Of all of the acts who performed this weekend at Splendour in the Grass 2009, including Bloc Party, Paul Dempsey, Dananananakroyd, Hilltop Hoods, Kisschasy, Yves Klein Blue and The Flaming Lips, there was one band who undeniably stole the show – and they were never even initially scheduled to be there.

The news that Jane’s Addiction’s percussionist had developed an infection in his elbow, thus causing the band to withdraw from their position in the Splendour line up, was released only one day before the festival began. While fans were left spitting at the announcement, a replacement was very quickly found – it was farewell Jane’s Addiction, enter The Living End. It is safe to say that what was initially the biggest disappointment ultimately became the best twist of fate all weekend.

The Australian trio hit the main stage on Saturday night, opening their set before a crammed audience expecting a good show and a reason to forgive Jane’s Addiction’s last minute bail… mission accomplished. With pounding drumbeats, searing riffs, perfect vocals and the most high energy performance of the entire festival, the sounds of The Living End were left pulsating through the body for hours. Andy Strachan, Scott Owen and Chris Cheney were the image of modern day rock’ n ’roll excellence, providing the most captivating, powerful and inspirational set of all – as chants of ‘Fuck Jane’s Addiction’ spread through the crowd. Clearly the line up change was met with approval.

The Living End definitely know how to electrify a crowd, and when Chris Cheney skulled a bottle before drenching both himself and his guitar during the middle of one song, the crowd erupted into frenzy. With mesmerizing stage-presence, the Melbourne based threesome owned the stage, raising the bar and leaving the following acts struggling to reach it.

Splendour was remarkable, with a faultless cocktail of chicks on tables, showers of ice, never ending supplies of alcohol, sexy DJs and beautiful people. The line up was fantastic and the music was brilliant, but the true stars of the show this year? The Living End, without a shadow of a doubt.

~ Joanne O’Neill