By Sofia Silvestrini
The World Is A Vampire Festival at The Hordern Pavilion 19/04/2023
April 21, 2023
Billy Corgan is a vampire from hell – and we love him.
Legends of alt-rock. Aussie rock. Wrestling. Smashing Pumpkins’ ‘The World is a Vampire’ mini-fest promised A LOT. Did it deliver?
In a hurricane of ‘fuck yeah’s, costumes and keytars – Battlesnake crashed onto the stage with high levels of enthusiasm and noise, warming us up perfectly for Amyl and the Sniffers. But before pocket rocket Amy Taylor and co. graced the stage, we turned our attention to the wrestling ring at stage right. No background music, American commentators, and every light in the house on made for quite a contrast to what happened on main stage, but people were into it, and it made the time between bands go fast.
‘I wish I had a joke. I’m not a comedian though.’ Comedian she may not be, but wow Amy is one hell of a front person. She just doesn’t stop – middle fingers up, jumping around on amps, shaking what her mumma gave her – so much fun to watch.
More wrestling, then it was time for sleazy, breezy, beautiful Jane’s Addiction and their burlesque backup dancers… who didn’t really add much to the performance. The majority of the crowd frothed hard for JA, but I found their set to be quite one note until the pointy end, with ‘Jane Says’ and ‘Been Caught Stealing’ soaring in particular.
After a lengthy (scheduled) wait between sets, it was finally time for King Corgan to greet us. ‘Bullet with Butterfly Wings’ was second song in, and holy 90s angst, Batman – the crowd went OFF. Voices well and truly warmed, we then sang our way through ‘Today’ and motherfuckin’ ‘We Only Come out at Night’!!
The Pumpkins sounded incredible, the lighting was beautiful, and it was obvious everyone on stage was really enjoying themselves.
James Iha rapped about chicken salt. Aussie pop darlings The Veronicas joined SP for ‘Eye’.
Talking Heads and The Church jams were covered. This set had something for everyone.
‘Emptiness is loneliness and loneliness is cleanliness and cleanliness is godliness and god is empty. Just like me’. Mighty ‘Zero’. The peak of our headbanging.
‘Silverfuck’ was the powerful final jam. Yes, ‘The World is a Vampire’ delivered and then some. Didn’t matter if you are a dedicated pumpkin head or a casual fan – you left delighted. Big ups to my fave vampire from hell, Billy, for throwing it together and bringing it to Aus. SP forever!!
See the full gallery by JohnnyD Photography HERE
The World Is A Vampire Festival Continues around Australia
Get Tickets HERE