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by Roger Moroney TOP STORY: Alcohol, scuffles, music It was another colurful day at the Mission Concert - although a combination of hot sun, too much alcohol and restlessness sparked outbreaks of scuffling, led to the usual broken ankles and prompted too many to either vomit or cast obscene remarks in the direction of the main act. About 20,000 people turned up for the concert and most appeared to revel in Olivia Newton-John's opening set, but many left during Chris de Burgh's performance - which should have been the opening act. And if it wasn't enough to make them leave, it was enough to turn them to drink, or sleep. Which was unfortunate, because de Burgh's act was a classy and sharp performance - the organisers may just have got it round the wrong way. The hot afternoon sun, and pockets of young people (some as young as 14 who managed to get their hands on alcohol) had police on the job earlier than usual, officer-in-charge Mike Wright said today. "Overall it was not too bad but we were busier with disorder complaints earlier." Four people were ejected from the site, two for breach of the peace and two for assault, although a reported brawl outside the venue involving up to 20 people was not sparked by people who had been at the concert. Mission Estate Winery CEO Peter Holley said the hot weather clearly exacerbated the over-indulging, but said the organisers had ensured there was plenty of juice and water available on site. "We do our best to provide a safe environment," he said, adding that what people consumed was an individual, self-policing thing. "You will always get that. You can't assume responsibility for all your patrons." Most concertgoers spoken to today reported it was about the same as usual in terms of people over-indulging. But many were saying they got the artists round the wrong way, as when Lulu opened for the Hollies a few years ago. And in terms of who got people charged up and jiving that could have been the case, as the glowing Newton-John obliged the crowd with all her hits. But that would not be altogether fair on Chris de Burgh who was a class act. He is a recognised headliner overseas, and rolled out his well-planned show, with 45 minutes of solo material. But playing only the guitar, or piano created restlessness within a crowd which 30 minutes earlier had been fizzing to Newton-John. Although he did endear himself to those in the seated area by wandering among them during his set, which was relaxed and speckled with well-chosen covers. As de Burgh played, many strayed ... off to the food and drink stalls and toilets ... although it was once again disturbing that many people could not bother to walk an extra 40 metres to the loos and preferred to do the business in full view of picnicking groups. With a stunning voice, de Burgh eventually picked up the pace, delivering some beautiful full-on songs, especially a cover of Don McLean's American Pie and his own Don't Pay the Ferryman. And of course he eventually sang Lady in Red which drew a huge response, and unleashed a spirited Let it Be and Hey Jude. But the latter arrived at the tail of the show and by then he had effectively lost a chunk of the crowd. He was class and he had the talent honed by a couple of decades of performing, but to be fair, and in the context of what the Mission Concert has become over the years, he did not fit the main bill. But that did not excuse those in the crowd who believed it was appropriate to make disparaging remarks. Newton-John on the other hand, dressed in a stunning cream suit and looking great for 57, endeared herself immediately. She ran through her sing and sway-along catalogue of songs such as Got To Believe We Are Magic, Xanadu, If Not For You and Let's Get Physical ... which went down especially well, although there were moments her voice sounded tired. It was a ballistic time when she did The One That I Want with a back-up crew in black bomber jackets, and then it was all over ... too quickly for most. As the organisers intended, this was a more "concert" concert, although memories of years gone by, when the Mission event was a star event eclipsed such noble intentions. |
File last modified on August 26, 2006