With threatening cloud cover and a chance of rain not dampening petrol heads’ spirits at this year’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, it definitely wasn’t deterring Sidetracked ticket-holders either. With prime position and stellar live music acts, it seemed like a fool proof plan. Sidetracked sold itself as a music gig that happened to be ever so strategically placed at the world famous Grand Prix, however it was more than evident on entry that a majority of the contingent were much too pre-occupied with the race rather than who was playing on stage.

Despite running out of everything besides beer and wine early on in the festivities and next to no undercover area, there was a massive screen to view the race on (if you missed the cars flying past our corner) and subsequent podium presentation. Yet, what about the music, I hear you cry out in desperate anticipation? Well, that’s what I was contemplating on the day. The music was rocking, but only a few dared to stand in front of the stage and cut up the grass.

The hardest working DJs in Melbourne, the dynamic duo of Grant Smillie and John Course, thrashed their respective sets, much to the delight of those keen enough to dance. Unfortunately though, the dancing was slow going and even Coursey left the decks to check out the race’s leader board, which was quite comical. Regardless, the vibe was electric as the music competed against the fighter planes, racing cars and screaming crowd.

Local boys Miami Horror hit the stage with gusto as the race escalated. Playing hit track Sometimes to a meandering, sheltering crowd, the four lads still managed a terrific set. Following on next, was the highly popular Blue Juice (that is, popular at musical festivals, where you cannot get within 100 meters of the stage), that proved a different kettle of fish at the Grand Prix, as punters were a little more timid to grasp the Blue Juice experience with both hands. The band was pumping out the tunes and definitely displayed their masterful ability to get a crowd started. As the race came to a triumphant end, Broken Leg was dropped just before lead singer Stav asked the crowd, “Who won? We can’t see a thing!”

With a terrific ambience and fun vibe, the crowd had finally come together to enjoy the music. Midnight Juggernauts saw out the rest of the evening’s proceedings, as the grass and tanbark at long last got a well deserved shake-up before the Grand Prix rumbled out of town for another year.