Big Day Out 2009: The Line up [citation needed]

Bawley have already blogged on the January Dilemma, here we start to consider just how big the dilemma will be by speculating on who will be confirmed for the Big Day Out in 2009.

We would love to see Radiohead headline but it seems unlikely; the short time and large distances between shows could leave the band looking for greener options. But don’t rule them out for a spot at the Sydney festival, followed by a tour that stretches well into the Australian summer.

The Arctic Monkeys are the kind of band that the Big Day Out loves (as does Richard Ayoade). With a live DVD out in October and a new album next year, the festival would be the perfect place to debut some new tracks.

With Neil Young the first act confirmed for the Big Day Out, you would have to think his national support My Morning Jacket are sure things to join the bill. As most flannel clad fans would know, wherever Neil Young goes Pearl Jam are never far behind - nineties grunge back at the BDO in 2009?

Another band that is all but confirmed is TV on the Radio. While promoting their new album Dear Science, Dave Sitek told triplej’s Zan Rowe:

"I believe we are doing Big Day Out and I can't wait, I love it down there."

Hip hop had a big presence at the northern hemisphere’s summer festivals, Jay-Z did Europe while Kanye West played his glow in the dark shows all over the US. Would the Big Day Out dare step away from their rock roots and bring in one of these huge stars? Personally I think not.

January 2009 could come a little too soon for previous Big Day Out performers Nine Inch Nails, but don’t be surprised if current tour mates Crystal Castles stop by to show case their debut.

The Ting Tings have just completed a successful Australian promo tour, perhaps giving them enough attention for high billing on the Green Stage, while Modern Guilt collaborators Beck and Danger Mouse would both fit well as Green Stage headlines, Beck with his band and Danger Mouse playing in Gnarls Barkley.

Back in June, Portishead guitarist Adrian Utley said the band would not be playing any more shows until 2009. Can you think of anywhere better than the Big Day Out boiler room for them to make their live comeback? Other boiler room possibilities are Hot Chip, Simian Mobile Disco and Primal Scream - all three groups had Europeans dancing up a storm this summer.

Of course there is the Australian contingent: Pendulum’s drum n’ bass n’ metal was massive in the UK this year, while Cut Copy have been touring North America with The Presets - good chance these bands will be back in Australia for the Big Day Out. For Oz rock lovers, The Living End and The Vines have new albums while Jebediah are back on the live circuit. Any one of these bands would be well suited for late afternoon/early evening on the main stage.

Look forward to the official Big Day Out lineup announcement on September 30th.

Want something to keep you busy in the meantime: take your favourite prediction from this post, tell two friends, have them pass it on and wait to see if Bawley’s predictions can get enough attention to be added to the list of classic BDO rumours and hoaxes.