For the first time at Bluesfest, and any festival I've been to, I actually had someone ask if my daughter and I were ok.

We tend to find a position for each act and try and stay there. We don't like to be on top of other people so there is usually a bit of space around us. Most of the time this is seen as a giant invitation for half a dozen other people to come and stand in front of us - regardless of the fact that the space is little more than a foot all around us. Invariably these people are taller than we are (which is good going as neither of us short) or young (although this was blown out of the water by the 2 older patrons at the Madness show who thought it would be ok to shoulder their way through and stand right in front thereby forcing us back).

However, while waiting for Melody Angel a gentleman came through and stood in front of us. Cue the deep sighs, eye rolls and begin to shuffle back. But no! He turned round and asked if we could see. When we said not as well as previously, he actually moved out of the way. As I said the first time ever. Daughter and I were totally gobsmacked, but appreciative. I don't know if you read this forum Allan from the ACT, but thank you. Kept running into him throughout the festival and had a good chat each time.

On another occasion after dancing through The Record Company's first set an older gentleman, who had been dancing energetically too, turned and thanked us for sharing that little bit of the Bluesfest experience.

These little pieces of kindness will stick in my mind as 2 of my highlights from the festival. The moronic behaviour of those who leave it late to get to a show and then feel it is their God given right to barge through the crowd and destroy the experience of those who actually got their act together to get there on time, really drags the whole thing down. Even when there is nowhere to go they still push on. I just don't get it. Where do they think they are going? What do think is going to happen to those they push in front of?

To those who take care of their fellow Bluesfesters all power to you. To those who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves, time to look in the mirror and wake up to yourself.

Hope you see this Allan, and maybe we'll catch up at next year's festival.

A bit of sarcasm Greybeard?

As in 2004 at a packed James Brown,where a bloke holding a beer can made his way up to 7 rows from the front by chanting "James Brown is the Devil,over & over."
He did not get past me in row 6.
At Madness a bloke wearing a Madness teeshirt pushed past me,standing 10 rows from the front in the middle,quite some time into the set.
He caught me by surprise but his mate didn't get past.
Both those guys were English,not Aussies.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdWjYuwTTrU
"An artist never really chooses when and where they will play.It is for promoters to make offers.It comes down as to whether tours are financially viable." Quote John Mayall.

As in 2004 at a packed James Brown,where a bloke holding a beer can made his way up to 7 rows from the front by chanting "James Brown is the Devil,over & over."
He did not get past me in row 6.
At Madness a bloke wearing a Madness teeshirt pushed past me,standing 10 rows from the front in the middle,quite some time into the set.
He caught me by surprise but his mate didn't get past.
Both those guys were English,not Aussies.

2004 was my first Bluesfest. I was at the back of the tent for that set, but I remember it was packed.

When Status Quo played my daughter insisted we stayed in the tent for 4-5 acts as she knew how much I wanted to see them. Just as they started two young guys barged on in and proceeded to take up their spot right in front of us. I was furious. But it turned out that were great guys and we had a ball. Unfortunately that experience is a minority.

Some talk of Mr James Brown's appearance here
I think it was the last year the tiers were in Mojo and possibly my LAST entry there, certainly after sunset
My inspired positioning was second tier, but at the far end to the stage Perfect viewing memorable show

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Heading out for the East Coast / Lord knows I've paid some dues gettin' through, / Tangled up in blues.

Most height difference is in the legs
CHAIRS, people are the great leveler.
And pushing in late would be a thing of the past

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If you waste your time a talking
To the people who don't listen
To the things that you are saying
Who do you thinks gonna hear?
KK

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Heading out for the East Coast / Lord knows I've paid some dues gettin' through, / Tangled up in blues.

I agree with Nocheesegromit.

This was my first Bluesfest and I was surprised by the amount of people who arrived late to an act and just pushed their way through.

My son said that was normal for his generation.

It's not for mine.

Fantastic time though. Loved every minute from the ankles up. My feet were not so keen on standing so long each day.

But.....would I do it again? In a heartbeat - but no next year as my daughter turns 40 during Easter.

Pet hate is people talking during songs. Second pet hate is when the talkers then shout and whistle at the end of the song (like they were paying any attention).

Agree with the comment about people arriving late and pushing through to get closer, during Booker T on Sunday night,
the wife and I were barged through while we were holding hands, the four people just turned around and told us that's they way it is at festivals and if we didn't like it perhaps we should
stay at home. Funny thing is they left after one song.

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Will I never know silence without mental violence?