Last week I took some time to look back at my favourite interviews from 2012’s Austin City Limits Festival. But as this weekend will see us return to the festival in question, we thought it was about time we look forward to the festival, rather than back, and give you our top 10 picks of the must-see performances at the three day event!
10. ELECTRIC SIX
We always have time for a bit of Danger! in the Gay Bar! Besides, when was the last time the guys made it down to Australia. Like, in 2005 or something? It’s getting a bit ridiculous… but in the meantime, this will have to do.
When are they playing? 3.45pm Friday, October 4th
9. TORO Y MOI
Playing Big Day Out next year, it will be fantastic to get a taste of what to expect at their ACL set. The band impressed on their last Australian visit and I’ve heard nothing but great things about their current sets.
When are they playing? 5pm Sunday, October 6th
8. LIONEL RICHIE
We really need a reason for this one? No we don’t. It’s Lionel fucking Richie! Also, he’s officially closing the festival – and while it clashes in part with Atoms of Peace, we know who we’re having sing a bit of a goodbye to us… Lionel fucking Richie!!
When is he playing? 8.30pm Sunday, October 6th
7. THE WILD FEATHERS
This local Texan band (who now reside in Nashville, to be fair) recently had their debut album released in Australia and it went down very well with fans of the Country genre. You can read our interview with Taylor from the group HERE, and we’re looking forward to bringing you all the goss on their live set!
When are they playing? 2pm Sunday, October 6th
6. SILVERSUN PICKUPS
One should never turn down the chance to see one of LA’s finest bands! We last saw them in Australia for Harvest sans Nikki Monninger, so it will be good to see them in Austin with the full band back together and hear what they’ve been up to lately!
When are they playing? 4pm Saturday, October 5th
5. ARCTIC MONKEYS
Their new album is totally killer and with a pile of now-classic records behind them, it will be an amazing set regardless if it’s all their hits or a heavy focus on their latest album. The only question I have: with Josh Homme in the vicinity, will he join them on stage?
When are they playing? 6.30pm Friday, October 4th
4. TAME IMPALA
Getting ready to play Big Day Out next year, the Australian band are going from strength to strength in spite of being one member smaller since I last enjoyed their company. Looking forward to seeing the band rock out in the Texan sun.
When are they playing? 6.30pm Sunday, October 6th
3. ATOMS FOR PEACE
Thom fucking Yorke. Do I need to say more?
When are they playing? 7.40pm Sunday, October 6th.
2. DEPECHE MODE
They haven’t toured Australia since the ’90s, so I’ve never had the chance to see them live. According to reports by our own Dan Turner, who saw them recently in the US and brought us this article, the band are as good as ever – and that has us excited to experience them ourselves. Needless to say, there’ll be plenty of great singalongs through their set, and at ACL that makes for some sweet, sweet vibes.
When are they playing? 8pm Friday, October 4th.
1. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
This is totally a personal choice here, but off the back of one of the band’s finest albums ever, we hear that their live show is similarly at the top of their game. It’s a slightly new lineup, which may explain some of the rejuvenation amongst their ranks, but at the end of the day all that matters are the songs. And their latest record has some fine tracks that we in Australia have yet to experience. They’ve promised a jaunt in 2014 (with Nine Inch Nails by the looks of it!!!), so here’s hoping that holds true. In the meantime, we’ll be sure to let you know all about the set this weekend…
When are they playing? 7.30pm, Friday October 4th
All dates and times are for the first weekend only. Find out everything you need to know about the 2013 event, both weekends of it, here: http://www.aclfestival.com/
And stay tuned for all our live on-ground coverage!
