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No party pills being sold at Big Day Out; big things expected from Iggy Pop; Shihad, Kings of Leon among line up(IRN News Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Big Day Out organisers are expecting big things from one of the biggest men in rock when he hits the big stage today. Thousand of people will converge on Ericsson Stadium in Auckland for the country's biggest music festival. Legendary musician Iggy Pop will play with his reformed band The Stooges after a split of almost 40 years. He is known for his almost deranged stage antics which have infected crowds throughout the world since the 1960s. Big Day Out producer Paul McKessar says the rocker has a reputation for delivery. Meanwhile, Shihad is the band which has defined modern New Zealand rock, and gets a night spot on the main stage, playing between international superstars Kings of Leon and Franz Ferdinand. New Zealand's Hip Hop produce will be out in full force, from proven DJs P-Money and Sir-Vere to new kids on the block such as Frontline. The 13 hour festival will end with 2005 record-breakers Fat Freddy's Drop chilling the atmosphere for the drained and sweaty masses. Organisers say there is no parking around the stadium, and are encouraging the use of public transport, as special bus and train services will be running. Studded jewellery, professional cameras with big zoom lenses and alcohol will be confiscated at the gate. Anyone aged 18 and over needs to bring ID if they want to get into the bar area. Organisers are being praised for their decision to maintain a ban on the sale of party pills within the Stadium. No herbal highs are allowed to be sold within the venue again this year, a rule which is being commended by St John. However, at last year's event, hawkers peddled them to people on the streets as they made their way into the stadium. St John events manager Adam Johnston is warning people not to take them. St John will have 115 volunteers located around the stadium, with two triage points near the main stages. Events manager Adam Johnston says it is a great event and people should not need to get wasted to enjoy it. |