When the Big Day Out started, way back in 1992, it was simply a celebration of the crème de la crème of Sydney indie pop, with two international headliners topping things off.

When the original BDO was being organised during 1991, organisers Vivian Lees and Ken West had little inclination that one of the two bands they were chasing – Nirvana, who would play second last to headliners Violent Femmes – were going to explode during the latter part of that year, culminating in their slot at the BDO, as well as a series of gigs at Selina’s in Sydney, and the Palais in Melbourne.

Sadly, of course, this was the one and only time Nirvana would tour Australia, but they more than made it worthwhile for their legion of fans.

Festival round ups

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.