From the towering sounds of the main stages to the sweatiest depths of the Boiler Room, it feels as though every self-respecting Australian punter has a Big Day Out story. Since its inception in 1992 as a wild idea by budding promoters Vivian Lees and Ken West, starring The Violent Femmes and Nirvana, the BDO has provided years of tireless service to music fans from all walks, all styles and all genres.

The Big Day Out brings a comprehensive line-up from across the music spectrum, as well as across the world, more recently bringing notable acts from areas such as France (The Bloody Beetroots) and South Africa (Die Antwoord). Headliners have included heavy-hitters like Metallica and Tool, while also branching out into iconic figures of rock history such as the Ramones, Neil Young and The Stooges. The festival has also been responsible for establishing a myriad of local acts, elevating them to a whole new level of popularity – from the riot-inducing Silverchair to the slamming drum-n-bass of Pendulum and everything in-between.

As far as the Australian festival climate goes, the Big Day Out still remains an essential part year after year.