Live at the ZooLive at the Zoo
Days Like These — True Stories
Cut Copy. Evermore. Bliss n Esso. British India. Tame Impala! You've got your tickets. Your favourite band is headlining and your mates are by your side. A music festival in amongst the wild animals at a South Australian Zoo ... it could have been so right. So how did everything go so, so wrong?
23:15•29 Jun 2021
When Music Festivals Go Wild: The Untold Story of 'Live at the Zoo'
Episode Overview
- The festival promised a zoo venue but was held in a desolate desert.
- Security was inadequate, leading to chaos and unruly behaviour.
- Several attendees were hospitalised due to drug-related incidents.
- Promoter Peter Rowe faced fines for breaching liquor laws.
- Despite the chaos, some performers were paid and continued to play.
“"There were just so many ambulances. And just all through the night, the music didn't stop, but neither did the ambulances."”
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a music festival into a legendary disaster? "Live at the Zoo" might just be the story you're looking for. Set against the backdrop of a South Australian desert, this episode recounts the chaotic two-day music festival that promised an unforgettable experience but delivered chaos instead. Picture this: you're surrounded by red dust, distant giraffes, and a crowd ready to party.
The line-up is stellar with acts like Bliss n Eso and British India, but the festival quickly spirals into a scene reminiscent of the infamous Fyre Festival. Linda Hampton, a festival-goer with a keen eye for photography, shares her wild ride through the pandemonium. From dust storms to collapsing barricades, Linda captures the mayhem as security guards struggle to control the unruly crowd.
It's a tale of overdoses, stolen booze, and a festival that ran out of water—leaving revellers with nothing but alcohol to quench their thirst. Despite the chaos, promoter Peter Rowe insists the festival was a success, though he was later fined for breaching liquor laws. The episode paints a vivid picture of how quickly things can go wrong when organisation falls apart.
Linda's snapshots provide a haunting reminder of a festival that nearly ended in tragedy but somehow faded into obscurity. If you're curious about how things went so awry and why this festival remains largely forgotten, this episode offers an eye-opening look into the world of music festivals gone wrong. So, grab your headphones and get ready to dive into this rollercoaster of an episode. What lessons can be learned from such a monumental mishap?
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