Good Things festival 2024: Heat,Headliners,and a Whole Lot of Rock
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The Good Things Festival 2024 delivered a scorching weekend of music in Sydney,with attendees trading winter wear for sun protection as temperatures soared. In stark contrast to last year’s rain-soaked event, this year’s festival at Sydney Olympic Park Showground was defined by intense heat, keen crowds, and a diverse lineup spanning pop-punk, metal, and alternative rock.
Aussie Talent Shines Under the Summer Sun
The festival kicked off with a strong showing of Australian talent, beginning with a Welcome to Country ceremony followed by a high-energy set from pop-punk band Yours truly. Frontwoman Mikaila Delgado captivated the audience despite the relentless 38-degree Celsius heat, delivering what many considered one of the day’s most memorable performances. Recognition was also given to the band’s Auslan interpreter, whose dynamic performance matched the band’s energy while navigating the challenging conditions.
Throughout the day, emerging acts like T-Rex Autopsy and Maple’s Pet Dinosaur set an explosive tone on Stage 5. Simultaneously occurring,New Found Glory delighted fans with an unexpected cover of Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss me,” while Weezer punctuated their set with a rendition of Hole’s “Celebrity Skin,” showcasing lead singer Rivers Cuomo’s versatility.
Stepping Up and Tearing Down
Facing a last-minute lineup change, Garbage stepped up to deliver a captivating performance, proving their enduring appeal. The band, returning after an 11-year hiatus, captivated the audience with a 30-year retrospective, including their hit “#1 Crush” – a song famously championed by Australian director Baz Luhrmann for the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack. Despite attempts to recreate a Melbourne incident, Shirley manson skillfully ignored a barrage of beach balls thrown by enthusiastic fans. Weezer continued to deliver crowd-pleasing sets, rounding out their performance with classics like “Say It Ain’t So” and “Buddy Holly.”
Tool Transcends with Hypnotic Performance
Headlining the festival was Tool, a band described as existing in a world of their own. The band’s 90-minute set,featuring otherworldly visuals,hypnotic lasers,and captivating sound,drew the audience into a mesmerizing experience. Maynard Keenan, intentionally remaining in the shadows, delivered a compelling performance, opening with “Stinkfist” and closing with “Invincible” and “Vicarious.” The crowd’s enthusiastic response signaled a desire for the band’s return to Australian shores.
A Thank You to the Unsung heroes
The festival’s success was also attributed to the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes. Special thanks were given to DanceWize for providing hydration and earplugs, the Auslan interpreters for accessibility, and the First Aiders for tending to attendees overcome by the heat. The Security teams were also praised for their professionalism and good humor.
As the festival concluded, a collective hope emerged: that next year’s event will be blessed with weather “somewhere between 2024 and 2025.” Ultimately, Good Things Festival 2026 promises to build on this year’s success, continuing to champion Australian live music and create lasting memories for music fans. As Machine Head would tell “everyone out there”: Keep Australian live music alive, back your local artists and venues, because while music never dies, the memories you make at a gig last forever.
