Laurie Mahon

Strikeback was a not-for-profit project aimed at providing opportunities to young emerging artists to showcase themselves on the large stage alongside industry professionals whilst, having the opportunity to receive monetary grants through the event to help further their career. Whilst, the event being alcohol free - provided a safe place for the Under 18 year olds of Newcastle to go out and see their favourite bands live whilst supporting their peers.

Strikeback was run 3 times over the years of 2005 & 2006, with the last instalment held on the Newcastle Foreshore – now home to Fat As Butter Festival. This event showcased over 70 acts including The Sleep Jackson, Josh Pyke, Karnivool, Bliss n Eso, TZU, Bodyjar, Wolf & Cub, The Hot Lies, Something with Numbers and sponsored by the renowned youth radio station Triple J. Although not all 100% payers – this event attracted over 6000 people whilst the brand ‘strikeback’ grew a cult following in the hometown. Unfortunately due to licensing issues the organiser, Laurie Mahon, then 19 was at a loss of over $60 000 after this event and was not able to be held in following years.

Laurie now aims to bring back Stirkeback in 2013 – focusing entirely on providing opportunities to young musicians and music enthusiasts. The model will be smaller – bringing the event back inside, focusing on a few industry professionals with the bulk remaining as local youth artists. This was the level of the second instalment of the event which was held in early 2006 at the PCYC with COG, Something with Numbers and over 40 locals. This event attracted 2000 people and was brilliant for the local music community as well as provided young people a place to go to enjoy themselves. The aim is to make Strikeback a more regular event with up to 4 a year and bring back the Newcastle music scene to its original thriving culture.

The funds raised through Pozible will allow Strikeback to be revived in March 2013 and cover the costs of the headlining artists.

***A Fasterlouder Review of the last Strikeback***

From early Saturday morning, it was obvious that Newcastle’s huge music festival, Strikeback, was in the weather man’s good books. It deserved a bit of luck, after having to go through hell merely in order to have the event take place. A forced last minute venue change didn’t seem so bad after all, though, as punters spent the day lying in the grass, soaking up the sun and wandering off to the beach or Brewery for refreshment.

The venue was, in fact, close to perfect. The 5 stages were well distanced and there was plenty enough room for everyone to be (for the most part) comfortable and relaxed in lounges or on their feet. Only a few issues with sound were noticeable as The Gro(o)ve, home to roots, funk, gypsy and a myriad of other genres, occasionally found itself drowned out by distorted guitars between songs.

Myspace and Purple Stages
Following expectations, a large proportion of the crowd were Newcastle and Sydney’s “scene” kids – fringes, eyeliner, hairdye, converse. You know the deal. They were certainly catered for – the Myspace and Purple stages kept them occupied all day with huge names such as Bodyjar, The Hot Lies, Karnivool, The White Room and Faker, as well as popular local bands making a name for themselves amidst their friends and idols, among them Head of State, 12 Mile Tombstone and the tortured Heartbreak Club.

Bodyjar were a favourite on the day, a surprise due to their relatively small contribution to the music scene lately. However, they seemed to whip the crowd into a veritable frenzy early on in the day and set the scene for a sweaty evening in the moshpit. Many people didn’t even leave the stage all night, preferring to keep their places in the front row for the likes of Karnivool.

Unfortunately, some moshers took things too far, as tends to happen at festivals. The sun must get to their heads. Circle pits ensued, notably during renowned local act .jinn’s set, a dangerous activity which was later condemned by the band as it sent an innocent friend to hospital from an elbow to the chest. .Jinn had other difficulties, as an amp started smoking during their set, but still managed to be one of the most interesting and energetic acts on the two stages despite it.

Triple J and Lab Stages
The crowd here during the morning was sparce but laid back, as relatively small local bands showed their worth to new audiences wandering through. From well recieved and lively Newcastle act The Zeal Room onwards, more people began to get themselves settled on the grassy knoll and were treated to some truly wonderful and unique music.

The Seabellies had some serious difficulties with sound, losing their “favourite instrument” and being forced to play many of their songs without a treasured synth. This somehow managed to endear them to the audience rather than frustrate them, and they recieved a lot of good-natured support throughout the difficult set, which was nevertheless powerful, inventive and immensely well performed.

Big City Exile and Meridian were two more stand-out acts, with exceptional musical quality and a sharp sense of humour. During Meridian’s set, the crowd in the area grew as suspense heightened for the “Strikeback Secret Band”. Rumours of Parkway Drive had circulated, and, it seems, had been popular, as the general vibe of the gathered audience seemed to change. Imagine our surprise when African musical genius Afro Moses and his band took to the stage with colourful garments, a huge brass section and percussion! Mercifully, the crowd was extremely appreciative, smiles were all around and hands were thrown in the air with voices raised, too.

Possibly the highlight of the night however, at least for me, was Wolf & Cub’s performance. The combination of the two extensive drum kits and ethereal vocals live is strangely powerful, moving and surprisingly fantastic to dance to. The crowd was in heaven, and there was really no reason to leave, as TZU followed up on the same stage with an exciting and fast-paced performance which had everyone on their feet and getting into the music.

Overall, these two stages seemed to be the most consistent in musical quality and the enjoyment of everyone in the crowd. Noone was hurt, everybody had fun and the music was of the highest quality. Hooray!


The Gro(o)ve
The Grove (affectionately dubbed The Groove) was truly a diverse and eye-opening experience for many. The vast range of musical genres and theatrical-style performances were not for everyone, and often only a small crowd of enthusiastic supporters were up and getting their groove on.

The first act I caught on the stage were Urban Freeflow, a laid back and extremely enjoyable collective of musicians featuring two sibling singers, each with a distinctive and unique voice. Men Who Drip With Germs brought the gypsy out in everyone and promise great things (love, alcohol… not to mention the insomnia.)

Throughout the day, the performers at The Grove were consistently inconsistent and unusual, ranging from the funk masters Dr Chachito and the Fruit Eating Pandas to the sweet and delightful girls of Cimatree. Kai Tipping, Repercussion and Dhopec were a mind-blowing collection of percussionists, hiphop masters and singers and encouraged perhaps the most dancing of all the acts at The Grove; and Mojo Juju thoroughly confused the pants off everyone (band included), in a very good way.

Despite some fantastic headliners (The Devoted Few, Ground Components and dog_boy_lover), who were well worth seeing and perhaps moreso than some of the bands on at the same time, crowds were generally small and intimate, which had its pros and cons. I would have liked to have seen more people expanding their horizons and giving these bands a look-see, rather than sticking with the more recognisable names.


Overall, the day seemed to be an amazing success and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. The food was healthy and delicious, Mr Whippy turned up, and there was plenty of water and facilities. What more could you ask for?
Unfortunately the difficulties faced by the organisers meant that expenditure was incredibly high, and there were simply not enough tickets sold to recoup the losses. Determined to keep their dream alive, however, they are powering on with more fundraisers and local gigs, and with everyone’s help they hope to have Strikeback up and running again for next year’s summer festival season. We look forward to it and wish them the best!