eskimo Joe.  The mosh pit had started to grow in size, just not activity.

Then, the ultimate moment - The Living End.  These guys were a blast.  They introduced us to some of the material which might be on their upcoming album, and I must say I was impressed.  The old favourites - Prisoner of Society, Second Solution and Save the Day were met with a huge upsurge in moshing.  Their new song "Dirty Man" defintiely sounds good live.  The biggest songs of the night were without doubt Tainted Love and Monday.

The Living End are in my opinion one of the top three bands in Australia at this point.  Their energy on stage is immense and their concerts are exceptional.  Considering that I have seen them do basically the same set three times and can still enjoy the experience should tell you the quality of this band.