I was living in London in 2006 when Lily Allen released her debut single Smile. I disliked it. I disliked the ska/reggae style of the track. I disliked her chav style. I disliked her attitude and I was never a big fan of her father Keith. But after every girlfriend instantly became obsessed with her and her music, I was forced to listen to the rest of Alright Still and then later, It’s Not Me It’s You and well, liked it. So her Big Day Out sideshow was a good opportunity for me to see if I could like her too, shit maybe even love her! And with Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris providing the support it was a must-see gig.

Miami Horror was honoured with warm up duties and Calvin Harris followed. But after arriving at 6:45pm thinking I had all the British artists ahead of me it turned out I didn’t! Calvin Harris had begun 45 minutes before and had just finished- minus Dizzee. I could only hope he enjoyed playing to the 500 odd people who left work at lunchtime.

After a 30 minute changeover to move the four instruments, Dizzee bounced on stage clad in a red self-portrait t-shirt. With his fellow English MC in tow and talented DJ on scratching duties the crowd ran from all corners of the amphitheater to secure a spot close to the stage. Flex, Fix Up, Dirtee Cash and Money, Money all founded the set before the familiar bars to Dance Wiv’ Me begun. As Dizzee started, the crowd held a collective hopeful breath that Calvin (who would surely have been backstage) would slide on stage for his part in his track. Not to be. With Calvin nowhere to be seen it was left up to Dizzee’s fellow MC to sing Harris’ part as the song progressed. Can’t Tek No More rounded out the set before the highlight in Bonkers, which even had the 70 year olds and the seven year olds bouncing in harmony.

Another 30 minute ‘set change’ allowed for fresh drinks, before the lights went up and Lily strolled on stage. Donning a black mini-dress, she kicked off with Everyone’s At It before moving onto Who’d Have Known, Not Big, Chinese and Back To The Start. A quick outfit change into a pink shimmering dress before LDN and Smile were sung with impressive enthusiasm. No Lily set is complete without social and political commentary so after a short rant on America’s wars and a surprising ”... I’m taking a break to have a baby” comment, she began Kabul Shit. In what was a tribute to countrymen The Kooks, Lily sung a sweet rendition of Naive before MC Professor Green assumed the stage to rap in their cover of S.O.S Band Just Be Good. The set then picked up the pace with 22, Fuck You (perfect for seven year olds!) and Who’d Have Known. Again, the crowd waited excitedly as she started Wanna Be with people expecting that Dizzee, like Calvin, would surely be backstage after his set an hour earlier ready to join her. Not to be. Instead, the encore followed and with a change of outfit we were treated to cover of Britney Spears Womaniser complete with portions of lip-synching. A ten-minute version of Not Fair ended the set to rapturous cheers, applause and wolf whistles from both sexes!

Brisbane was lucky to be given a sideshow with three BDO headliners for the price of one. The idea should clearly be repeated, especially if set times are advertised. But when the audience expects the artists to perform their successful tracks together and knows it should be possible, the benefit is misplaced when it inexplicably doesn’t eventuate. As for Lily? Well my current girlfriend’s now in love, and i think i just might be too.